Summer 2021, SOFWERX
Light Fixture Lithophane for US Special Operations Command Lobby
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The Problem
We were approached by the US Special Operations Command (SOCOM) to make new light fixtures for their lobby. They asked for something that could show the SOCOM logo through the light. Shown here are the original light fixtures from the lobby.
CAD Prototype
From previous hobbyist work I did with 3D printing, I had the idea to make a lithophane insert that could be put into the light fixture. Pictured here is the CAD done in Solidworks.
Prototype
In this lithophane, certain areas are made of thicker material than other parts. Then when a light is shone through the lithophane the thicker parts appear darker thus allowing an image to be created. This small prototype helped me pitch the idea to my supervisors and test different thicknesses and orientations for the final part.
Final Part Delivered
Four of these final inserts were made and put into the original light fixtures (which got painted black). They are now on display in the US Special Operations Headquarters. This picture was taken 4 months after the fixtures were installed showing that the lithophanes have held up to the heat from the lights.