Round Litophane LED Light ÄDELLÖVSKOG Adapter

For our wedding, I had a idea to create beautiful litophane lamps featuring pictures of us and our friends together. Initially, I planned to design my own custom electronics with all the necessary components like a battery holder, boost, LED, and switch, in order to achieve the desired cylindrical shape. However, considering the cost and design complexities involved, I realized it would exceed my budget and efforts.

Fortunately, I stumbled upon a solution while browsing through Ikea's offerings. Although the LED lamps I found, called ÄDELLÖVSKOG(ÄDELLÖVSKOG Blockkerze LED innen/außen 3er-Set - IKEA Deutschland), might not be visually appealing at first glance, they proved to be an ideal starting point due to their affordability (3 for 15€). By simply removing the plastic cylinder around the base with two flat screwdrivers and some force, I discovered a convenient clip-in base that already contained all the essential components: a battery holder for two AA batteries, a switch, and an LED. 

Moreover, these lamps also had an automatic timer and a flickering effect. While I appreciated the concept of the timer, it received mixed reviews for its reliability. Furthermore, I did not like the flickering effect of the lamp. Consequently, I explored the lamp's PCB and successfully identified a method to eliminate the flickering effect. Surprisingly, this modification also disabled the timer, providing an unintended yet desirable outcome. For those desiring brighter illumination, it is possible to replace the resistor with a 0 Ohm one (or a piece of wire) and substitute a brighter LED.

For those seeking an explanation of the modification: U1 is a compact microcontroller that generates a signal with modulation. This signal is then directed to the Enable pin of U2. U2 serves as a voltage converter, capable of producing an output voltage of up to 3.3V depending on the state of the Enable pin. The modulated signal from U1 governs the timing and flickering effect. By cutting the original connection and connecting the Enable pin of U2 directly to the battery voltage, you effectively disable both, the flickering and timing simultaneously.

To create the lamp, you will need a photo with a 16:19 aspect ratio (which can be easily adjusted using the Windows Photo Editor), and then convert it using the fantastic 3dprocks litophane generator (Image to Lithophane (3dp.rocks)), applying the following settings:

• Type: Outer Curve
• Maximum Size: 220 mm
• Thickness: 3 mm
• Border: 2 mm
• Thinnest Layer: 0.8 mm
• Vectors per Pixel: 4
• Base/Stand Depth: 0
• Curve: 360

Next, take the resulting litophane stl and merge it with the adapter model using PrusaSlicer, ensuring they are placed together at the same location. It is best to import both models simultaneously without arranging them on the build plate. Remember to flip the litophane upside down for printing. Use the "Merge" function to seamlessly combine the parts.

After printing, place the base of the LED lamp and align the snap-fits to their proper positions. Gently apply pressure to push the part in, and it should easily click into place without requiring much effort.

I personally printed the sample part using Prusament Vanilla White filament. However, please note that with this particular filament type I occasionally had trouble while printing it with an E3D Revo nozzle. Some other users also have reported clogged nozzles and similar issues on Discord.