The 3d printed Lava Lamp was created entirely on a Makerbot Replicator 2X printer out of white ABS plastic. The lamp is composed of eleven individual pieces that fit within the relatively 
small allowable print volume of the Replicator 2X. Assembled, the lamp is 16" tall.

 

The lamp is the first in a series of projects that will use 3d printing to produce small-scale, 
functional objects. The surface characteristics of the lamp are derived from concentric wood 
grain patterns that yield strange yet compelling lighting and sculptural qualities when 
illuminated. The material thickness of the lamp also varies to accentuate the amount of light 
emanating from the peaks and valleys. Additionally, since the seamlines and "grain direction" 
created by the 3d printing process proved difficult to hide because of the internal lighting, 
there was a conscious decision to design, or at least control those factors. The zig-zagging 
seams and alternating print directions introduce an additional layer of patterning and texture 
to both the form and light quality of the piece.