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    How a broken IKEA lamp inspired a line of cheap, 3D-printed lampshades

    How a broken IKEA lamp inspired a line of cheap, 3D-printed lampshades

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    3D printed lampshades
    3D printed lampshades

    Hacking IKEA products is a longstanding DIY tradition, and 3D printing is undoubtably on the rise, so Montreal artist Samuel N. Bernier put the two together when he couldn't find an inexpensive and stylish lampshade replacement for his broken IKEA lamp. Bernier already had plenty of experience with 3D printing in the past, so he decided to take matters into his own hands and design his own lampshades that he was able to print for less than $5 each. Eventually, Bernier got a little fascinated with this lampshade project and designed a total of 12 different models — he says each takes between four and 12 hours to print, require no support materials, and weight 100g or less. It's a nice reminder of the potential for 3D printing to become useful in small facets of everyday life — and if Staples' plans of bringing 3D printing to the masses next year come true, we could see a lot more 3D IKEA hacks.