Japanese Lantern – Box Type

A simple box type lantern inspired by Japanese designs.

The base is printed upside down with supports under and inside the potentiometer recess and alignment groove. Support settings should be such that they are easily removable. I provide two versions – with and without mouse ears at the corners. I usually get some small warpage without mouse ears, so I usually use them. If you snip them closely there will be no noticeable trace.

The corner posts are identical. I recommend printing both at once without using input shaper to help ensure sharper edges for more seamless joint with the middle and top plates. Supports are recommended, and set for easy removal.

The reflectors (top and bottom) are printed in PLA. If you print the top window pattern with a single color, you can print the reflectors, top window and alignment frame together. The top reflector can be attached to the underside of the top with double-sided tape.

The screens are printed in PETG or PLA. PETG might be more durable over time since the screens are bent to a sharp corner. When you bend the screens, pinch the corner up and down its length, sharpening gradually.

The knob is designed to be pressed onto a 6 mm shaft potentiometer. See photos for dimensions.

For reference, I used an original PWM control PCB which I won’t publish here. The potentiometer, LED module, and DC jack are common dimensions, and there should be enough room inside the base for your own control circuitry.

LED module: warm white, 32 mm diameter.
DC jack: 5.5 mm with 2.1 mm pin.
Potentiometer: 100kohm with switch

I recommend painting the black parts with matte black to further hide seams between parts.

Purchase parts:

• 3 mm x 15 tapping screw (2)
• 3 mm x 8 tapping screw (2)
• M3 x 10 screw (2)
• M3 nut (2)
• 2 mm x 8 tapping (4)
• 2 mm x 6 tapping (4)
• Rubber cushion feet (4)

Settings and conditions:

• 0.20 mm layer height
• 3 perimeters
• Grid infill at 20%
• Glue stick
• Filament: PLA or PETG