What is the best practice to mount a 5mm or 8mm led to a 3d printed panel?
One of the projects I have is a simple kids game, which is controlled by Arduino. The box is 3D printed, 2mm thick. 2 LEDs are mounted to the cover.
I tried the bezel holders (like this one: https://www.adafruit.com/product/2172 ), as they give a nice view, and I was hoping they will hold the LED firmly. However, when I pushed the LED back from the outside, it fell inside. Since it is a kids game, sooner or later they will do the same.
I also tried a metal bezel for the 5mm - a little harder, yet also the LED was pushed back.
Is there a simple practice how to mount the LEDs, so they will not be easily pushed outside?
Look up "light pipe"... it is essentially a clear, plastic rod that you place on top of your LED and will emit the light through the end of the "pipe." Forming them to your project is a matter of a few seconds with a heat gun. Look on motherboards with indicator LEDs showing outside of the case. They will either have long-leg LEDs (not good) or light pipes.
You need to choose the bezel that is the proper size for you panel thickness and you need to drill the proper hole size for the bezel.
Adafruit doesn't give you that information
I've used Cliplites for many years. Super easy to use and they look good. Sometimes they are a little loose in thin panels (it won't fall out but it might stick-out a little or just wiggle around). A little drop glue on back will take care of that.
