DIY 3D Relief Moon Lamp with HiMill D1S CNC (+ Free Project Files)

MAXMAKE CNC Blog

DIY 3D Relief Moon Lamp with HiMill D1S CNC (+ Free Project Files)

by CHENmaxmake 21 Jul 2026 0 comments

"When your fingertips trace the craters of the moon, technology gives romance a tangible texture right on your desktop."

Project Overview

Utilizing the high-precision relief machining capabilities of the HiMill D1S desktop CNC, we transformed an ordinary nylon board (or translucent material) into a highly realistic lunar surface. Paired with an LED backlight, it’s not just a craft piece—it’s a gentle glow of moonlight for your desk.

Project Name	DIY 3D Relief Moon Lamp
Machine Used	HiMill D1S Desktop CNC
Core Material	High-density nylon board / Translucent white acrylic
Final Product	Desktop night light, 3D relief art piece
Machining Time	Approx. 8 hours
Difficulty Level	★★★☆☆ (Key challenge: Dual-tool change and setting 3D finishing parameters)

Stage 1: Prep & Design

The core of the moon lamp is accurately recreating the lunar texture. We used a high-quality 3D moon terrain STL model and planned the toolpaths using ArtCAM/Carveco.

Tool List:

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1. Roughing / Profile Cutting: 3.175mm Single Flute Spiral End Mill (for rapid material removal and cutting the outer boundary)

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2. 3D Relief Finishing: 1.5mm Ball Nose End Mill (for carving the intricate details of the craters)

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3. Other Supplies: Round LED light panel, wooden base, sandpaper

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0625/1603/5668/files/cnc-moon-lamp-sti-model-cam-toolpath.webp?v=1785141195

Stage 2: CAM Settings

Based on the undulating features of the moon's surface, we adopted a "Roughing + Finishing" strategy. Here are the tested and stable parameters:

1. 3.175mm Single Flute Spiral End Mill (Roughing / Profiling)

Stepover: 2.54 mm

Stepdown: 3 mm

Feed Rate: 1000 mm/min

Plunge Rate: 1000 mm/min

Spindle Speed: 13000 r.p.m

2. 1.5mm Ball Nose End Mill (3D Relief Finishing)

Stepover: 0.15 mm (An ultra-small stepover ensures a fine, smooth texture)

Stepdown: 1 mm

Feed Rate: 1200 mm/min

Plunge Rate: 1200 mm/min

Spindle Speed: 12000 r.p.m

CAM settings and parameters for 3D relief machining using a 1.5mm ball nose end mill.

Stage 3: Machining

Material Workholding: Ensure the nylon board is clamped flat and securely to the wasteboard to prevent vibrations caused by uneven cutting forces.

Tool Setting & Zeroing: 3D relief machining requires strict Z-axis accuracy. We highly recommend using a Z-probe block to ensure the zero point is exactly the same for both tools after the tool change.

Machining Monitoring: The finishing pass with the 1.5mm bit takes a long time. Keep an eye on chip evacuation to prevent the nylon material from melting and sticking to the bit due to friction heat.

HiMill D1S desktop CNC machining the nylon board to create the 3D moon texture.

Stage 4: Post-Processing

Fine Sanding: The nylon surface might have slight burrs after machining. Dry sand it first with 400-grit sandpaper, then wet sand with 1000-grit until the lunar surface reveals a natural, matte texture.

Circuit Assembly: Secure the LED light panel inside the wooden base.

Backlight Testing: Test the light transmission. The stunning depth of the moon's shadows is achieved entirely through the varying depths of the CNC carving.

Sanding the machined moon surface and assembling the LED backlight base.

The Result

This is a miniature laboratory of touch and vision.

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Visuals: When backlit, the light and dark boundaries of the moon are sharp, and the 3D craters look incredibly realistic.

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Touch: The fine 0.15mm stepover leaves a surface that feels as smooth and detailed as real rock, without any sharp edges.

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Vibe: Placed on the corner of your desk, it is the perfect companion for when inspiration strikes.

The completed CNC machined moon lamp glowing on a desk, highlighting intricate 3D craters.

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