# 3D Printed Dragon Lamp ## Overview https://youtu.be/YYIFtmZFAYs In this project we’re 3D printing a Dragon Lamp! [This dragon](https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/art/dragon-got-lamp-3d-mon) was inspired by Game of Thrones and actually has the Night King riding on its back! It was designed by the [3Demon team](https://3d-mon.com) and it's a very detailed model with a high polygon count. It comes as a kit with different versions. The flame is hollow and designed to fit over a light bulb. The flame is printed in translucent filament to better diffuse the LEDs.   ![3d_printing_hero-loop.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/040/medium640thumb/3d_printing_hero-loop.jpg?1556567920) We’re using the Circuit Playground Express to light it up and with its on-board NeoPixel LEDs you can make it look like a real flame! You can change the colors or program your own animations using CircuitPython. In this guide, we'll get started with tips on how to print without supports and example code for the Circuit Playground Express!   ![3d_printing_hero-wall-1.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/041/medium640/3d_printing_hero-wall-1.jpg?1556568205) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/053/medium800/3d_printing_red-hero-side2.jpg?1556573545) ## Parts ### Circuit Playground Express [Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides) ![A Black woman's manicured hand holds a round microcontroller with lit up LEDs.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/3333-05.jpg) ### USB A/Micro Cable - 2m [USB A/Micro Cable - 2m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2185) This is your standard USB A-Plug to Micro-USB cable. It's 2 meters long so you'll have plenty of cord to work with for those longer extensions. In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2185) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2185/guides) ![USB Cable with Type A and Micro B ends](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2185-00.jpg) ### Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types [Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) Having a 3D printer without filament is sort of like having a regular printer without paper or ink.  And while a lot of printers come with some filament there's a good chance you've been printing up a storm and need something new.  That's why we've started carrying a... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2080/guides) ![Filament for 3D printers in various colors and types stacked together.](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/2080-07.jpg) ### 5V 1A (1000mA) USB port power supply - UL Listed [5V 1A (1000mA) USB port power supply - UL Listed](https://www.adafruit.com/product/501) Need a USB jack for charging or powering a project, but don't want to lug around a computer? This switching supply gives a clean regulated output at up to 1000mA! 110 or 240 input, so it works in any country. The plugs are "US 2-prong" style so you may need a plug adapter, but... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/501) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/501/guides) ![Wall wart power supply with 2 US prong power](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/501-05.jpg) ### Part: Helping Hand Tool quantity: 1 Optional - to hold things during assembly [Helping Hand Tool](https://www.adafruit.com/product/291) ### Part: UV NeoPixel Strip quantity: 1 UV NeoPixel Strip [UV NeoPixel Strip](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3851) ### Part: Super Glue - Starbond EM-150 Medium quantity: 1 Super Glue - Starbond EM-150 Medium [Super Glue - Starbond EM-150 Medium](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C32MHJU/) ### Part: 220 Grit Sand Paper quantity: 1 220 Grit Sand Paper [220 Grit Sand Paper](https://www.amazon.com/Sandpaper-Sheets-Grit-Extra-Gator/dp/B001AVYXTC/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=220+grit+sandpaper&qid=1556630110&s=gateway&sr=8-3) # 3D Printed Dragon Lamp ## Circuit Diagram ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/076/medium800/3d_printing_circuit-diagram.jpg?1556588919) ## USB Power The Circuit Playground Express can stay connected via USB power from either a wall adapter or computer's hub. This allows the board to stay lit as long as you want (nightlight mode anyone?). The Dragon flame has a cutaway to accommodate for a USB cable. A LiPo battery is optional and can be tucked in between the Circuit Playground Express and the 3D printed flame. ### 5V 1A (1000mA) USB port power supply - UL Listed [5V 1A (1000mA) USB port power supply - UL Listed](https://www.adafruit.com/product/501) Need a USB jack for charging or powering a project, but don't want to lug around a computer? This switching supply gives a clean regulated output at up to 1000mA! 110 or 240 input, so it works in any country. The plugs are "US 2-prong" style so you may need a plug adapter, but... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/501) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/501/guides) ![Wall wart power supply with 2 US prong power](https://cdn-shop.adafruit.com/640x480/501-05.jpg) # 3D Printed Dragon Lamp ## Code ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/075/medium800/3d_printing_code.jpg?1556586977) ## Programming This guide shows how to install Circuit Python on the Circuit Playground Express. The example code provided below is by [Phillip Burgess](https://learn.adafruit.com/users/pburgess) in the [Jack-O-Lantern project](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-jack-o-lantern). ## Install CircuitPython The Adafruit Circuit Playground Express ships with CircuitPython but lets go ahead and update it to the latest version. It's super easy with the **circuitpython.org** website, just click the link below to launch the page. There you can choose to install stable release or beta.  **Quick Start** - Connect board to computer via a known good USB and double press the reset button. - Download **circuitpython UF2** and upload to the **CIRCUITBOOT**  drive. - Open **CIRCUITPY** drive and upload the required libraries (listed below) and **code.py** [Download CircuitPython for Circuit Playground](https://circuitpython.org/board/circuitplayground_express/) ## Adafruit Circuit Python Libraries Download the Circuit Python library bundle and unzip the folder. Create a new folder in the **CIRCUITPY** drive and name it " **lib**". The following libraries are required to run the code properly. Double check to ensure all of the files and folders are inside the **lib** folder on the **CIRCUITPY** drive. - **neopixel.mpy** [Download Library Bundle for CircuitPython](https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_CircuitPython_Bundle/releases/latest) ## Demo Code In this project we utilized the [Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-jack-o-lantern) code as is, but you can modify the color and brightness if you wish. https://github.com/adafruit/Adafruit_Learning_System_Guides/blob/main/Circuit_Playground_Jack_o_Lantern/jack_o_lantern_circuit_playground/code.py ## More Projects! Check out these projects below, they're all using Circuit Playground express. **Project Examples** - [Circuit Playground Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-jack-o-lantern) - [Circuit Playground Christmas Tree](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-christmas-tree/software) - [Adventure Time Lamp with Circuit Playground](https://learn.adafruit.com/adventure-time-coffee-cup-lamp) # 3D Printed Dragon Lamp ## 3D Printing ## 3D Printed Parts The parts in this kit are designed to be 3D printed with FDM based machines. STL files may need to be reoriented and cut to print without supports. The smaller version of the dragon can print as one piece with supports. Reference the suggested settings below. Two dragon options are available to download. One is a free version of the dragon model. A second paid version includes multiple flames and sizes of the dragon and flames.   ![3d_printing_parts.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/059/medium640/3d_printing_parts.jpg?1556575843) [Download Free Dragon Model](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:624601) [Download Dragon Model](https://cults3d.com/en/3d-model/art/dragon-got-lamp-3d-mon) ## Settings Use these settings as reference. Values listed were used in [Ultimaker's CURA 3.X](https://ultimaker.com/en/products/ultimaker-cura-software) slicing software. - 0.2mm Layer Height / 0.4mm nozzle - 0.38mm Line Width (inner & outer widths) - 70mm/s printing speed - 20% infill - Supports: No - Brim: 7mm ![3d_printing_slice-loop.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/058/medium640thumb/3d_printing_slice-loop.jpg?1556575585) ## Filament Colors Here are the two filament colors used in this project. To diffuse the flames we used [Translucent PLA.](https://ultimachine.com/collections/pla/products/pla-blue-translucent-3d-printer-filament) The rest of the dragon's body is printed in black glitter infused PLA, Vertigo Galaxy, by [Fillamentum.com](https://fillamentum.com/collections/pla-premium-filament)  ![3d_printing_filaments-close.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/066/medium640/3d_printing_filaments-close.jpg?1556582238) # 3D Printed Dragon Lamp ## Assemble ## Third Helping Hands We utilized helping hands to stabilize and align parts while the glue dries. These have ball joints so you can position things in whatever orientation you need. With the wing span at this scale, those helping hands really did help out on this one. ![3d_printing_glue-head-loop.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/067/medium640thumb/3d_printing_glue-head-loop.jpg?1556582823) We glued the parts together with super glue using with a fine tip – this gives finer control for those smaller pieces. We'll also used 220 grit sandpaper the level sections were parts meet, this will help the parts adhere evenly.   We'll start by gluing the head to the body. Allow the parts to dry for at least 30 minutes and then continue gluing the tail to the body. We printed the split version of each wing to eliminate the need for supports. We'll need glue each wing half together first, before gluing each completed wing to the body. ![3d_printing_third-helping-hands.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/068/medium640/3d_printing_third-helping-hands.jpg?1556582970) ## Add CPX Finally on to the fire!  You can power the Circuit Playground over USB, so you can plug it into a wall adapter or USB hub. The flame has a little slit on the back for a USB cable. ![3d_printing_CPX-flame-cone.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/069/medium640thumb/3d_printing_CPX-flame-cone.jpg?1556584881) The dragon's center of gravity works much like one those [balancing bird sculptures](https://www.google.com/search?q=balancing+bird+sculptures&rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS721US721&oq=balancing+bird+sculptures&aqs=chrome..69i57j0.615j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8). The mouth has a little opening and fits over the tip of the flame so you don’t have to glue it, and it is easy to take it off but you wouldn’t want it to fall off. ## Wall Flame The wall flame part attaches to a flat head screw that is firmly mounted on a flat wall. The slot at the base of the flame slide onto the screw with the tip of the flame facing up. To attach the dragon, we'll gently pass the flame tip into the dragon's mouth and slightly rotate until they can both balance. To illuminate the flame, we used[UV NeoPixels](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3851) near the wall. The translucent PLA is UV reactive! ![3d_printing_hero-spin2.gif](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/070/medium640thumb/3d_printing_hero-spin2.jpg?1556585402) ![3d_printing_wall-attachment.jpg](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/072/medium640/3d_printing_wall-attachment.jpg?1556585756) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/073/medium800/3d_printing_hero-wall-2.jpg?1556585861) ![](https://cdn-learn.adafruit.com/assets/assets/000/075/071/medium800thumb/3d_printing_hero-spin1.jpg?1556585426) ## Featured Products ### Circuit Playground Express [Circuit Playground Express](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) **Circuit Playground Express** is the next step towards a perfect introduction to electronics and programming. We've taken the original Circuit Playground Classic and made it even better! Not only did we pack even more sensors in, we also made it even easier to... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3333) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3333/guides) ### USB A/Micro Cable - 2m [USB A/Micro Cable - 2m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2185) This is your standard USB A-Plug to Micro-USB cable. It's 2 meters long so you'll have plenty of cord to work with for those longer extensions. In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2185) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2185/guides) ### 5V 1A (1000mA) USB port power supply - UL Listed [5V 1A (1000mA) USB port power supply - UL Listed](https://www.adafruit.com/product/501) Need a USB jack for charging or powering a project, but don't want to lug around a computer? This switching supply gives a clean regulated output at up to 1000mA! 110 or 240 input, so it works in any country. The plugs are "US 2-prong" style so you may need a plug adapter, but... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/501) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/501/guides) ### Adafruit NeoPixel UV LED Strip with 32 LED/m [Adafruit NeoPixel UV LED Strip with 32 LED/m](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3851) What new iteration of NeoPixel strip is this? Roll out the black light and disco ball! It's an **Adafruit NeoPixel**   **Ultraviolet****  Strip with 32 LEDs per meter**! Each order comes as a single one meter long strip. If you order multiple... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/3851) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/3851/guides) ### Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types [Filament for 3D Printers in Various Colors and Types](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) Having a 3D printer without filament is sort of like having a regular printer without paper or ink.  And while a lot of printers come with some filament there's a good chance you've been printing up a storm and need something new.  That's why we've started carrying a... Out of Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2080) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2080/guides) ### Ultimaker 2+ 3D Printer [Ultimaker 2+ 3D Printer](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2673) The **Ultimaker 2+** is one of our favorite 3D printers on the market. It's a well-built open-source compact machine with an excellent UX. Every inch of the Ultimaker 2+ is designed to create the most effortless and reliable 3D printing experience ever!  No Longer Stocked [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/2673) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/2673/guides) ### Helping Third Hand Magnifier W/Magnifying Glass Tool [Helping Third Hand Magnifier W/Magnifying Glass Tool](https://www.adafruit.com/product/291) The classic 'third hand tool,' as seen on every desk! We have one next to our [Panavise jr](//www.adafruit.com/products/151), they complement each other well. This tool is good for holding small PCBs and wires for tinning or soldering to parts.   - Every... In Stock [Buy Now](https://www.adafruit.com/product/291) [Related Guides to the Product](https://learn.adafruit.com/products/291/guides) ## Related Guides - [Adafruit Circuit Playground Express](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-circuit-playground-express.md) - [Anatomical 3D Printed Beating Heart with MakeCode](https://learn.adafruit.com/anatomical-3d-printed-beating-heart-with-makecode.md) - [3D Printed Heel Clips](https://learn.adafruit.com/3d-printed-heel-clips.md) - [Trash-Built Robotic Fish](https://learn.adafruit.com/trash-robo-fish.md) - [Adafruit Circuit Playground TFT Gizmo](https://learn.adafruit.com/adafruit-tft-gizmo.md) - [Circuit Playground Gizmo Ornaments](https://learn.adafruit.com/display-ornaments-with-circuit-playground.md) - [Crickit Lab Shaker](https://learn.adafruit.com/crickit-lab-shaker.md) - [Chatty Light-Up Circuit Playground Express Mask](https://learn.adafruit.com/chatty-light-up-cpx-mask.md) - [Circuit Playground Powerpuff Girls Valentine](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-valentine.md) - [Thanksgiving Robotic Turkey Hand with Circuit Playground Express and Crickit](https://learn.adafruit.com/talking-turkey-hand.md) - [Circuit Playground Slouch Detector](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-slouch-detector.md) - [Circuit Playground Hot Potato](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-hot-potato.md) - [DIY Circuit Playground Shields](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-shields.md) - [Circuit Playground Hourglass](https://learn.adafruit.com/circuit-playground-hourglass.md) - [CPX Mystery Dreidel](https://learn.adafruit.com/cpx-mystery-dreidel.md) - [Make It Sense](https://learn.adafruit.com/make-it-sense.md)