instructables

High Detailed Moon Lamp

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Subsequent to my previous instructables, Print Your find next generation here:

Own Moon, this instructables show how to model a
Moon lamp with finer details. 3rd generation: https://www.instructables.com/id/Prog
ressive-Deta...
Update
This is the 2nd generation of Moon Lamp, please also

https://youtu.be/iFvQapp8xiI

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 1

Step 1: What Is the Different?

As you may know there are already many Moon
models on the web, lets use the above picture
illustrate why make a new one.
Start from the left, the first one is model from Moon
bump map, the original Moon shape. It is perfect on
the shape, but if you light it inside, it only a light ball
not look like a Moon.
The second one is my previous instructables Moon
model, it looks like a Moon when the light on and off.
The third one is the Moon model in this instructables,
it added more details from the former.
Forth one is a commercial Moon Lamp you can buy
all over the web, it looks like a Moon when the light
on but not like a Moon when the light off.
Lets continue how to add details from second one to
become a High Detailed Moon Lamp.

Step 2: Improvement Area

My previous instructables show how to create a 3D Moon Lamp model.

From time to time, I found it still have many improvement area:

Better image source

Clear lithophane details
Better 3D modeling method
Material light transmittance and color variant
Overhang Support
Light source

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 2

Step 3: Recap 3D Modeling Design

Recap from my previous instuctables, the Moon project a good enough visual details (color map)
surface modeling base on Moon bump map, the shell when the lamp turned on.
thickness base on Moon color map and then bump
map subtract color map is the interior shape. This time, I will use better image sources and also
combine both bump map and color map images on
This modeling method can produce very good surface surface modeling for a finer visual details.
details (bump map) when the lamp turned off and

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 3

Step 4: Improvement 1: Better Image Source

Previously I am using 2048 x 1024 resolution images
for 3D modeling, this time I will try to find higher
resolution image.
Moon Bump Map
High resolution Moon bump map, sometimes call
height map, is relatively easy to find on the web, e.g.:
http://jaanga.github.io/moon/heightmaps/
Moon Color Map
There are various Moon color map on the web, but
most of them have some sort of shadow and
reflection in it.
Tuomas Kankola have spent substantial effort to
"manually cleaned up a reflectance map of the entire
Moon", so I decide paid for his effort instead of do it
myself.
Ref.: http://tuomaskankola.com/?portfolio=92k-moon-
color...

Note 1: since the Moon color map is not free, I do not Note 2: the final output STL posted to Thingiverse is
upload the original file to Github, the version at Github generated from a higher resolution images (5760 x
is only a lower resolution version that you can find on 2880).
the web.

Step 5: Improvement 2: Clear Lithophane Details

The projected color map details in my previous Moon
lamp model is a little bit too blurry, the color map
have many meteor crater and river details but all are
blurred.
The blurry should be caused by hiding all color map
details in model inside.
The above 2 pictures, first one is a Moon lithophane
with detail side facing up, second one is the same
lithophane facing down. The second picture is much
blurry, this example can demonstrate lithophane
details should not all hided inside.
Ref.: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithophane

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 4

Step 6: Improvement 2: Clear Lithophane Details (Continue)

As mentioned before, the surface is modeling from Moon bump map. Now we also want part of color map details
on the surface, how can we do that?

I have tried many methods to make it, Some are very complicated.

Finally I found the best one, it also a simple one. It simply just add two image value together, here are the
processing steps in GIMP:

1. Desaturate the color map

2. Invert the color map
3. Shift the color map color levels to lower half (from 0-255 to 0-127)
4. Insert a bump map layer
5. Also shift the bump map color level to lower half
6. Set the bump map layer mode to "Addition"
7. Export the result image in PNG format

After combine the 2 maps you can clearly see the meteor crater and river details. But the side effect is when you
turn off the light you can see some distraction details on the Moon surface.

Note: I also tried "Multiply" 2 map layers, the color map details are little bit better than "Addition" but much
distracting the Moon surface details.

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 5

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 6
Step 7: Improvement 3: Better 3D Modeling Method

In my previous model, I am using the BanateCAD original BiParametric modeling method. It divide the sphere with
the latitude and longitude and then divide each grid cell into 2 triangle faces. This method is simple and straight
forward but the problem is the face density near 2 poles is much more than the place around the equator. It will
introduce 2 problems:

inefficient of modeling (the pole area no need that much faces but eating most of your computer
resources)
unbalance details when you need rotate and planar cut the sphere

So I have written a new modeling method in BanateCAD using refined Icosahedron.

As you can see at the above 2 pictures icosahedron model is more efficient for spherical modeling.

Ref.:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Icosahedron

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geodesic_grid

http://blog.andreaskahler.com/2009/06/creating-ico...

https://blender.stackexchange.com/questions/72/wha...

1 2 3 1

1. Icosahedron model with near same total number of face 1. Too high triangle density near the pole
2. BiParametric model
3. Icosahedron model with same number of face at equator

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 7

Step 8: Improvement 4: Material Light Transmittance & Color Variance

For 3D print a Moon Lamp, I can say print it with grayscale level; Lower light transmittance require
white material. thinner shell and can save some printing material.

However, not all white 3D printing materials are the
same, especially on light transmittance and also
some sort of color variance. The above picture show
1 plain PLA and 5 white PLA from different vendors.
Which one is the best is very subjective, but lesser
color variance should be better. Higher light
transmittance require thicker shell but have better
The Moon lamp printed in this instructables is using
the bottom right one, no notable color variance and
lowest light transmittance.
Note: if you have more than 1 type of material, you
can make a similar test with the attached STL

Download
https://www.instructables.com/ORIG/F22/A9Z8/JIKJRAS1/F22A9Z8JIKJRAS1.stl
…

Step 9: Improvement 5: Overhang Support

Usually I am not generate support while 3D printing, In order to print a better shadow details at the upper
the print result as you can see on the above first part, the Moon model should planar cut a part at the
picture. The upper part cannot print all the shadow bottom and then use that hole area generate support
details without generate support. It is because part of for the upper part.
the upper part shadow details is overhang, 3D printer
cannot print something in the air so simply skipped
those details.

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 8

 1
1

1. The upper part cannot print all the shadow details without generate support 1. removed print out support

Step 10: Improvement 6: Light Source

If your printing material have some color variance (in model. It use rechargeable battery, much brighter
most case yellow), it is better select warm white LED LED light and can remote control the light color and
light. Otherwise, select normal white LED. brightness.

This time I have tried 2 portable light source and 1 Third one is a USB powered desktop wood lamp
USB light source. base, it can mount a 150 mm ball shape lampshade
on it.
First one is a cup bottom decoration light, usually it
use at night club or bar. The PCB is only 28 mm in Ref.:
diameter and powered by a tiny CR1620 battery.
Limited from the battery power, the LED light is not so https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=562816657798
bright but it should be good enough for a 2-3 inches
Moon model. https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=551095427293

Second one is a 120 mm ball light, I disassembled https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?id=559516848019

the ball cover and will replace it with a 5 inches Moon

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 9

Step 11: Process 1: Get the BanateCAD

I will use a modified version of BanateCAD for 3D
modeling.
Get the source from GitHub:
https://github.com/moononournation/BanateCAD
If you are not familiar with GibHub, simply select the
green button at the right middle and then press
Download ZIP.
Note: Banate CAD is written in Lua, you also require
Lua for Windows to run Lua scripts in Windows.

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 10

Step 12: Process 2: Generate STL

1. Unzip the source

2. browse to BanateCAD\Examples
3. Run cmdLineBatchJob.bat

You can find my generated STL at Thingiverse:

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:2955930

Note 1: As same as previous instructables, there are few parameters in cmdLineBatchJob.lua you can change for
your own need:

local extrudeSize = 0.4 -- size of your 3D printer extruder

-- local heightFactor = 0.3 -- bump map height factor
local heightFactor = 0.6 -- double value for moonBumpAddInvertedColorMap
local shadowFactor = 4 -- larger is darker
local refinementLevel = 144 -- output resolution

Note 2: The shadowFactor is the most arbitrary parameters, it depends on the light transmittance of your material
and the brightness of your light source. Normally it can be 4 - 8, if you print with plain PLA (not white color), it can
be 10 or more.

Note 3: the final output STL posted to Thingiverse is generated by parameters refinementLevel=288

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 11

Step 13: Process 3: Rotate & Planar Cut
Open the generated STL with 3D model editing
program, e.g. 3D Builder.
In most case, there are a place to install the light
source, so you usually require a planar cut at the
bottom. In order to view the entire familiar Moon face,
it is better to rotate Z-axis 30-45 degree before the
planar cut.
Here are 3 set of parameters for my 3 different light
sources:
Cup bottom decoration light:
2 inches model rotate Z-axis 30 degree, planar cut
20.1 mm (moonLamp2inchesWith28mmPCB.stl)
High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 12
3 inches model rotate Z-axis 30 degree, planar cut
34.2 mm (moonLamp3inchesWith28mmPCB.stl)
Rechargeable ball lamp:
5 inches model rotate Z-axis 45 degree, planar cut 45
mm and then add 6 screw holes for assembly
(moonLamp5inchesWith65mmLampBase.stl)
Wood lamp base:
5 inches model rotate Z-axis 30 degree, planar cut 50
mm
Step 14: Process 4: Slicer

I am using Cura 3.3.1, here is my printing parameters:

Layer Height: 0.1 mm

Top/Bottom Pattern: Concentric
Bottom Pattern Initial Layer: Lines
Infill Density: 100%
Generate Support: Yes
Support Placement: Touching Buildplate
Support Overhang Angle: 80
Support Pattern: Triangles
Support Z Distnace: 0.3 mm
Support X/Y Distance: 1 mm
Enable Support Interface: Yes
Build Plate Adhesion Type: Raft
Raft Air Gap: 0.3 mm
Initial Layer Z Overlap: 0.1 mm
Raft Top Layers: 3

1 1

1. Top/Bottom Pattern: Lines 1. Top/Bottom Pattern: Concentric

Step 15: Process 5: 3D Print

It require around half a day to print a 2 inches model, and around 4 days to print a 5 inches model.

https://youtu.be/YUDv_-iBEUI

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 13

Step 16: Process 6: Matte Surface Finishing

Most PLA printout have some sort of reflection, it is easy to reduce the reflection by a matte spray paint.

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 14

Step 17: Process 6: Install Light Source

Follow the above pictures for the installation.

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 15

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 16
Step 18: Happy Lighting!

It's the time dim the room light and enjoy the mood with your high detailed Moon lamp.

Update
This is the 2nd generation of Moon Lamp, please also find next generation here:

3rd generation: https://www.instructables.com/id/Progressive-Deta...

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 17

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 18
Hi, searching to buy for 8'' wooden lamp LED base. Any links for that on Aliexpress or Ebay ?

anyone ?!?
Any chance someone can share an eBay/Aliexpress link?

https://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/3D-printing-moon-lamp-circuit-board-wick-touch-switch-
straw-hat-lamp-bead-touch-circuit-moon/1832054_32884432866.html?
spm=2114.12010615.8148356.3.643a78bdl4Yq0n
Thanks. I'm going the Ikea lamp route, in the end

Sorry, this model is not compatible with commercial moon lamp components.

Great post to have a detail explanation of how to doing a moon lamp, here have a simplified
version can be a compliment for final assembling the No.4 step).
Parts: Including lampshade, electronic frill across the board(PCBA, LED lights, batteries), charging
cable, stand
4Steps:
1. Idea design
2. Compose the code
3. 3D printing
4. Get together
Resource from: How to make 3D printed moon lamp
Material: PLA (Naturally degradable material)
Light style: LED design sparing light
Battery: 1500mAh(using time 24h)
USB Charge: 5VUSB DC port,full charge time 3h
Switch style: Touch switch catch
Production technology 3D Printing one molding
Size: 9cm, 10cm, 12cm, 15cm, 18cm, 20cm, 24cm diameter

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 19

Just amazing. I don't have access to these kind of printers, but I admire your hard work and
dedication to keep improving it! Bravo.....
Thanks you for the detailed instructible. I am going to print one but I want to purchase the light first.
The links to purchase the light is not in English. I was unable to purchase. How can you help me?
I am testing sell components at facebook, try this link:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/450406578757996
Facebook does not let me message from the USA. I want the the third one. Can you put it on eBay
and send me the link please?
Hi ajahan03, I have tried post at eBay, but seems eBay not easy allow new member to sell
product. You may leave your address to my inbox, I can direct mail one wood lamp base to you.
What is the maximum size can you print? You may print a large one to me instead of pay me the
money ;>
I have tried but with no luck have right to post selling item. You may PM me the address and I
direct mail one to you.
Ok. Give me your email address. Which country are you in?

Good job. very nice

This is really awesome.

I would totally buy one if they were for sale!
Actually it looks like they are.

https://www.trendingbytes.com/products/original-moon-lamp?
utm_source=google_cpc_moon_us&utm_medium=google_ads&utm_campaign=google_cpc_moon_us&gclid=EAIaIQo
q9_3k2wIVC5FpCh0SgAvZEAMYASAAEgJAcvD_BwE

As mentioned in my previous instructables, this type of Moon Lamp not look alike a Moon when the
light turned off:
https://www.instructables.com/id/Print-Your-Own-Moon/

Hi Mattcais3, as mention the Moon lamp in your link look alike a Moon when the light turned on,
but you can not say it a Moon when the light turned off.
A WONDERFUL TOUR-DE-FORCE.... THANKS FOR SHARING...

I couldn't find the right words, when i saw your first instructable of the moon lamp.
But THIS is so perfect. Respect to your willpower to get a perfect resault.
Damn. So many steps just to get an allready very good "thing" to a unbelievable peace of glowing
perfection.
I'm printing it right now :)

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 20

this is stunning, great work man

Putting this on my Christmas list.

This looks great. Nice job.

Amazing model! And excellent Instructable!

High Detailed Moon Lamp: Page 21