14 DAY TRIAL // 3D printing technology can be used for various things, and some really complex shapes can be made with that technology now. 52Shapes has proven this by launching the “lampshade a week” collection.
Lampshades are those accessories, those globes or hat-like things, that are placed over lamp light bulbs in order to dampen the intensity of the light.
Bright glows are all well and good, but they tend to make you see spots and go temporarily blind(ish) if you stare right at a normal light bulb.
Despite how long lamps have existed, however, lampshades aren't exactly what you would call varied. Sure, they have a number of different shapes, colors and patterns, but they don't really stand out much.
Some ornamental lighting makers do make certain veils that add to the atmosphere and allure, but they are few and far between.
Those veils need to be made by hand pretty often too, weaved or crocheted, or by whatever other method, so none but the rich bother with them.
52Shapes might put an end to that though. Well, veils and ornaments will still be made, no question. It's the whole “only the rich” thing that will end.
All because the design company has launched the “lampshade a week” collection, which is composed of various lampshade models.
Those models are meant to be used with 3D printers. Basically, they let you make a cool-looking lampshade all on your own, assuming you have a 3D printer anyhow.
If you do not, it's not too big an issue because there are 3D printing services now, like photocopy and printing street stores. Not as many and widespread of course, but they are steadily growing in number, and they run online retail operations that take an order and ship it straight to your door a while later.
Anyway, 52Shapes will release a new model every Sunday, steadily increasing the collection as time passes. They come in intricate shapes with holes, facets, gaps, segments, thread-like components, etc.
The lampshades will make light stream in various unique ways, painting your walls in ethereal, surreal patterns.
Scale, hue, direction, texture, structure, all will vary, leading to limitless combinations. And if you have a 3D modeling program, you might even be able to modify a design yourself, before sending it over to be made physical by whoever has a 3D printer closest to your location. The full collection is also up on Facebook, if you want to go straight there.