3D printing is reshaping the creative world, with more and more artists and designers using it to craft unique pieces—from art installations and furniture to fashion and accessories. In recent years, we've witnessed a surge in 3D-printed lighting designs that are not only stylish but also impossible to produce through traditional methods. These luminaires often feature intricate structures that push the boundaries of what's possible.
Now, a new standout piece has emerged. Jo?o Duarte, an electrical engineer from Algarve, Portugal, recently created a stunning DNA-shaped lamp using 3D printing technology for under $30. He named it the "DNA Lamp" due to its double-helix design, which looks like a real strand of DNA. This piece is not just visually striking—it's also mesmerizing, as it seems to move and shift when viewed from different angles.
Duarte first came across 3D models of DNA strands online while testing his printer. He was immediately drawn to their aesthetic and began experimenting with different perspectives. As he rotated the model, he noticed a dynamic visual effect—like the strands were moving up or down. That sparked the idea for a light fixture that could bring this illusion to life.
Although he wasn’t an expert in 3D design, Duarte used Tinkercad, a user-friendly software from Autodesk, to create the entire concept in just a few hours. He designed the lamp’s structure and then printed all the parts, except for the acrylic casing and electronics. The majority of the lamp, including the DNA helix, was 3D printed.
“I chose black PLA for the main structure because it’s a versatile color,†he explained. “But I wanted the DNA to glow in the dark when the lights were off, so I used a special ‘Glow in the Dark’ PLA filament that emits a green glow.â€
Printing the lamp took around 14 hours in total, using two 3D printers: his own DIY Prusa I3 and a machine at a local hacker space called eLab. For the electronics, he incorporated a small motor inside the base to rotate the DNA helix within the acrylic tube. LEDs at the top and bottom of the tube create a smooth, glowing effect. An Arduino microcontroller was used to manage both the motor and the lights.
The result is a low-cost, high-impact creation that blends science, art, and technology into one beautiful piece. At less than $30, the DNA Lamp proves that innovation doesn’t have to be expensive—and that creativity can come from the most unexpected places.
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