Master Degree with 3D-Printed Lamps

Hi! My name is Robert Bensch, i am a product designer with specialization in lighting and i am about to start my master degree project in Göteborg, Sweden.

The background of my project will be about questions of globalized production and sustainability, as well as connections between "on demand - on spot" production with modern computer assisted manufacturing processes, especially 3D-Printing.

Within this project I will create several sets of lighting solutions for indoor environments that will include and rely on 3D-printed components made of PLA, a biodegradeable, corn based polymer. The lamps will work with 12V LED lighting components. I focus on ease of access and repairing, so that broken parts can be replaced and not make the whole piece obsolete, should that ever happen.

For the execution i need constant access to a basic 3D-Printer, as development times are pretty short. I have a lot of experience with 3D modelling and model building, and will put that to good use. Your donations will help me get a printer not only for my degree, but as part of the foundation of my design studio later on.

I thank all backers up front for believing in my idea, and hope to contribute to change by this exploration.

All rewards will be shipped during June, when the degree presentation is over and I can breathe again.

Links:

PLA plastic (makes me consider plastic as reasonable material)
Makerbot (the printer for PLA i want to use)
Ultimaker (a cheaper but slightly more challenging alternative)HDK Göteborg (the design university where i graduate)
My University Portfolio Page (to show you that i really study there)
Facebook page (of my first design degree)


Note that every Euro helps, even if the first reward level is 5 Euro. There is a "donate different amount" button somewhere.