Decimal Is Manufacturing 3D Printed Light Fixtures

The interdisciplinary design studio WertelOberfell, based in Munich, has been actively exploring the integration of 3D printing technologies into lighting design. Their objective is to optimize these technologies to create lighting structures that are both efficient in material usage and rapid in production. The core of their experimentation revolves around developing flat lamp components that can be printed quickly using minimal material, yet exhibit a range of properties from stiffness to flexibility and deformability through diverse patterns and geometries. A significant inspiration for WertelOberfell's approach comes from the renowned paper lanterns designed by Isamu Noguchi. Drawing from this concept, the studio prints their lighting structures directly onto Japanese silk paper. This choice of material is crucial as it effectively reinforces the structural components of the lamps, providing the necessary strength and integrity. The studio undertook extensive material experimentation, ultimately finding that Japanese silk paper offered the most superior properties for supporting their innovative designs. The generation of these complex structures is facilitated by specialized 3D printing software. This software ensures a streamlined, quick, and reliable printing process, allowing for the precise execution of intricate designs. The resulting collection of lighting fixtures showcases various geometric forms, including an icosahedron geometry with a linear structure, a rhombic dodecahedron geometry, and a rhombohedron geometry. These designs highlight the versatility and aesthetic potential of 3D printing in creating unique and functional lighting solutions. Further exploration by the studio included experiments with printing on plastic foil, demonstrating their commitment to testing various mediums and expanding the application possibilities of their technique. An image illustrating the 'making of generated structure on Cura software' provides insight into their design and production workflow, emphasizing the role of advanced software in translating conceptual designs into tangible objects. Additionally, 'samples of the experimentation process' are presented, offering a glimpse into the iterative nature of their design development and the meticulous testing involved in achieving desired material and structural characteristics. The culmination of these experiments was set to be showcased at the Munich Creative Business Week 2018, which took place from March 3rd to 11th. The collection was featured as part of the VICIS exhibition, an event known for highlighting innovative design and architectural concepts. This presentation offered a platform for WertelOberfell to demonstrate their advancements in optimizing 3D printing for lighting design, illustrating how precise control over geometry and material can lead to novel, aesthetically pleasing, and functionally diverse lighting structures. #3DPrinting #LightingDesign #WertelOberfell #FlexibleStructures #JapaneseSilkPaper #ProductDesign #DigitalFabrication #MunichCreativeBusinessWeek #DesignInnovation

The global LED downlight market reached a valuation of US$ 25.4 billion in 2023, with projections indicating a rise to US$ 50.1 billion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6% between 2024 and 2032. This growth is driven by several factors, including the increasing focus of leading manufacturers on developing intelligent lighting solutions. These smart LED downlights often incorporate voice assistance and connectivity features like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, allowing users to control devices remotely via smartphone applications. Another significant market trend is the introduction of tunable white light technology, which enables users to adjust the color temperature of LED downlights to create diverse lighting environments. Key players in the industry are also launching LED downlights that prioritize cost-effectiveness, high energy efficiency, low maintenance requirements, reduced carbon footprints, and extended service life. These product attributes are proving to be strong growth drivers. Aggressive promotional and marketing activities undertaken by manufacturers through various channels, including social media, television commercials, and celebrity endorsements, further support market expansion. Technological advancements are also playing a crucial role, with manufacturers increasingly utilizing three-dimensional (3D) printing in product manufacturing. This technology offers greater design flexibility, reduces operational costs, enhances production yield, and minimizes waste generation, positively impacting market growth. Additionally, the development of aesthetically pleasing LED downlights has led to their widespread adoption in various settings such as art galleries, offices, museums, restaurants, hotels, retail stores, and theaters. Government regulations promoting energy efficiency standards across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors are providing a further impetus to the market. Other contributing factors include rising consumer expenditure capacities, extensive research and development (R&D) activities, the easy availability of products through e-commerce platforms, and the growing trend of renovation and retrofitting in existing buildings. The global LED downlight industry features several prominent manufacturers. Acuity Brands Inc., established in 2001, is an industrial technology firm based in Georgia, US, specializing in indoor and outdoor lighting solutions for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Their product portfolio includes LED downlights, control systems, and various fixtures, offered through brands like Hydrel and Juno. Cree Lighting, founded in 1987 and headquartered in Wisconsin, US, is a multinational manufacturer of LED lighting, fixtures, lamps, and intelligent control solutions, with a focus on product innovations for quality and efficiency. DMF Lighting, an American company founded in 1988 in California, US, provides innovative LED lighting for both indoor and outdoor use, including recessed lighting and wall mounts, emphasizing high performance and superior quality. Eaton Corporation plc, a multinational corporation established in 1911 and based in Dublin, Ireland, manufactures equipment for various industries, offering lighting products such as airfield lighting, floodlighting, and LED downlights, with a commitment to energy-efficient technologies. ELCO Lighting, an international company founded in 1991 in California, US, develops and markets lighting products for commercial and residential applications, known for reliability and energy efficiency. General Electric Company, established in 1892 in Boston, US, is a multinational technology and financial services company that produces a wide range of lighting products, including LED bulbs and intelligent lighting solutions, with a focus on global expansion and emerging technologies. Havells India Limited, a fast-moving electrical goods (FMEG) company founded in 1958 in Noida, India, produces a variety of electrical products, including luminaires, under brands like Lloyd. Hubbell Incorporated, a multinational corporation established in 1888 in Connecticut, US, deals in electrical and electronic hardware, offering wiring cables, connectors, and lighting fixtures. JESCO Lighting Group LLC, a manufacturing company founded in 1998 in New York, US, specializes in LED lighting technology, providing contemporary and energy-efficient fixtures. Nora Lighting, an electrical and electronic manufacturing company founded in 1989 in California, US, produces high-quality lighting solutions, including emergency lights and LED mini cylinders, with a focus on expanding product offerings and brand awareness. Signify Holding, formerly Philips Lighting, established in 1891 in Eindhoven, Netherlands, is a multinational conglomerate designing and distributing LED lighting systems, software, and services under various brands, leveraging technologies like 3D printing and IoT. #LEDDownlights #SmartLighting #EnergyEfficiency #LightingManufacturers #GlobalMarket #TunableWhiteLight #3DPrinting #HomeAutomation

Daniel Hilldrup, in collaboration with Stratasys, has produced the 'Trig' lampshade using the Objet500 Connex3 fused deposition modeling technology. This project draws influence from the architectural works of Antoni Gaudí, particularly in its use of polygonal forms. The lampshade design serves as a demonstration of the Connex3's advanced multi-color and multi-material printing capabilities, utilizing a cyan, magenta, and yellow color palette, one of ten available. Hilldrup's design philosophy for 'Trig' is rooted in exploring the evolution of virtual forms under physical forces and the reduction of highly contoured shapes into more fundamental states, both of which are central to the lampshade's core concept. The development process began with designing a base form that could comfortably accommodate a two-core flex cable, an E14 lampholder, and an E14 lamp within its internal volume. Subsequently, liquid simulations were employed to fill this volume, and a mesh was extracted from the simulation at a specific point in time. This extracted mesh, forming a triangular pattern, was then reduced in resolution to create the faceted effect seen in the final lampshade. The next step involved modifying the watertight mesh to ensure it consisted solely of a single layer of outward-facing triangles. For the intricate color and material organization, a custom script was developed. This script randomly assigned one of 46 distinct colors and material identities to each face along the surface of the lampshade. To ensure sufficient thickness for the fused deposition modeling process on the Connex3, each face was given a solid offset. Further scripting was necessary to segment the triangles into various sub-groups based on their assigned material codes. These segmented files were then imported into STL editing software, where their mesh integrity was verified and corrected in preparation for the 3D printing stage. In the final phase of production, specific materials from Stratasys' multi-color palettes were applied to each of the sub-groups, following a predetermined sequence. This meticulous process highlights the potential of advanced 3D printing technologies in creating complex, multi-colored, and structurally sophisticated design objects like the 'Trig' lampshade. #DanielHilldrup #3DPrinting #LampshadeDesign #TriangulatedDesign #MultiColorPrinting #Stratasys #Objet500Connex3 #ProductDesign #DigitalFabrication

Raw Edges Design Studio has developed LightMass^, an innovative lighting collection that has been shortlisted in the lighting design category for the Dezeen Awards 2025. This collection consists of sculptural lighting fixtures designed to be suspended below a beam, offering a novel approach to space illumination. The core of LightMass^'s design involves bespoke flat meshes, which are created using bio filament. These meshes are then meticulously tailored into voluminous, airy structures through the use of specially engineered zipper edges. Despite their substantial size and visual impact, these structures are characterized by their minimal form, weight, and waste, highlighting a commitment to efficient and sustainable design practices. A distinctive feature of LightMass^ is its unique interaction with light. The downlight component is intentionally separated from the mesh structure, allowing the mesh itself to respond dynamically to the illumination. When the light is off, the structure presents a transparent or see-through appearance. However, when the light is activated, it reveals a defined and beautiful contour of the mesh, transforming the space with its sculptural presence. Raw Edges Design Studio, known for its creative and often playful approach to design, has leveraged advanced techniques and sustainable materials in the creation of LightMass^. The use of bio filament not only contributes to the collection's minimal environmental footprint but also enables the creation of intricate and lightweight forms that would be challenging to achieve with traditional materials. The engineering of the zipper edges allows for the precise shaping and volume of the mesh, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity. This project signifies a forward-thinking approach to lighting, moving beyond conventional fixtures to integrate light as an interactive, sculptural element within architectural spaces. By emphasizing the interplay between material, light, and form, LightMass^ offers a fresh perspective on how lighting can enhance and define interior environments. The collection's ability to shift its visual character depending on whether it is illuminated or not adds a layer of depth and intrigue, making it a focal point in any setting. The shortlisting of LightMass^ for the Dezeen Awards 2025 underscores its significance within the contemporary design landscape. The Dezeen Awards celebrate excellence across architecture, interiors, and design, recognizing projects that demonstrate innovation, aesthetic quality, and a positive impact. LightMass^'s inclusion in the lighting design category highlights its success in pushing the boundaries of what lighting can achieve, both functionally and artistically. The project studio is Raw Edges Design Studio, and further details about the project can be found on its dedicated website, light-mass.com. #LightingDesign #SculpturalLighting #BioFilament #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalLighting #RawEdgesDesignStudio #DezeenAwards2025

The article offers guidance for integrators looking to enter the market of selling and installing lighting fixtures. It emphasizes that while the initial step into a new category can seem daunting, a gradual approach, starting with smaller projects, is advisable. A crucial first step involves understanding the specialized terminology of lighting to effectively communicate with architects, builders, and designers. This foundational knowledge helps demystify complex concepts and product specifications, similar to how audio technology can be perceived as overly complicated. Leaning heavily on vendors for product information, SKUs, and understanding product mix is recommended for newcomers. Creating a detailed matrix of lighting fixtures, including pricing, can help define starting points and streamline the selection process. The article highlights the significant increase in manufacturer support for the custom integration channel compared to years past, making it easier for integrators to build a comprehensive product portfolio for luxury lighting designs. Obtaining physical samples from manufacturers is also crucial, as it allows integrators and clients to assess the fit, finish, and overall quality of higher-end fixtures, which can significantly influence purchasing decisions, especially for products where price points vary widely. Integrators are encouraged to think about the future rather than solely focusing on current business success. While current economic conditions might make diversifying into a new category seem unnecessary, establishing a presence in lighting now can provide a competitive advantage when market conditions inevitably shift. Internally, it is important to designate a "lighting champion" within the company. This individual can lead the research, training, and education efforts, fostering enthusiasm and expertise across the team. Hands-on experience, such as installing downlights in employees' homes, can also help familiarize the team with new products and simplify the learning curve. For initial projects, retrofit installations are strongly recommended over large new construction endeavors. Retrofits allow integrators to gain experience, build confidence, and generate immediate revenue with less risk. Updating existing homes with new LED lighting, often in conjunction with lighting control retrofits, can create significant sales opportunities. The article also advises incorporating linear tape lighting, such as under-cabinet and toe-kick lights, as an accessible entry point into the market, as it leverages integrators' existing low-voltage expertise and addresses a popular homeowner desire. Regarding decorative lighting, integrators are advised to leave this specialized area to interior designers. This approach helps maintain collaborative relationships with designers and ensures that decorative fixtures are compatible with lighting control systems without requiring integrators to become experts in aesthetic choices. Landscape lighting is presented as another low-pressure entry point, offering simpler installation and significant revenue potential through starter kits from specialized manufacturers. Additionally, seeking professional lighting design training or collaborating with external lighting design firms is emphasized. While hiring an in-house lighting designer is a substantial commitment suitable for companies with a high volume of projects, outsourcing design services can effectively expand project scope and value. Finally, the article addresses the common question of whether integrators need to hire an electrical contractor or integrate an electrical division. While some argue that an electrical license isn't necessary, with electricians handling the physical installation, others advocate for forming an in-house electrical division for greater control, efficiency, and expanded service offerings. However, this decision should be approached in stages, considering local regulations and potential channel conflicts with existing electricians. Building alliances with local electricians, providing comprehensive design, project management, and payment schedules, can also lead to referrals and significant business growth without directly competing for all electrical work. Ultimately, successful entry into the lighting fixture market requires strategic planning, continuous education, and thoughtful collaboration with both vendors and other trades. #LightingFixtures #SmartHome #CustomIntegration #HomeAutomation #LightingDesign #RetrofitProjects #LandscapeLighting #BusinessDevelopment #VendorPartnerships