3D Printer LED Light Bar - Anet A6 - Prusa i3 Mendel

thingiverse

I wanted my 3D printer workspace to be lit so I could see the part being printed better. I designed this tray to slide over the extruder bracket of my Anet A6 printer, and then placed self adhesive LED Light Strips onto the tray and wired them into the extruder fan for power. Note: I was recently informed (see comments) that while the Anet A6 printer has a max build height of 250mm, the clearance between the gantry (x-axis) and the encoder wheel (menu button) is very slim when printing at max heights. Adding this light bar may cause an impact between the gantry and encoder wheel (menu button) at build heights >225mm. I am considering a replacement encoder wheel (which doesn't stick out as far) as a possible solution to this issue. Print Settings Printer: Anet A6 Rafts: No Supports: No Resolution: FIne Infill: 20% Notes: This design could likely be printed without supports in either of 2 directions... I printed it as shown, in the same orientation that it is used on the printer. Post-Printing Attaching and Wiring the LEDs I used IP20 (indoor use only) LEDs which have 60 LEDs/m and can be cut in 50mm (3 LED segments). I use a total of 200mm (12 LEDs) in this design. I needed to supplement the self adhesive back with a better glue, and needed to solder across the pads after I cut them. The lights are spliced into the 12V extruder fan, and are on whenever the printer is running. I will note that this limits visibility / access from the right side of the extruder during the start of a print as the tray obstructs your view... but it's wonderful as the print head raises, and it clearly illuminates the part being printed without shadows. I typically sit to the left of the printer when printing, so have visibility to the part at the early stage of printing by viewing past the fan duct. Sourcing LEDs I only needed 20cm of LED strips, but went ahead and sourced 5m of these from china for $3. https://www.aliexpress.com/item/5m-10m-15m-20m-LED-Strip-Lights-3528-SMD-12V-60leds-m-Flexible-Ledstrip-IP20-IP65/1688086875.html?spm=2114.13010608.0.0.1ZNrWX The LEDs are rated at 20,000 hours, and only draw ~3W for the 12 LEDs I used (spec on site says 1m (60LEDs) pulls 14W).