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The ORON
Created from aluminum, walnut wood, and nylon plastic, the Oron is a modular lamp with a pivoting arm, sliding top, and built-in storage. It assembles easily with a hex wrench, using screws for a clean, functional build that suits any workspace. 2025
My Role
I was the sole designer and handled every part of the project from concept to completion. It was my first time working with metal, and achieving the final look involved SLS and FDM printing, laser cutting, water jet cutting, hydraulic pressing, soldering, and extensive sanding.
The Challenge
Through this l project, I was challenged to design and build a fully functional lamp within four weeks. Though I had never tackled something like this before, I focused on flexibility and modularity to ensure the lamp could adapt to a variety of spaces. I also aimed to pair a modern aesthetic with a durable, long-lasting build.
The Beginning
To start things off, I filled my sketchbook with ideas fast, exploring everything from base shapes to mechanisms and user interactions. To keep track of concepts I wanted to develop further, I marked them with stars for quick reference.
First Design
Using my favorite concepts from the sketches, I developed a cohesive design and built a quick mock-up in just two hours. This helped me evaluate both the visual appeal and the feasibility of the design with the manufacturing techniques I planned to use.
Final Design
With the initial concept in place, I spent the next week and a half refining the design and adjusting for tolerances. I had to create parts that could be cut flat and then bent into shape, something fairly new to me. By using the flatten tool in CAD, I was able to translate my bent designs into flat profiles suitable for waterjetting.
Prototyping
Before working with aluminum, I practiced on thinner steel parts to better understand each manufacturing method. This hands-on approach was incredibly helpful and gave me the confidence to move forward. For other components, I used FDM 3D printing to quickly fabricate test pieces and verify fit before committing to the final build.
Metal Working
This was a hands-on and detailed process. The top rail was the easiest to bend, protected with tape to preserve its finish. Thicker parts required a hydraulic press, guided by Sharpie markings on tape and a thin aluminum overlay with punched holes to reveal the bend lines while protecting the surface. The bending took six hours and was completed successfully on the first try. I finished each piece with hours of sanding by hand to achieve a clean, brushed look.
Laser Cutting
I used laser cutting to fabricate the wood components that support the top assembly. I chose walnut for its strong visual contrast with the metal and plastic. To ensure strength and proper thickness, each part was made from two laser-cut layers secured with screws, no glue required.
SLS Printing
To ensure strength and a clean finish, I chose SLS printing with nylon powder. While the printing process is straightforward, each part requires thorough cleaning to remove any plastic particles and achieve a polished result.
Final Sketch
To showcase my progress, I created one final sketch that highlights key features and design aspects of the lamp.
And That's A Wrap
After an intense four weeks, the final result is here. The top image shows a full teardown of the lamp, revealing how straightforward each element is, just parts and screws. It highlights the transparency of the design and the simplicity behind its modular construction. Every curve and edge mirrors the next, nothing feels out of place, nothing overdone.
It Can Rotate Too
A hidden mechanism beneath the bottom screw enables full 360-degree rotation, adding another layer of flexibility to the lamp’s design.
Locking Mechanism
Here you can see how the lamp stays in position. A spring-loaded mechanism allows the top to be lifted and slid along the rail, locking back into place with a simple release.