ilo

A portable desk lamp providing ambient lighting and design in conjunction with Umu, a lounge chair that I previously designed.

Ilo was derived from the Tagalog word, ilaw.

BRIEF: Using a combination of 3 manufacturing processes (laser cutting, CNC machining, and 3D printing) design and fabricate a desk lamp using a disassembled standard clamp light as the light source

Concept sketches began with combining various shapes to create interesting forms. I noticed I was leaning towards rounder shapes during this process and decided to further explore that route.

Upon further exploration, I found a form that would suit Umu. The light fixture would feature a similar slat design to Umu’s. The slats would be filled with a material, either paper or acrylic, to diffuse the light — creating a soft, ambient effect.

MANUFACTURING PROCESS

(from left to right)

A) The CNC machine drilling into a piece of scrapped plywood.

B) The face and handle fresh out of the machine. The next step required sanding to smooth out the rough edges.

C) The initial plan was to have two faces cut out by the CNC. Due to technical difficulties with the second face, I had to make the quick decision of producing that part with a laser cutter. Next, three acrylic pieces were laser cut — 2 pieces fitted for the bottom of the faces and 1 piece to hold the light bulb fixture in place. Finally, the piece that would enclose the wiring was 3D printed. Here I test-built all of the parts together to ensure a good fit.

D) Here is the inside view of the lamp. Acrylic pieces for the face slots were laser cut.