HOW TO LED UPGRADE

The Paragami LED upgrade is gaining popularity! So, we’ve put together a summary of the best ideas out there. On this page, you’ll find useful tips, helpful links, and free 3D models to assist you in building your own Paragami LED upgrade.

PART ONE
LED UPDATED DOWNLOAD PACKAGES

SUMMARY OF THE UPDATE:

This first part is devoted to the LED updated packages. So far, the download package has only been updated for 07_03_Twisted Box and 01_02_Triangle Wave. These two packages now include two versions of the template—the standard version and the LED-updated version.

The LED upgrade idea wasn’t originally mine—it came from Adam (@snazzypazzyart ), who shared the entire process in this Reddit thread. I built on his ideas and added some of my own as well.
➜ GET 07_03 - TWISTED BOX 03
➜ GET 01_02 - TRIANGLE WAVE

HOLLOW BLOCKS

To address the low-rise block printing issue, a hollow version of the block was added (wall thickness 0.4mm).

Drag-drop the blocks. Rotated them to get better angle for the rise. This works with both
individual blocks and 4x4 groups—just use "Split to Object" for grouped blocks after rotating. The rotation angle will vary depending on your printer settings, especially cooling and speed.
Enable supports, and set the threshold angle to match the angle you used for block rotation. Since the blocks are hollow, you won’t need to worry about infill. Since the walls are 0,4mm thick, a single perimeter will be generated.
Try adjusting "Detect Thin Wall," "Shell Thickness," and "Extrusion
Width" under Advanced options for more precise control.
This setup will generate hollow blocks, inclined and placed on regular supports, which are easy to remove.

SCALED TO MATCH LED SPACING

Blocks were scaled down and the grid spacing was optimized to 33.333 x 33.333 mm to match 30 LED/m strip spacing precisely.
Blocks are available as individual pieces and as 4x4 grouped configurations.

GRID & COLLAR GEOMETRY FOR AN EASY ASSEMBLY

Grid geometry for 4x4 groups block arrangement was added.
A base "collar" extension was added for easier block alignment within the grid.
DOWNLOAD GRID & COLLAR
3D MODEL➜

OTHER HELPFUL TIPS:

PRINT SETTINGS:
*These print settings are copied from Snazzypazzyart's Reddit thread. He developed the LED upgrade from scratch, so some settings may not be necessary with our update.

Prusa Slicer
0.4mm Nozzle
Input Shaper
0.10mm FAST DETAIL
Variable layer (height Adaptive 0.50 (this changed significantly for certain parts, really
needs a minimum layer height of ~0.79-0.81 before the parts start failing)
Seam painting - on (every single part to line up with the underside of the part)
Perimeters: 1
Solid layers top: 0
Solid layers bottom: 0
Thick Bridges: On
Perimeter generator: Classic
Fill gaps: On
Infill density: 0%
Brim width: 4mm (not necessary)
Filament temperature for other layers: 240°c
Layer height minimum: 0.05mm
Retraction Length: 0.2mm
Retraction Speed: 25mm/s
Detraction extra length: 0.07mm
Default Extrusion Width: 0.65

Material: 07_03 Twisted Box by Snazzypazzyart is made of 6kg PLA
ELECTRONICS:
*These tips are copied from Snazzypazzyart's Reddit thread.

• SK6812 WLEDs
The updated spacing is 33,3mm (so there are 30 diodes per 1m) The IP number is "Ingress Protection (IP) Rating" - which does not matter in this use-case. So you should go with "1m 30 IP30" or "2m 30 IP30" or "5m 30 IP30".

• QuinLED's Dig-Quad LED board
It includes ESP32 controled over WiFi. The board is rated for 30A.

• db25 pin cable
that is running from the box to the piece, which has the power, data, and microphone wires. It is running the audio-reactive MoonModule fork of WLED, and includes different patterns.

• 5V40A POWER SUPPLY

07_03 Twisted Box by @snazzypazzyart

PART TWO
3D MODELS SUPPORT FOR YOUR CUSTOM BUILT-UP

Are you skilled in 3D CAD and interested in implementing an LED upgrade on other templates yourself? Here are the base files to get you started! You can access the support files inspired by @snazzypazzyart’s ideas, as well as by solution from @atomlabscreations, which works seamlessly with the original unmodified blocks.

GRID & COLLAR

Spacing of the grid is 33,333 mm to match 30 LED / 1m stripe.

The original template blocks must be scaled to match the spacing.

Grid can be 3D printed support-less.
An additional collar geometry is designed to attach to the bottom of the blocks, aiding alignment within the grid. This collar extension ensures proper positioning. You can use the collar geometry as a reference when scaling the block to match the 33.333 mm spacing of a 30 LED/m strip.
DOWNLOAD
GRID & COLLAR
3D MODEL➜

COASTER - GRID FOR ORIGINAL BLOCKS

The COASTER GRID is exported in three different sizes:
• 50 mm blocks (grid dimension: 52 mm)
• 40 mm blocks (grid dimension: 42 mm)
• 30 mm blocks (grid dimension: 33.333 mm, matching the 30 LED/m strip spacing)
You can use the original, unmodified Paragami blocks. It is recommended to print with one perimeter, 0% infill, and no bottom solid layers. The grid is exported both as a single block and as a 4x4 group.
DOWNLOAD
COASTER - GRID
3D MODEL➜

COASTER - GRID FOR ORIGINAL PENTAGON BLOCKS

The COASTER PENTAGON GRID is exported in two different sizes:
• Original size for the Template blocks
• Scaled down to meet square spacing of 33.333 mm, matching the 30 LED/m strip
You can use the original, unmodified Paragami blocks. It is recommended to print with one perimeter, 0% infill, and no bottom solid layers. The grid is exported both as a single block and as a whole base.
DOWNLOAD
GRID BASIC PENTAGONS
3D MODEL➜