Laser Cut Edge Lit Signs for Christmas 2020

2020-12-10 | By Kitronik Maker

License: See Original Project

Courtesy of Kitronik

Christmas 2020 is almost here and that means it's time to make shiny things. Like you needed an excuse! So, let's leave 2020 in the rear-view mirror in style with some Christmas themed laser cut edge-lit signs.

We designed the base for this edge-lit sign here and then used it again for the Halloween 2020 edge-lit sign. Why re-invent the wheel? If you've already made a base, then this will be a quick win for you!

We Used:

• Follow the instructions for creating the base here.
• The parts required for the base are:
• Midnight Black Perspex Sheet (Frosted) 3mm x 600mm x 400mm
• Clear Perspex Sheet (Cast) 5mm x 600mm x 400mm
• 4 x M3 x 12mm Machine Screws
• 1 x M3 x 6mm Machine Screw
• 5V LED Lit Strip Board
• A Micro USB Cable
• A USB Power Supply
• Our DXF Design Files
• For creating the top, we used:
• Clear Perspex Sheet 5mm x 600mm x 300mm
• Red Perspex Sheet (Fluorescent) 5mm x 600mm x 400mm
• DXF Christmas File
• Laser cutter

Laser Cut Edge Lit Signs for Christmas 2020:

The first step is to make the base, as out lined in this guide. It's a very simple build of layered Perspex and one of our LED Strip boards.

The LED Strip used in the base is a board designed for low power lighting, such as desk lamps or accent lights. The board is designed such that it is within the supply rating of a computer USB port (under 100mA). This, and its small physical footprint (50mm x 10mm), makes it ideal for this application.

Grab the DXF Files:

We've produced two ready to go designs in the same DXF file. You can either go straight to the laser cutter with these designs, or you can use these as the basis for your own designs.

The Sign Material:

We've listed the Perspex sheets we went for in the 'We Used' section above, but you can use any clear or fluorescent 5mm sheets you have on hand. No matter the colour, they will look good!

To the Laser Cutter:

We imported each of the designs into the laser cutter software individually, because... photo opportunity... but normally we would just cut them together.

The first design is a nice bauble/snow-globe inspired design. Unite the lines in the design. Duplicate the inner design, setting the first to engrave and the second copy to cut on half power to outline the design. Then, lastly, have the laser cut all the way through around the perimeter.

The second was designed specifically to hold the Merry Christmas message but it can also serve as a template for your own custom message. Unite the lines in the design. Duplicate the inner design, setting the first to engrave and the second copy to cut on half power to outline the design. Then, lastly, have the laser cut all the way through around the perimeter.

Once the laser cutter has finished and the cut and the engraved pieces have had a bit of clean, it's time to take it for a test drive. If you've customised yours in any way, or even if you haven't, we would love to see them! Tag us on social media and we will share your creations!

Also, remember to hang on to the base as I'm sure we will make more signs to fit it in the future!

More Christmas Project Ideas:

• Kitronik Christmas Fair - Stepper Ferris Wheel
• The Kitronik Christmas Fair - ZIP LED Helter Skelter
• Kitronik Christmas Fair - Bandstand And Stalls
• Christmas 2016 Project Ideas
• ZIP Halo Christmas Tree
• microbit ZIP Halo Christmas Baubles
• MI:power microbit Christmas Baubles
• Development Of The Christmas Bells
• Servo & microbit Controlled Christmas Bells
• Day 3 - BBC microbit ZIP Halo Compass
• :MOVE mini Santa Sleigh

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