Printing Guide
Here's what you'll need to print. Start by choosing your filament and checking the fit, then work through the parts in assembly order. Each card links to the files and print instructions.
If you're sourcing everything yourself, you'll also need the Additional Printed Parts. These come printed in the kit.
Follow the print guides closely. The Open Task Light relies on specific materials, orientations, supports, and print settings for proper fit and strength. A part can look acceptable but still cause fit, alignment, or assembly problems if its guide is not followed.
Review the guide for each part before slicing it. For best results, I recommend printing parts one at a time.
Start here: materials and fit checks
First, pick your filament for the main parts and the carriage. We'll print a small tester in each to make sure the hardware fits before starting the full set of parts.
Recommended materials
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Main parts (PLA): DURAMIC 3D Matte PLA
PET-CF must be dry to print accurately. I only recommend it for the carriage. Follow the Carriage Body guide for filament preparation and fit checks before printing.
Printer setup
Nozzle diameter: 0.4 mm
Print bed: Smooth PEI recommended
Default print settings
Use these print settings unless specified otherwise on the part page.
Prusa: .15mm Structural Bambu: .16mm High Quality
25%
4 perimeters, 6 top layers, 5 bottom layers
Print this first: Hardware Fit Tester
Print one tester in each filament:
Main parts: use your PLA filament and the default print settings above.
Carriage: use your carriage filament and the Carriage Body print settings.
Follow the Hardware Fit Tester guide to check each print. If something doesn't fit properly, correct the filament flow and try again. Once the fit is right, you can start printing parts with that filament and those settings.
If you bought a PETCF carriage from the store, you can skip the carriage test.
Plan your prints
A few prints need hardware added along the way. You'll need to pause the Electronics Housing, Carriage Body, and Counterweight Enclosure prints to insert hardware.
Once you've checked the fit, feel free to print these first while you're around to add the hardware. Read their guides and have the hardware ready before starting. Look for Pause to insert hardware on the cards below.
3D Models
Download a ZIP containing the current version of every STL file:
STEP files are also available for builders who want to modify a part, adjust clearances, or adapt the design. Check out the editable model files in the STEP directory on GitHub.
Print checklist
These parts are grouped in the order you'll need them in the assembly guide. Choose one base: freestanding or clamping. Quantities are for one light, so skip anything you already have.
You can collapse each group as you finish printing it, or if you don't need it. The printed tools are listed alongside the parts they're used with. Optional prints are marked on their cards.
1. Horizontal rail
You'll need these for the horizontal rail assembly. Print all four power track supports now and set two aside for vertical rail assembly later.
2. Your base: Freestanding
Print these if you're building the freestanding base.
2. Your base: Clamping
Print these if you're building the clamping base.
3. Carriage and counterweight
4. Final assembly
You'll need these for final assembly.
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