LED bezels (also known as LED panel-mount holders) are great, so how about 3D printing the next ones you need? Sure, they’re inexpensive to purchase and not exactly uncommon. But we all know that when working on a project, one doesn’t always have everything one might need right at hand. At times like that, 3D printing is like a superpower.
[firstgizmo]’s design is made with 3D printing in mind, and most printers should be able to handle making them. Need something a little different? You’re in luck because the STEP files are provided (something we love to see), which means modifications are just a matter of opening them in your favorite CAD program.
There’s not even any need to export to an STL after making tweaks, because STEP support in slicer programs is now quite common, ever since PrusaSlicer opened that door a few years ago.
Not using 5 mm LEDs, and need some other size? No problem, [firstgizmo] also has 3 mm, 8 mm, and 10 mm versions so that it’s easy to mount those LEDs on a panel. Combined with a tool that turns SVG files into multi-color 3D models, one can even make some panels complete with color and lettering to go with those LEDs. That might be just what’s needed to bring that midnight project to the next level.
To be fair I will consider doing this versus dabbing hot glue on the back if I don’t have to buy ’em
Hot glue is what immediately came to mind.
Don’t need a bezel if the hole in the panel is the same size as the LED itself.
This works until some twit pushes all the LEDs into the panel for you some evening.
For devices that other people will interact with, pick a more robust method.
Not long after I got my first printer (Freaks 3D on KS), the pin-latch piece on my front-load washer door broke. There was already an STL for it on Thingiverse, and after some trial and error with materials, it’s been working great for years.
I now have 2 filament and a resin printer because when you need it soon, these things are a life saver.
Similar is almost $5 EACH from Digikey! By Visual Communications Company – VCC.
It’s apparently due to the cost of the injection mould. Highway robbery.
I would get fired for designing in something like them, even though they are pretty.
Keystone Electronics #8662 $1.45 each.
It makes for nice little phaser banks for Star Trek models.