LumiBee: A Compact and Affordable Resin 3D Printer

Revolutionizing 3D Printing with Smartphone Technology

3D printing has revolutionized the world of manufacturing, allowing individuals to bring their digital designs to life. However, the cost and complexity of traditional 3D printers have limited their accessibility. Davide Marin recognized this challenge and set out to create a 3D printer that is not only affordable but also utilizes readily available resources.

The LumiBee was born out of the idea of making 3D resin printing more accessible by utilizing the screen of a smartphone as a light source. By harnessing the light emitted from a mobile phone, the LumiBee eliminates the need for expensive UV light sources, making it a cost-effective alternative. Additionally, this innovative approach gives a second life to slightly outdated cellphones, reducing electronic waste.

One of the key features of the LumiBee is its modular structure, allowing users to customize and modify different segments of the printer according to their needs. This flexibility enables users to adapt the printer to various projects and experiment with different functionalities. Furthermore, 95% of the LumiBee's parts can be printed with a low-cost filament-based 3D printer, making the production process accessible to a wider audience.

The LumiBee's production process is designed to be lean and user-friendly. Users can choose to purchase the printer as a ready-to-use product, an assembly kit, or simply download the digital files and produce the parts themselves. With the increasing availability of 3D printers in schools, maker spaces, and laboratories, users can easily access the necessary equipment to fabricate the LumiBee's components.

Operating the LumiBee is straightforward. Users download the CAD files of the printer's parts and fabricate them using a desktop 3D printer. Once assembled, the user downloads the controlling app on their smartphone. The 3D model to be printed is opened in the app and sliced into hundreds of horizontal sections, which are then projected onto the screen. The phone is inserted into the LumiBee, submerged in a vat of liquid resin. The light emitted from the screen solidifies the resin, layer by layer, creating a three-dimensional object.

The LumiBee project started in February 2019 and was exhibited in November of the same year at the Frankfurt Messe during FormNext 2019. The project has undergone extensive research and development to ensure its feasibility and functionality. Multiple prototypes have been built and tested, resulting in a reliable and efficient 3D printer.

The LumiBee's innovative design and affordability have garnered recognition in the design community. In 2021, it was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in the 3D Printed Forms and Products category. This prestigious accolade acknowledges the LumiBee's well-designed, practical, and innovative nature, meeting professional and industrial requirements.

With its compact size, affordability, and utilization of smartphone technology, the LumiBee opens up new possibilities for 3D printing enthusiasts. Whether it's for educational purposes, prototyping, or personal projects, the LumiBee empowers individuals to bring their ideas to life in a cost-effective and customizable manner.