The Challenge

The objective was to create a large-scale (10-inch diameter) lithophane globe that accurately represents the lunar surface. The primary technical challenge with spherical lithophanes is maintaining perfect surface quality over a long print duration while ensuring the internal structure (infill) is minimal enough to allow for uniform light diffusion without casting internal shadows.

The Solution

The globe was modeled using NASA lunar topography data, ensuring that every crater and mountain range is geographically accurate. To achieve the necessary translucency, the globe was printed in a specialized white PLA with a carefully calculated minimal infill. This allows the light to pass through the thinner "seas" of the moon while being blocked by the thicker "craters," creating a realistic 3D effect when illuminated.

The project was split into two components: the high-detail lunar globe and a custom-designed, separate base. To modernize the piece, it was integrated with a color-changing Smart LED bulb, allowing the user to change the "mood" of the moon (from harvest orange to cold blue) via Alexa or Google Home.

Key Features

Material: Translucent White PLA
Scale: 10-inch diameter (Large-format FDM)
Print Time: ~18 hours for the globe alone
Data Source: High-resolution NASA lunar topography
Hardware Integration: Separate 3D-printed base with integrated AC socket
Smart Features: IoT-enabled color-changing LED for home automation control
Technique: Precision wall-thickness calibration for light-diffusion accuracy

The Result

The result is a striking 1:1 scale lunar model that functions as both a piece of scientific art and a practical smart-home light fixture. By utilizing actual topography data and precision FDM settings, the lamp provides an immersive, high-detail view of the moon that remains visually interesting whether the light is on or off.

NASA Topography "Smart" Moon Lamp