3d-printed object covered with heat-shrink elements

Abstract

The invention provides a 3D printed object (210) and a method of manufacturing such object (210) by fused deposition modeling. The method comprises the following steps in sequence: (i) 3D printing a printable material (120) to produce a layer stack (230) of printed material (120), wherein the layer stack (210) bounds a space (240), wherein the layer stack (210) has an inner stack surface (231) facing the space and an outer stack surface (232) facing away from the space, (ii) providing a heat shrink (250) onto the layer stack (230), wherein the heat shrink (250) has an inner heat shrink surface (251) facing the outer stack surface and an outer heat shrink surface (252) facing away from the outer stack surface, and (iii) applying heat to cause the heat shrink (250) to shrink, such that the inner heat shrink surface (251) is in physical contact with the outer stack surface (232) and the heat shrink (250) is conformal with the layer stack (230). The layer stack (230) is light transmissive, and the heat shrink (250) is arranged to provide an optical effect selected from the group consisting of refraction, diffraction, reflection, diffusion and conversion. The 3D printed object (210) can be used as a component of a lighting device (600), such as a lamp shade.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing objects by 3D printing, particularly by fused deposition modeling. The invention also relates to objects obtainable using this manufacturing method, and to lighting devices comprising such objects. Background Technology

[0002] Digital manufacturing promises to increasingly transform the nature of global manufacturing. One of the key processes used in digital manufacturing is 3D printing. The term "3D printing" refers to the process in which materials are joined or cured under computer control to create three-dimensional objects of virtually any shape or geometry. These three-dimensional objects are typically created using data from a 3D model and are usually produced by adding material layer by layer in a continuous manner.

[0003] Many different 3D printing technologies are known in this field.

[0004] US5121329 discloses an apparatus comprising a movable dispensing head provided with a material supply that cures at a predetermined temperature, and a base member that moves relative to each other along the X, Y, and Z axes in a predetermined pattern to create a three-dimensional object by depositing material discharged from the dispensing head onto the base member at a controlled rate. This 3D printing technology is known as fused deposition modeling (FDM).

[0005] FDM, also known as fused filament fabrication (FFF) or filament 3D printing (FDP), is one of the most commonly used forms of 3D printing. FDM printers are relatively fast, inexpensive, and can be used to print complex three-dimensional objects. These printers are used to print various shapes using a wide range of 3D printable materials.

[0006] In the FDM process, a 3D printer creates objects layer by layer by extruding a filament of printable material (typically thermoplastic) along a toolpath generated from a digital representation of the object. The printable material is heated just above the solidification level and extruded through the nozzles of the 3D printer's print head. The extruded printable material fuses to the previously deposited material and solidifies as the temperature decreases. In a typical 3D printer, the printable material is deposited as a series of planar layers onto a substrate that defines the build plane. The print head is then positioned relative to the substrate along the print axis (perpendicular to the build plane), and this process is repeated until the object is complete. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Objects manufactured by FDM typically exhibit a characteristic ribbed surface structure derived from deposited filaments. Depending on the intended application of the object, this ribbed surface structure may be undesirable. For example, for some applications, a smooth surface structure, or at least as smooth as possible, is preferred. This can be achieved by performing a final stage after the printing stage. This final stage may include one or more post-processing steps, such as polishing, solvent treatment, or coating.

[0008] FDM is currently being further developed in the production of various components for lighting equipment, such as reflectors, diffusers, and lampshades for luminaires. For at least a few of these components, it is preferable that they have smooth surfaces, not only for aesthetic reasons (e.g., to conceal ribbed surface structures) but also for technical reasons (e.g., to provide desired optical functions, such as light reflection).

[0009] The object of the present invention is to address the aforementioned needs. In a first aspect, the present invention provides a method for creating an object by fused deposition modeling, wherein the method includes the step of 3D printing a printable material to produce a stack of layers of the printable material, wherein the stack defines a space, and wherein the stack has an inner stack surface and an outer stack surface, the inner stack surface facing the space and the outer stack surface facing away from the space. The method further includes the step of providing a heat-shrinkable element on the stack, wherein the heat-shrinkable element has an inner heat-shrinkable surface and an outer heat-shrinkable surface, the inner heat-shrinkable surface facing the outer stack surface and the outer heat-shrinkable surface facing away from the outer stack surface. The method further includes the step of applying heat to shrink the heat-shrinkable element such that the inner heat-shrinkable surface is in physical contact with the outer stack surface, and the heat-shrinkable element is conformal to the stack. In the above method, the stack is translucent, and the heat-shrinkable element is arranged to provide an optical effect selected from the group consisting of: refraction, diffraction, reflection, diffusion, and conversion.

[0010] The term "printable material" refers to the material to be deposited or printed, while the term "printable material" refers to the material obtained after deposition. These materials can be substantially the same, as printable material can specifically refer to the material at elevated temperatures in the printhead or extruder, and printable material refers to the same material deposited in a later stage. Printable materials are typically printed into filaments and deposited as is. Printable materials can be provided as filaments or can be formed into filaments.

[0011] The term "printable material" can refer to a single type of printable material, or it can refer to a variety of different printable materials. Similarly, the term "printing material" can refer to a single type of printing material, or it can refer to a variety of different printing materials.

[0012] Suitable examples of printable materials can be selected from the group consisting of glass, (thermoplastic) polymers, and silicones. In particular, printable materials can be (thermoplastic) polymers selected from the group consisting of: polystyrene (such as acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)), polyamides (such as nylon), polyacetate, polyesters (such as polylactic acid (PLA) and polyethylene terephthalate (PET)), polymethyl methacrylate (such as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)), polyethylene (such as low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)), polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polycarbonate (PC), sulfur-containing polymers (such as polysulfone), and polyurethane.

[0013] The method according to the first aspect sequentially includes the following steps: 3D printing a printable material to produce a stack of layers of the printable material, providing a heat-shrinkable element on the stack of layers, and applying heat to cause the heat-shrinkable element to shrink. The term "sequentially" should be interpreted as indicating the order in which the above method steps are performed. The method may include additional method steps, even between two of the above method steps, as long as the order of the above method steps is maintained.

[0014] The steps of 3D printing printable materials involve creating a stack of layers of the printing material, where the stack defines a space. This means that at least a portion of the space's boundary is formed by the stack of layers. The stack of layers can surround or enclose the space. In this case, the space can also be referred to as a cavity or shell. The surface of the stack of layers facing the space is called the inner stack surface, while the surface of the stack of layers facing away from the space is called the outer stack surface. Each of the inner and outer stack surfaces can be a plane or a curved surface.

[0015] The layer stack created in the above method steps can have at least 50 layers of printing material. Each of the inner and outer stack surfaces can have a surface area of ​​at least 100 square centimeters.

[0016] After the layers of printing material have been stacked, heat shrinkage is provided on the stack. The term "heat shrinkable part" refers to a component that exhibits shrinkage when heated. Heat shrinkable parts are typically shrinkable plastic tubes or sleeves that can be placed on or around an article so that they fit tightly against or wrap around the article when heated.

[0017] The surface of a heat shrinkable part facing the outer stack surface of the stack is called the inner heat shrinkable surface, and the surface of a heat shrinkable part facing away from the outer stack surface of the stack is called the outer heat shrinkable surface.

[0018] Heat shrinkable parts can have any shape, such as tubular or conical. After the heat shrinkable part has been provided onto the laminate stack, heat is applied to cause it to shrink. During shrinkage, the dimensions of the heat shrinkable part change, and it comes into physical contact with the outer stack surface. When shrinkage is complete, the heat shrinkable part conforms to the laminate stack. The step of applying heat can be performed using a hot air gun in an oven or by using any other source of hot air flow.

[0019] When the inner heat-shrinkable surface is in physical contact with the outer stack surface and the heat-shrinkable part conforms to the stack, the configuration is held in place by the close conformal heat shrinkage and the friction between the stacks. The heat-shrinkable part may have an adhesive layer on the surface of the inner heat-shrinkable part to further improve adhesion to the outer stack surface.

[0020] In the method according to the first aspect, a light-transmitting layer stack is created by 3D printing. In addition to the light-transmitting layer stack, the method may also include creating one or more additional layer stacks by 3D printing, wherein one or more of these additional layer stacks may also be light-transmitting or opaque.

[0021] A layer stack is transparent when at least a portion of it allows light to pass through. A layer stack as a whole is opaque when it does not allow light to pass through.

[0022] The term "transparent" includes the terms "semi-transparent" and "transparent." "Transparent" refers to a physical property that allows light to pass through a material without significant light scattering. "Semi-transparent" refers to a physical property that allows light to pass through, where photons can be scattered at the interface. An opaque stack of layers is neither transparent nor semi-transparent. Instead, it reflects, scatters, and / or absorbs all light incident upon it.

[0023] In the method according to the first aspect, the heat-shrinkable element is arranged to provide an optical effect selected from the group consisting of refraction, diffraction, reflection, diffusion and conversion.

[0024] The term "refraction" refers to the change in direction of light as it travels from one medium to another or gradually changes direction within a medium. Prisms and lenses can be used to redirect light through refraction.

[0025] The term "diffraction" refers to the various phenomena that occur when light encounters an obstacle or gap. It can be defined as light bending around the angle of an obstacle or entering the geometrically shadowed region of an obstacle or aperture through an aperture, where the diffracting object or aperture effectively becomes a secondary source for the propagation of light.

[0026] The term "reflection" refers to the change in direction of light at the interface between two different media, causing the light to return to the medium of its origin. For specular reflection, the angle at which light strikes the surface is equal to the angle at which it is reflected. Specular reflection can be achieved using mirrors. For diffuse reflection, light incident on the surface is scattered at many angles, rather than at a single angle as in specular reflection.

[0027] The term "diffuse" refers to a situation in which light passes through a material without being absorbed, but instead undergoes repeated scattering events that change the direction of its path.

[0028] The term "conversion" refers to a change in the wavelength of light (such as through photoluminescence), in which light is emitted from any form of matter after absorption by electromagnetic radiation. Light conversion via photoluminescence can be achieved by using phosphors.

[0029] Heat shrinkable elements may be arranged only partially on the layer stack to provide one or more of the aforementioned optical effects. The heat shrinkable elements may cover at least 80% of the layer stack, such as at least 90% of the layer stack or the entire layer stack.

[0030] Heat-shrinkable components can be partially reflective (e.g., in the range of 10% to 40%) and partially transmissive (e.g., in the range of 60% to 90%). This results in improved optical effects because some light is redirected by the partially reflected heat-shrinkable component, while the component still transmits light. This optical effect may be required in components used in lighting applications, such as lampshades.

[0031] Heat shrinkable parts can have a reflectivity of 85% or higher. Heat shrinkable parts can be specular reflective heat shrinkable parts.

[0032] Heat-shrinkable components may include polymeric materials, such as thermoplastics. Examples of suitable thermoplastics are polyolefins, fluoropolymers (e.g., fluorinated ethylene propylene, or FEP, and polytetrafluoroethylene, or PTFE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), neoprene rubber, and silicone elastomers. The polymeric material may have certain characteristics for providing one or more of the aforementioned optical effects, such as refractive characteristics and / or diffraction characteristics. To provide a conversion optical effect, the polymeric material may include a luminescent material. To provide a reflective optical effect, the polymer may include reflective particles such as flakes or glitter particles, and / or the polymer may include scattering particles such as BaSO4 particles, Al2O3 particles, and TiO2 particles.

[0033] A heat-shrinkable part can be a heat-shrinkable part comprising a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is a polymer layer and the second layer is a layer for providing one or more of the aforementioned optical effects, and wherein the inner heat-shrinkable surface is the surface of the second layer. The layer for providing one or more of the aforementioned optical effects may also be called an optical layer. An example of an optical layer is a metal layer. Metal layers can be applied by deposition methods such as physical vapor deposition (PVD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Examples of suitable physical vapor deposition techniques are sputtering and evaporation.

[0034] The heat shrinkable part can be a heat shrinkable part comprising a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is a decorative layer and the second layer is an optical layer, wherein the outer heat shrinkable surface is the surface of the first layer (i.e., the decorative layer), and wherein the inner heat shrinkable surface is the surface of the second layer (i.e., the optical layer). The decorative layer can be a coloring layer, a pattern layer, or a texture layer.

[0035] Layer stacks can be transparent. Transparent layer stacks allow light to pass through without significant light scattering. Using transparent layer stacks, any influence of the stack on the optical effects provided by the heat-shrinkable component can be minimized. Furthermore, transparent layer stacks can allow for light collimation.

[0036] Alternatively, the layer stack can be arranged to provide an optical effect selected from the group consisting of refraction, diffraction, reflection, diffusion, and conversion. In this case, each of the layer stack and the heat-shrinkable element is arranged to provide an optical effect, and if these optical effects are different, each of these optical effects can complement or enhance another optical effect.

[0037] Between the steps of 3D printing printable material to produce a stack of light-transmitting layers and providing a heat-shrinkable part on the stack of light-transmitting layers, a light source can be arranged relative to the stack of light-transmitting layers such that after the step of applying heat to shrink the heat-shrinkable part, the light source is sandwiched between the heat-shrinkable part and the stack of light-transmitting layers. The light source can be arranged to emit light in a direction toward the stack of light-transmitting layers and / or in a direction toward the heat-shrinkable part. The light source may include one or more light-emitting elements, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs).

[0038] Instead of arranging the light source in the separate steps described above, a heat-shrinkable component that already has a light source integrated therein or attached to it can also be used.

[0039] In a second aspect, the present invention provides an object obtainable by the method according to the first aspect.

[0040] The object according to the second aspect comprises a space defined by a stack of layers of 3D printed material. The stack has an inner stack surface and an outer stack surface, wherein the inner stack surface faces the space and the outer stack surface faces away from the space. The object also includes a heat-shrinkable element. The heat-shrinkable element has an inner heat-shrinkable surface and an outer heat-shrinkable surface, wherein the inner heat-shrinkable surface faces the outer stack surface and the outer heat-shrinkable surface faces away from the outer stack surface. The inner heat-shrinkable surface is in physical contact with the outer stack surface, and the heat-shrinkable element is conformal to the stack. The stack is translucent, and the heat-shrinkable element is arranged to provide an optical effect selected from the group consisting of refraction, diffraction, reflection, diffusion, and conversion.

[0041] According to the second aspect, the object can be a lampshade. A lampshade is a fixed device used to cover the light source of a lighting device, typically for diffusing the light emitted by the light source. Instead of diffusing, or in addition to diffusing, the lampshade can be arranged to provide one or more other optical effects, such as refraction, diffraction, reflection, and conversion. If the object is a lampshade, it may also include a socket for receiving the light source.

[0042] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a lighting device comprising an object according to the second aspect.

[0043] The lighting device also includes a light source arranged in a space defined by the stack of layers of objects. The light source is arranged to emit light toward the stack of layers such that at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source passes through the stack of layers to experience the optical effects provided by the heat-shrinkable element.

[0044] In the lighting device according to the third aspect, the object according to the second aspect is arranged to perform the function of a lampshade. Attached Figure Description

[0045] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic diagrams, in which corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts, and in the drawings:

[0046] Figure 1 A 3D printer is shown in the process of manufacturing objects through fused deposition modeling;

[0047] Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 (b) shows an object manufactured by fused deposition modeling;

[0048] Figure 3 (a) and Figure 3 (b) shows Figure 2 (a) and Figure 2 The object in (b) and the heat shrinkable component;

[0049] Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) shows the results before and after the heat-shrinkable part has shrunk. Figure 3 The objects in (a) and 3(b);

[0050] Figure 5 (a) and Figure 5 (b) shows respectively Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) close-up;

[0051] Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) shows a lighting device comprising an object as a lampshade and a light source;

[0052] Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 (d) shows a heat-shrinkable component capable of providing various optical effects;

[0053] Figure 8 A close-up of the object is shown, in which the heat-shrinkable component comprises two layers;

[0054] Figure 9 A close-up of the object is shown, in which the heat-shrinkable component comprises two layers;

[0055] Figure 10 (a) to Figure 10 (c) shows an object in which a light source is sandwiched between a heat-shrinkable component and a stack of layers; and

[0056] Figure 11 It shows the various shapes that an object can have.

[0057] The diagram does not need to be drawn to scale. Detailed Implementation

[0058] Figure 1 A 3D printer is shown in the process of manufacturing an object by fused deposition modeling. The 3D printer has a printhead 110. Printable material 120 is extruded through the nozzle of the printhead 100. The printable material 120 is deposited onto a build plane 140 to form a layer stack 132 including a printable material layer 131.

[0059] Figure 2 Images (a) and (b) show the object 210 manufactured by fused deposition modeling. The object 210 has a hollow truncated cone shape. Figure 2 In (a), the dashed lines indicate that object 210 is composed of a series of layers.

[0060] Figure 2(b) shows a cross-section of object 210 in a vertical plane. The cross-section shows the individual layers of printed material 220 that together form a layer stack 230, which in turn constitutes object 210. The cross-section clearly shows the ribbed surface structure, a feature of the object formed by fused deposition modeling.

[0061] Layer stack 230 defines space 240. Space 240 is the interior of a hollow truncated cone. Layer stack 230 has an inner stacking surface 231 and an outer stacking surface 232. The inner stacking surface 231 faces space 240 (the interior of the hollow truncated cone), and the outer stacking surface 232 faces away from space 240 (the exterior of the hollow truncated cone).

[0062] Figure 3 (a) Object 210 is shown again, but now a heat-shrinkable component 250 is also provided. The heat-shrinkable component 250 is formed as a perfect cylinder. In other words, the heat-shrinkable component 250 is a tube with a circular cross-section.

[0063] Figure 3 (b) shows a cross-section of the object 210 and the heat shrinkable component 250 in a vertical plane. The heat shrinkable component 250 has an inner heat shrinkable surface 251 and an outer heat shrinkable surface 252. The inner heat shrinkable surface 251 faces the outer stacked surface 232. The outer heat shrinkable surface 252 faces away from the outer stacked surface 252.

[0064] Figure 4 (a) again showed Figure 3 (b) cross section. Figure 4 (b) shows an object 210 after the heat shrinkable part 250 has been shrunk to make the inner heat shrinkable surface 251 physically contact the outer stack surface 232 and to make the heat shrinkable part 250 conform to the stack 230 (for clarity, reference numerals 232 and 251 are used in the figure). Figure 4 (not shown in (b)). For example, Figure 4 The object 210 shown has its entire layer stack 230 covered by heat-shrinkable material 250. Alternatively, only a portion of the layer stack may be covered by heat-shrinkable material. Furthermore, the object may have two or more distinct layer stacks, where the layer stacks of a first subgroup are covered by one or more heat-shrinkable materials, while the layer stacks of a second subgroup are not covered by heat-shrinkable material.

[0065] Figure 5 (a) shows Figure 4 (a) is a close-up of a cross section. The close-up includes a portion of the layer stack 230, a portion of the space 240 and a portion of the heat shrinkable part 250, as well as an inner stack surface 231, an outer stack surface 232, an inner surface 251 of the heat shrinkable part and an outer surface 252 of the heat shrinkable part.

[0066] Figure 5(b) shows the situation after heat has been applied to the heat-shrinkable component 250. The inner heat-shrinkable surface 251 is now in physical contact with the outer stacked surface 232 (for clarity, reference numerals 232 and 251 are not used). Figure 5 (as shown in (b)) and the heat-shrinkable element 250 conforms to the layer stack 230. The inner surface of the object 210 is still formed by the inner stack surface 231, which exhibits the characteristic rib-like surface texture. At least a portion of the outer surface of the object 210 is now formed by the outer heat-shrinkable surface 252, instead of the outer stack surface 232. Depending on the thickness of the heat-shrinkable element 250, the characteristic rib-like surface texture of the outer stack surface 232 becomes flattened or smoothed within the area covered by the heat-shrinkable element 250.

[0067] for Figures 2 to 5 The object 210 shown has a transparent layer stack 230. In other words, light can pass through the layer stack 230 without significant light scattering. For the purposes of this invention, the layer stack need not be transparent, as long as it is light-transmitting.

[0068] for Figures 2 to 5 The heat-shrinkable element 250 of the illustrated object 210 is arranged to provide a reflective optical effect. In other words, the heat-shrinkable element 250 is light-reflective. For the purposes of this invention, the heat-shrinkable element 250 need not be light-reflective. Instead of light reflection, or in addition to light reflection, the heat-shrinkable element may be arranged to provide one or more of the optical effects of refraction, diffraction, diffusion, and conversion.

[0069] Object 210 can be used as a lampshade in a lighting device. Figure 6 (a) and Figure 6 (b) shows a lighting device 600 comprising an object 210 as a lampshade and a light source 610 arranged in a space 240. The light source 610 is arranged to emit light toward the layer stack 230 such that at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source 610 passes through the layer stack 230 to be reflected by the heat shrink member 250. Figure 6 (b) shows a close-up of the lighting device 600 when the light source 610 emits light. Light rays 611, 612 and 613 are emitted by the light source 610 and pass through the layer stack 230 before being reflected by the heat shrink member 250.

[0070] As already mentioned, instead of light reflection, or in addition to light reflection, the heat-shrinkable element can be arranged to provide one or more other optical effects, such as refraction and diffusion. This is in Figure 7 (a) to Figure 7 As shown in (d).

[0071] Figure 7 (a) shows a close-up of the case where the heat shrinkable part 751 is a specular reflector. Figure 7(b) shows a close-up of the case where the heat shrinkable element 752 is refractive. Figure 7 (c) shows a close-up of the heat shrinkable element 753 in the case of diffuse reflection. The heat shrinkable element can also be configured to provide optical effects of diffraction and conversion.

[0072] In addition, heat-shrinkable elements can be arranged to provide a combination of two or more of the aforementioned optical effects. Figure 7 (d) shows a close-up of a heat-shrinkable component 754 that is partially reflective and partially transparent.

[0073] Figure 8 A close-up view is shown of a heat-shrinkable component 850 comprising a first layer 851 and a second layer 852. The first layer 851 comprises a polymer material, and the second layer 852 is a metallic layer. The second layer 852 is reflective and in contact with the layer stack 230. Alternatively, the first layer may be in contact with the layer stack 230, in which case the first layer is preferably translucent.

[0074] Figure 9 A close-up view is shown of a heat-shrinkable component 950 comprising a first layer 951 and a second layer 952. The first layer 951 is a decorative layer in the form of a coloring layer. The second layer 952 is a reflective metallic layer. The outer heat-shrinkable surface is the surface of the first layer 951, and the inner heat-shrinkable surface is the surface of the second layer 952. In other words, the first layer 951 is arranged to determine the appearance (color) of the object, while the second layer 952 is arranged to provide an optical effect (reflection) when light is received through the layer stack 230. Alternatively, the first layer can be a different type of decorative layer, such as a patterned layer or a textured layer. Furthermore, the second layer can be arranged to provide different optical effects, such as diffusion or conversion.

[0075] Figure 10 (a) to Figure 10 (c) shows a similar Figure 4 (a) and Figure 4 (b) Cross-sectional view.

[0076] exist Figure 10 In (a), a light source 1000 is arranged relative to the layer stack 230 before the step of applying heat to shrink the heat-shrinkable member 250. Figure 10 In (b), the light source 1000 is integrated into the heat shrinkable component 250.

[0077] like Figure 10 As shown in (c), for Figure 10 (a) and Figure 10 In the case shown in (b), after heat is applied to shrink the heat-shrinkable member 250, the light source 1000 is sandwiched between the heat-shrinkable member 250 and the light-transmitting layer stack 230.

[0078] exist Figure 10(a) to Figure 10 In (c), the light source 1000 includes at least two light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 1010 and 1020, which are arranged to emit light in a direction toward the light-transmitting layer stack 230. Alternatively, the light source may be arranged to emit light in a direction away from the layer stack 230.

[0079] In the above description, object 210 is shaped as a hollow frustum, and it can be used as a lampshade. This is for illustrative purposes only. The object can have any suitable shape, as long as it has a stack of light-transmitting layers that define a space. Figure 11 Other suitable shapes for the object are shown. Furthermore, the object can also be used as various components in lighting equipment, such as reflectors, diffusers, or collimators.

[0080] It should be noted that the above embodiments are illustrative rather than limiting of the invention, and those skilled in the art will be able to devise many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. Any reference numerals placed in parentheses in the claims should not be construed as limiting the claims. The use of the verb "comprising" and its variations does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those described in the claims. The article "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The invention can be implemented by hardware comprising several different elements and by a suitably programmed computer. In the device claims enumerating several means, several of these means can be implemented by the same hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not imply that combinations of these measures cannot be advantageously used.

[0081] The various aspects discussed in this patent can be combined to provide additional advantages. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that embodiments can be combined, and more than two embodiments can be combined.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing an object (210) by fused deposition modeling, the method comprising the following steps in sequence: 3D printing printable material to produce a stack of layers (230) of printable material, wherein the stack of layers (230) defines a space (240), wherein the stack of layers (230) has an inner stack surface (231) and an outer stack surface (232), the inner stack surface (231) facing the space (240) and the outer stack surface (232) facing away from the space (240). A heat-shrinkable element (250) is provided on the stack (230), wherein the heat-shrinkable element (250) has an inner heat-shrinkable surface (251) and an outer heat-shrinkable surface (252), the inner heat-shrinkable surface (251) facing the outer stack surface (232) and the outer heat-shrinkable surface (252) facing away from the outer stack surface (232), and Heat is applied to cause the heat-shrinkable element (250) to shrink, such that the inner heat-shrinkable surface (251) is in physical contact with the outer stacked surface (232) and the heat-shrinkable element (250) conforms to the layer stack (230). The layer stack (230) therein is light-transmitting, and The heat shrinkable element (250) is arranged to provide an optical effect selected from the group consisting of refraction, diffraction, reflection, diffusion and conversion.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heat-shrinkable element (250) is partially reflective and partially transparent.

3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heat shrinkable element (250) is specularly reflective.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heat shrinkable element (250) has a reflectivity of 85% or higher.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat-shrinkable member (250) comprises a polymer material, and wherein the polymer material comprises at least one of the following: The luminescent material used to provide the optical effect of conversion, and Reflective particles used to provide the optical effect of reflection.

6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the reflective particles are selected from the group consisting of thin films, glitter particles, BaSO4 particles, Al2O3 particles and TiO2 particles.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat shrinkable member comprises a first layer (851) and a second layer (852), wherein the first layer (851) comprises a polymer material, and wherein the second layer (852) is a metal layer.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the heat-shrinkable member comprises a first layer and a second layer, wherein the first layer is a decorative layer selected from the group consisting of a coloring layer, a pattern layer, and a texture layer, wherein the second layer is an optical layer for providing the optical effect, wherein the outer heat-shrinkable surface is the surface of the first layer, and wherein the inner heat-shrinkable surface is the surface of the second layer.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, wherein the layer stack (230) is transparent.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, wherein the layer stack (230) is arranged to provide an optical effect selected from the group consisting of: refraction, diffraction, reflection, diffusion and conversion.

11. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, wherein between the step of 3D printing the printable material to produce the layer stack (230) and the step of providing the heat shrinkable element (250) onto the layer stack (230), the method further comprises the step of arranging a light source (1000) relative to the layer stack (230) such that after the step of applying heat to shrink the heat shrinkable element (250), the light source (1000) is sandwiched between the heat shrinkable element (250) and the layer stack (230), wherein the light source (1000) is arranged to emit light in a direction toward the layer stack (230) and / or in a direction toward the heat shrinkable element (250).

12. The method according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6, wherein the heat shrinkable member (250) has a light source (1000) integrated therein or attached thereto, such that after the step of applying heat to shrink the heat shrinkable member (250), the light source (1000) is arranged to emit light in a direction toward the layer stack (230) and / or in a direction away from the layer stack (230).

13. An object (210) comprising a space (240) defined by a stack of layers (230) of 3D printing material. The layer stack (230) has an inner stack surface (231) and an outer stack surface (232), the inner stack surface (231) facing the space (240) and the outer stack surface (232) facing away from the space (240). The object (210) further includes a heat shrinkable element (250) having an inner heat shrinkable surface (251) and an outer heat shrinkable surface (252), the inner heat shrinkable surface (251) facing the outer stacked surface (232) and the outer heat shrinkable surface (252) facing away from the outer stacked surface (232). The inner heat-shrinkable surface (251) is in physical contact with the outer stacked surface (232), and the heat-shrinkable element (250) is conformally oriented to the layer stack (230). The layer stack (230) is light-transmitting, and The heat shrinkable element (250) is arranged to provide an optical effect selected from the group consisting of refraction, diffraction, reflection, diffusion and conversion.

14. The object (210) according to claim 13, wherein the object (210) is a lampshade.

15. The object (210) of claim 14, wherein the object (210) further comprises a socket for receiving a light source.

16. A lighting device (600) comprising an object (210) according to any one of claims 14 and 15, wherein the lighting device (600) further comprises a light source (610) disposed in the space (240), and wherein the light source (610) is arranged to emit light toward the layer stack (230) such that at least a portion of the light emitted by the light source (610) passes through the layer stack (230) to experience the optical effect provided by the heat shrinkable member (250).

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