A lithophane is a three-dimensional image that converted from a two-dimensional image and be back lit for astonishing shading and lighting effect. Nowadays, we can make a lithophane lamp easily with a 3D printer and decorate our living more personalized. In this article, we’ll make a 7 inch (178*127mm) lithophane lamp to introduce how to convert an image to a 3D print lithophane lamp.
Convert Image to Lithophane
- Visit “https://lithophanemaker.com/Framed%20Lithophane.html” and click on “Choose File” to upload the image. Input parameters as below picture shows. If you have an image with larger height than width, please swap the width and height dimensions.
Images might have different width to height ratio (comparing with 178mm width to 127mm height), thus part of the image will be cut out during this procedure. If it doesn’t affect the result, then we proceed; if it affects, then we shouldn’t select the “Crop” option. Without crop option, we cannot define the size of the lithophane. So it’s not recommended here for making a 7 inch lithophane lamp. Click on “Create .stl” and begin to download the lithophane file when all settings are done.
Cura Setting Tips for Lithophane Print
Unzip the downloaded file and upload the stl file into the Ultimaker Cura and then click “Slice” to convert it to g-code file and save the g-code file to a SD card for printing. It’s recommended to set the infill density at 100% for the best three-dimensional effect.
Different effect comparison - 100% VS 30% infill density
In addition, “Build plate Adhesion” should be set as “Raft” to avoid the print leaving the hotbed; if forget this setting, applying some solid on the printing area can be a remedy.
For slice settings on Cura, you can download file in below link (only support Cura 4.7.1 or versions above) and auto configure the settings with it.
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1nOGEMCeX4LGIZwJiKsgxsNEXWtWo_bYp?usp=sharing
Click the dropdown button near “Profile” and then click “Manage Profiles”. Click “Import” to load the settings in.
Let’s see the final outcome.
