Lithophane print settings that work

Print a lithophane in white PLA, with 0.12 mm layers and 100% infill. The photo is in the thickness: thin where it is light, thick where it is dark, so every setting that changes the thickness changes the picture.

The settings

• Filament: white PLA. Other colours tint the light, and dark filament lets too little through.
• Layer height: 0.12 mm. Thicker layers give fewer shades and visible steps.
• Infill: 100%. With less, the infill pattern shows up in the light.
• Orientation: the STLs from the lithophane maker are already turned the right way. Flat shapes lie smooth side down, curved shapes and lamp shades stand up.
• Thickness: the maker uses 0.8 mm where the photo is white and 3 mm where it is black, with a 4 mm frame around the edge.

Choosing the photo

Sharp photos with clear contrast work best: a face, a pet, or a landscape with light and dark parts. Faces are easier to recognise than wide scenes. Set the brightness and contrast in the maker and switch the preview to Lamp on to see the photo the way it will glow.

If the print doesn't look right

• Too dark with the light on: raise the brightness in the maker, or use a brighter light behind it.
• Hard to see in daylight: that is normal. A lithophane only shows the photo with light behind it.
• Lines across the photo: use 0.12 mm layers or thinner, and 100% infill.

Light

Hang flat shapes in a window or hold them in front of a lamp. The lamp shade fits over an LED tea light. Never use a real candle: the plastic is thin and soft. For a lantern with a photo on every side, see the photo night light.