Custom bulb maker 2023

A new and improved version of my bulb making script that allows you to make proper screw-in bulbs or just fancy covers in any size, colour and style you like.

To use the script, copy it from the text below and paste it into the empty editor window of openSCAD.
OpenSCAD is free software that lets you design 3D objects by describing them with a script. You can download it here:- https://openscad.org/

You can then adjust the variables at the top of the script to make the size and shape of bulb you require. Then it will create a custom STL file for you.
Don't be daunted by the fact it's a "script" based system,. It's perfect for generating customisable components like this.

The process of rendering your custom bulb will be dependent on the speed of your computer and the size of the bulb. It is doing a mass of complex maths to compute the shape, so it may take a while to render. Be patient - have a cup of coffee. For faster experimental renders reduce the facets to 6 for hexagonal lamps that render faster.

Be careful if using the covers over hot light sources like old fairy lights. They may get too hot. It shouldn't be a problem with low power LED sources.

Here's a link to the very hard to find E10 bulb bases and matching holders:-
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005003759310360.html

The script is at the bottom of this description area.

If you enjoy these videos you can help support the channel with a dollar for coffee, cookies and random gadgets for disassembly at:- https://www.bigclive.com/coffee.htm
This also keeps the channel independent of YouTube's algorithm quirks, allowing it to be a bit more dangerous and naughty.

#electronicscreators


Here's the script:-


//Custom fairy light cap generator 2023

//This is a FAST print by default
//You may wish to make minimum layer time zero and
//print at a lower speed like 40mm per second if it
//all goes a bit floppy.

//You can adjust these 3 variables to suit your application
//Make sure you leave the = and ; intact on either side

basedia=9.8; //outside diameter of base
baselip=8; //length of base
lampsize=20; //diameter of globe

//Advanced variables
facets=100; //facets on bulb 6=hexagonal 100=round
wall=0.4; //thickness of wall (multiple of print nozzle)
tip=5; //diameter of tip of bulb
shape=1.7; //0.7-1.7 1=diamond 1.7=round base

//Do not make changes below here
$fn=facets;
difference(){
union(){
//Outside shell of globe
hull() {
//base of globe
translate([0,0,(lampsize/shape)+baselip])
sphere(d=lampsize);
//top of globe
translate([0,0,(lampsize*2)+baselip])
sphere(d=tip,$fn=100);
//base cylinder interface
translate([0,0,baselip-.1])
cylinder(h=.1,d=basedia,$fn=100);
}
//base cylinder
cylinder(h=baselip,d=basedia,$fn=100);
}
//Inside hollow of globe
hull() {
//base of globe
translate([0,0,(lampsize/shape)+baselip])
sphere(d=lampsize-(2*wall));
//top of globe
translate([0,0,(lampsize*2)+baselip])
sphere(d=tip-(2*wall),$fn=100);
//base cylinder interface
translate([0,0,baselip-.1])
cylinder(h=.1,d=basedia-(2*wall)-.2,$fn=100);
}
//base cylinder interior
translate([0,0,-1])
cylinder(h=baselip,d=basedia-(2*wall),$fn=100);
//base internal ridge
translate([0,0,baselip-1.1])
cylinder(h=1.2,d1=basedia-(2*wall),d2=basedia-(2*wall)-1,$fn=100);
//x-ray cube
//translate([-50,-50,-40])
//cube([100,50,100]);
}