|
SummaryThe acrylic desk display is a project that combines machining and electronics to create a beautiful and unique piece of art for your desk or worksape.
Any image engraved on the acrylic can be illuminated in thousands of different colors using the onboard controls.
|
Base
|
The base of the display is machined from a single piece of mahogany, and takes approximately 20 minutes to machine. An extra-long endmill was required to get the surface finish on the side walls.
The base is sealed with linseed oil to maintain a rich color and prevent against damage from sunlight and humidity.
Enclosed within the base is the electronics that illuminate the engraving, and a 3D printed light diffuser that directs the LED's lights up into the acrylic evenly, and also holds the acrylic into the base with friction.
The base is sealed at the bottom with a piece of 1/4" birch, that is engraved with information about the display and a personalized message for each recipient.
|
|
|
ElectronicsInside each base is a 1/4 perma-protoboard with 4 potentiometers, 3 RGB LEDs, a Micro USB port for power, and the resistors required for operation.
The first Potentiometer controls the overall brightness of the LEDs, and the other three control the red, green, and blue levels of the LEDs.
|
I have developed a second, newer version of the electronics that uses WS2812Bs and a microcontroller instead of traditional RGB LEDs. This will result in better control over light intensity/color, as well as better operation in bright settings.
Acrylic
The 1/16" acrylic can be engraved with any image, although things like logos and seals with relatively thin line weights tend to work best.The acrylic can be swapped out without tools.
Below are examples that show the BASF logo and the Swansea University seal.
|
|