Open Source CAD Project

Solar Prang

A custom solar-panel electroplating fixture designed to resemble a Buddhist Prang structure and bring "slow-tech" ambiance to your porch. Download the STL files or explore the assembly interactively in your browser.

  • Project Type Solar Decorative Fixture
  • CAD Autodesk Fusion
  • Visualization Three.js
  • Manufacturing FDM 3D Printing
  • Finishing Copper Electroplating
  • Author Rowan Lumb
  • Status In Progress

Assembly

Rotate, zoom, and inspect the complete assembly directly in your browser.


Bill of Materials


Individual Components



Comments & Lessons

  • Generally should have learned electroplating process with much smaller test pieces first. This is a large complicated geometry for a new process and it was foolhardy to go big without doing reps doing smaller objects.
  • Should have rounded sharp corners and also chamfered sharp edges to stop local deposit maxima during the electroplating process
  • DIY Graphite paint was applied thickly to ensure low enough resistance to actually plate the object but many thin layers would be better for maintaining a smooth surface finish
  • Overall product would be vastly improved with better electroplating quality and possibly by making it do something useful
  • Version 2 incoming :-)