Sri Lankan Vesak Lantern

Why?

Over-engineerd, you might say. Why you couldn't you just print 6 squares and be done with it? well, lot's of waiting and manual effort. If you have a printing bed equivalent to 250mmX250mm or larger, then you can print all the parts you need for an entire lantern in one go. Print > Put another to print while assembling the first > Repeat. 

Printing

There's only 3 types of parts you need print, however you need print these multiple times. Note that dimensional accuracy is key for all parts to fit correctly. The examples in the picture were printed with basic PLA using a Bambu Labs P1S printer. 

The files are named to help you with how many to print. <part number>x<prints per lantern>, i.e. Part1x12.stl

Process

The first goal is to assemble a single square using 4 corner pieces and 4 middle pieces. Then make six of these. Once you have finished six squares, finally assemble them to resemble a lantern as shown on the picture. Easy.

Assembly

The two corner fittings are slightly different, where one has a small nipple and the other has a corresponding slot. This is useful for when assembling all six squares together. These help to align the squares with each other. 

Each square needs 4 middle pieces and 2 of each corner piece (8 pieces in total). 

The middle pieces have a small tab which slots in to the corner piece. 

The two corner pieces with the “nipple” should be placed diagonally to each other in the square. 

Use a small hammer or a plyer to apply gentle pressure and ensure the middle pieces sit flush with corner pieces.

I've also used super-glue with the middle tabs, but not strictly neccasary if it's a tight fit.

I used zip-ties to assemble the 6 squares to it's final lantern skeleton form. This part is quicker/less frustrating with another pair of hands.

There is a small indent in the centre of each middle piece which is intended for some sort of string to hang the lantern.

Enjoy & Good luck!