Colorblock Pendant Lampshade

The ability to print multiple colors with the AMS on my X1 Carbon inspired me to explore colorblocked lighting concepts.

This pendant lampshade is designed to be easily attached to an E26 corded socket with thread on retaining ring. I used a plug-in cord with an inline switch, but a hardwired set up should work too. The examples pictured are printed in PLA, but improved glow/diffusion could be achieved with translucent PETG filaments. Even within PLAs, different colors diffuse significantly different. The pink and red design is not the final form that I've provided, but it shows how much more glow I was able to get with pink basic PLA - versus the matte lilac used in the final version.

All print settings currently provided by me are optimized for PLA.

The lampshade has a 4.5" (~11.5cm) diameter and an overall height of 9.75" (~24.75cm).

See the notes below to make sure you select compatible light fixture hardware.

Design Features:

• Single part print - though it appears to have three components, it is all printed as one, thanks to the AMS (sub 6 hour print in PLA)
• No support required - the curved areas were refined until they did not require any support while printing on the X1 Carbon (214g total)
• Easily customizable colors - the 3DM model has four unique parts inside the lampshade assembly, allowing you to select colors for each part (or make them all the same) - the STL should also allow you to assign colors using the “Color Painting” & “Fill” tools

Light Fixture Hardware Notes:

• The external diameter of threaded part should be ~1.625" (or ~4cm)
• The diameter of the opening in the printed lampshade is 1.75" (~4.5cm) at the narrowest and 2" (~5cm) in the upper “collar” part
• Because the collar portion of this design is intended to cover all of the socket, please make sure that the hardware you use has a maximum diameter of 2" above the threading at the widest point, otherwise it will not fit (the socket ring can be larger)
• Only use an LED bulb (excessive heat from other bulb types is not safe for this design)
• I used a corded socket like this one, and a size A19 bulb with an E26 base

My X1 Carbon PLA Print Settings:

• To assign colors: Select >Objects >Plate 1 >Colorblock Pendant Lampshade and then click the filament by each of the four individual parts to change it (or use the “Color Painting” & “Fill” tools)
• 0.4mm nozzle at standard 0.2mm layer height
• 2 wall loops with 0% infill
• concentric top & bottom surface pattern
• no support, no brim & disable prime tower (my personal preference)
• “nearest” seam position

Assembly:

1. With the lightbulb removed, slide the print over the threaded portion of the socket (the passthrough hole on the lampshade is 1.75", which comfortably fits over the 1.625" diameter threaded part of the socket).
2. Carefully reach inside the lampshade to screw the retaining ring into place that will securely fasten the lampshade to the fixture.
3. Screw your LED E26 lightbulb in!
4. Find a spot to hang your new lamp, plug it in, switch it on & enjoy!