So, I designed this light around the same time Jeff Hanko (Hanko Machine Works), Jeff Sapp (Okluma), Tim Miklos (TM Creations [iirc]), Charles Wiggins (CWF), and many others got started. I had access to the imagination, creativity, engineering requirements, and Autodesk Inventor Parametric Modeling Software. This particular rendition is a dedicated WML that doubles as an EDC; This is the 1×18650 version, but it also was designed as a 2×18650 Parallel. The light feels great, but my favorite thing about 3D printing is that this prototype cost all of 50 cents (if that) and took an hour with no loss of time; Once I realized I put absolutely zero anti-roll features, I realized I need to change the design. Also, I designed it to use a McClickie, which I've never even owned or used, which was a silly oversight. I don't have access to a Lathe or material, so I still can't manufacture it, but I am excited about actually taking a step outside of a conceptual 3D file to physical reality.
There's not much more design to be done, mostly just finalizing construction and sourcing a McClickie for testing.
Please ignore the "toughness testing" damage; I must say, 3D printed PLA is much sturdier than I had imagined.
by IrrationalGold
1 Comment
I feel obligated to add that this design is intentionally simple. As simple as it looks, it still involved a complex (to a beginner) series of Sweep commands and Modeled Threads.
I modeled this to be relatively easy to hold in the mouth, secure to hold with gloves and without knurling, tough as f***, and nearly perfect for EDC… all of this was before I owned a Zebralight and realized that THAT is the perfect EDC.
Either way, this design was one of my absolute favorites to create because it helped me learn and understand so many aspects of Parametric Modeling that I have used ever since.