Kristina's Bird and Flower-Themed Side Panels for the Modular Lantern

These are Kristina's unique bird and flower-themed side panels for the modular lantern. I created various prints from her design: There are simple solid three-colour prints and variants where the leaves or the flowers create cut-outs.

Everyone can print these side panels, as no advanced printer is required. The side panels only require filament changes.

Please note that only the files for the side panels are available on this page. You will need the frame elements to assemble a functional lantern. Download the necessary model files here: Modular Lantern Framework .

Requirements

- A 3D printer such as a Prusa MINI, Prusa i3 MK3S+, or similar. - Due to the fine details, a 0.4mm nozzle is needed for these side panels. - Opaque and transparent filaments in your preferred colours. - Printing of frame parts is required to construct a lantern using the side panels. Download the model files here: Modular Lantern Framework . How to Print the Side Panels

Two PrusaSlicer project files, LR2268-10-birds-F Print.3mf and LR2268-10-birds-R Print.3mf , demonstrate how to set up a print properly. Refer to the settings table below or follow these steps to prepare the print using another slicer software:

- Choose the side panel variant you prefer. Detailed information on selecting the best variant can be found in the "Select a Side Panel Variant" section. - Import the four side panels of your chosen variant ( A - R ) into the slicer and arrange them on the printer bed. - Adjust the main parameters for the print: - Set the layer height to 0.15mm (0.2mm for the first layer). - Choose your filament, either PETG or PLA. - Ensure the correct printer is selected. - Set the infill to 100%. - Add as many colour changes as desired. - The correct heights for colour changes can be found in the layout diagram for your chosen panel variant. - Kristina created illustrations for two colours and the frame colour. You can find suggested colours in the layout diagram or see the photos for colour inspirations. - If your slicer supports layer height changes, add them to switch at 2.00mm from 0.15mm to 0.2mm layer heights. This increases print speed and optimizes the hooks' geometry on the side panels. Print Settings Table

Parameter Description

Nozzle Size: Optimized for 0.4mm , larger nozzles will not work!

Layer Height: Optimized for 0.15mm and 0.2mm

Filament Materials: PETG recommended, PLA works

Perimeters: Two perimeters

PrusaSlicer Profile: "0.15mm Quality"

Infill: 100%

Safety Precautions for Using Real Candles

Using real candles with the lantern requires caution and proper handling, especially when using PLA or PETG filaments, and both materials pose certain risks when exposed to heat or open flames.

PLA is particularly susceptible to melting and igniting when exposed to high temperatures. Once ignited, it does not stop burning easily, posing a significant fire hazard. PETG filaments, on the other hand, have higher melting points and are generally more flame-resistant. However, some PETG filaments may still burn easily.

To minimize risks when using real candles with the lantern:

- Always use a flame-resistant material between the candle and the lantern. This can be a glass or ceramic holder, which serves as a protective layer when the candle burns down completely. - Monitor the lantern closely while the candle is lit, and never leave it unattended. Place the lantern on a non-flammable surface, away from any flammable materials, to prevent the spread of fire in case of an accident. - Consider using flameless LED candles as a safer alternative to real candles. Select a Side Panel Variant

In the file section, you will find various side panel variants. While they all feature the same bird, flower, and branch illustrations, the layer layout differs. This means that the variants have a different number of layers for individual colours, and there are variants where cut-outs create features.

A PDF catalogue of all variants is available in the file section. Each variant is named with a letter. A - R , and a layout diagram showing the model's construction is provided.

Let's examine one of these layer diagrams:

The diagram displays a side cut through the final print. The Y-axis on the left represents the layer heights, as typically seen in slicer software.

The first layer has a height of 0.2mm, followed by 0.15mm layers until the height reaches 2.0mm, at which point the layer height reverts to 0.2mm.

The X-axis shows the design's stacking of layers for a specific colour. As illustrated, the frame parts are created by printing layers for all colours from the printer bed up to a height of 2.4mm, where the frame ends.

For variant G shown above, all illustration features are printed directly on the printer bed, three and four layers thick.

For variant R , only the background and the flowers are printed with stacking layers, but the leaves are cut out of the design.

About the Prints in the Photos

The lanterns you see in the photos are printed on an Original Prusa i3 MK3S+ using the following filaments:

- Prusament PETG Matte Black - Prusa PETG Coffee Bronze - FormFutura ePETG EasyFill Transparent Yellow - FormFutura ePETG EasyFill See-Through Green - FormFutura PETG Blinded Light Green - extruder PETG Purple The two shown models use the low-poly frame and the side panels variants G and R .

More Details in the Catalogue

The catalogue PDF also contains helpful information, such as a table with the exact heights and correct numbers for placing colour changes in the slicer software.

Explore More from Meti·kumi

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Conclusion

I hope this design adds a touch of beauty to your home. If you enjoy it, please rate it and upload photos of the colour combinations you used for the print.

Happy Printing!