What is a lithophane?
A lithophane is a thin plate whose thickness varies with the brightness of a picture. Thick areas let less light through and look dark; thin areas glow. Originally carved in porcelain in the 19th century, lithophanes are now one of the most popular 3D printing projects.
Recommended settings
| Setting | FDM (PLA) | Resin |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum thickness | 0.8 mm | 0.5 mm |
| Maximum thickness | 3.0–3.5 mm | 2.5 mm |
| Width | 100–150 mm | 60–100 mm |
| Detail | Normal (0.25 mm) | Fine (0.15 mm) |
How to print a lithophane
- Stand it upright on the build plate so layer lines run horizontally across the image.
- Use 100 % infill, 0.12–0.16 mm layers and a slow outer wall speed.
- White PLA gives the best contrast. Add a brim if the plate is tall.
- Light it with a warm LED from 5–10 cm behind.
Frequently asked questions
What image works best?
A sharp photo with good contrast. For lithophanes, portraits and landscapes with clear light and shadow look best; crop the image to the shape you want before uploading.
Is my photo uploaded?
No. The image is turned into a 3D model inside your browser; it never leaves your device.