Lithophanes

Simple but very cool 3D print!

Lithophanes!

Introduction

A lithophane[1] is a 3D print that reveals an image when backlit. The principle behind lithophanes is to create a relief representation. The thickness of the print determines how much light shines through, creating contrasts and revealing your image! Our high accuracy FDM[2] Prusa brand printers enable surprising detail, similar to our resin printers at significantly less cost. Our 3D printers are free to use if you can spare waiting in the queue, this is a great introductory project for anyone unfamiliar with 3D printing.

Learning Objectives and Skills

• Image processing/Grayscaling

• 3D printing and important settings

• Relevant file types

• Learn about how our print queue works in the Aero Maker Space!

Estimated Time

• 30 minutes to process image dependent on level of image processing

• Upwards of 8 hours of printing dependent on layer height and infill)

• Depends on print queue

Project Guide

Step 0: Select a photo and make a folder relevant to you containing this image. Use this file to keep track of your files going forward, being intentional with your naming. Trust this is important – there are lots of files!

​​Step 1: Photo → Grayscale conversion​

1. Go to the first website listed above and import your image file[3]. Convert your file to a grayscale image. Grayscale are algorithms that average the intensity of color in each pixel. This singular value makes it easier for the lithophane converter to translate that intensity to the lithophane’s depth. Crazy!

​​Step 2: Grayscale image → Lithophane geometry file​

1. Go to the second website and select the picture of the style lithophane that you want. Once there, import your new grayscale image and use the settings below to create your lithophane. See Figure 1 if confused on how to navigate the website interface.

Figure 1: Lithophane Website Interface

Lithophane Generation Settings in Figure 2

• Resolution: 0.2mm

• Depth:7.5mm

• Base: 7.5mm

• Max Thickness: 3.6mm

• Minimum Thickness: 0.45mm

• All else left alone

Figure 2: Lithophane Settings Reccomended

​​Step 3: Lithophane geometry file → print queue​

1. Take your geometry .stl[4] file and upload it to a usb-drive for a mentor to orient and slice for our Prusas. Important notes for the mentor below:

2. Use Prusa Slicer to automatically fix broken geometry, which usually occurs in online file converters.

Print Settings in Figure 3:

• Infill: 100%

• Layer Height: .1mm

• Brim: Use 5mm

• Avoid Crossing Perimeters: Check

Lithophane in PrusaSlicer!

1. These print settings are different from most prints, so you need to clarify that to a mentor that you are doing a lithophane.

2. We print between 10% and 30% to balance strength and print time

3. We print between .15 and .30 mm layer height to balance aesthetic with print time

4. The brim is used to stabilize the print because it is printed vertically. This increases print success

Resources and References

Resources:

https://pinetools.com/grayscale-image

https://lithophanemaker.com/

References:

[1] Litho: having to do with solids; Graph: having to do with a depiction.

[2] Fused Deposition Modeling, or having to do with extruding filament

[3] Image files are usually called raster files, data structures that allocate color intensity to each pixel for red, green, and blue. Ex: .jpg, .png, .jpeg, .tiff

[4] STL meaning stereolithography, or 3D solid graph