For the design I was going for, 3D modeling and printing seemed to be the best route as opposed to laser cutting. The constraints of 3D modeling software have always led me to adapt my original designs as I try to model them out. This creative adaptation that the software enforces was used as a source of inspiration for my piece, as the shape of my lantern organically morphed itself to life. All that is left is to remove the supports and place a tiny light source in the center of the sphere.
I noticed how your piece feels very layered. A question that I have about your lantern is what type of light source are you going to use?
In my opinion, if you are going to use a small light source, it might be cool to put some kind of reflective material in the inside of the inner circle to get more light because overall your design is very dark and it might look cool with the contrast.
I notice that your piece feels very futuristic, like something out of star wars. I am curious about how light will change this piece. It is kind of hard to tell from this picture where the light will come out.
I like how you decided to 3D print this project instead of using the laser. Where is the light going to shine through the print?
How do you plan on making a unique lighting experience with this piece? As of now, it seems like it is meant simply to be a light in a sphere. It would be interesting if you tried using tissue paper inside or something to create a different effect with your lighting. If this is what you are going for, though, I do think the design is very cool! Are you planning on painting it, or leaving it black?
How will the light sit within the lantern?
I like how you took an entirely different approach to the project from almost everyone else! The 3d design is interesting with no flat edges! My question is how / where would the light come through? PLA usually blocks light unless you print it really thin which might give some cool effects.
This is such a cool design. I love how you have shapes on each of the 3 main planes in 3D modeling software. One opinion of mine is that you could have tried printing this without support. I don’t know what printer you used to make this but it looks like it will be a pain to remove all of those supports.
I noticed the symmetry of your design. Do you plan on adding any color, either with the light or by painting the piece?