Introduction: 3D Printed Lithophane Lantern: a Personalized Holiday Gift

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Time to ditch the regular repetitive gifting ideas this Christmas and go for something ingeniously out of this world! And this 3D printed lithophane lamp is the ultimate gift for anyone and everyone. Add a personal touch to the lamp by making the lampshade with 3D printed lithophanes of photographs of your loved ones and surprise them this Christmas by making it one to remember forever!

Want to know how to make one? Then let’s begin in 3, 2, 1… now!

Step 1: The Making

The making of the Lithophane Lantern includes the following phases:

  1. Conversion of Image to Lithophane
  2. Making of the Lampshade Fitting
  3. Completing the Assembly

Step 2: Conversion of Image to Lithophane

The conversion of Image to Lithophane is a very simple process. All you need to do is follow the instructions below.

The first thing you need to do is make sure that the image you choose is of good quality. It should be high in contrast. The object in the image should be clear.
In case if you don’t have so clear photo, you can blur the background using some photography apps or Photoshop.
Once you choose the photo or have edited the photo it’s time to convert it.

Click the link given below and open it. http://3dp.rocks/lithophane/

You will notice a screen, where on the below section you will notice different types of lithophane below.

Open the Image you want to use in the from the Image option above.

Once you have the image change the following settings:

In Model Setting:

  • Max Size: 150
  • Thickness: 4
  • Border: 5
  • Thinnest Layer: 1
  • Vector Per Pixel: 6

NOTE: You can change any of the above settings as per your requirement.

In Image Setting:
Make sure that you change the setting to Positive Image from Negative Image.

Now refresh and download the .STL FIle.

Slice it in Cura, save the gcode to SD Card and Print :)

Step 3: Making of the Lithophane Fitting

We should now be making the lamp fittings.

Open Tinkercad and design the one you like.

Make sure that you keep the hole for the bulb in the center and a gap at the edges to fit the Lithophane.
You can also download the .STL File of the same from below.

Open it in Cura, slice it and Print it.....

Attachments

Step 4: Completing the Assembly

After you have all the necessary components with you, let’s connect them.

Take one of the two lamp fittings and insert lithophanes in the gap.
Into the other fitting insert the bulb holder in the center.
Fix this on the top of the lithophanes and insert the bulb into the holder.
Connect the lantern to the power outlet.

Step 5: Conclusion

With this, your DIY 3D printed lithophane lamp is ready! Make this Christmas brighter for your loved ones with this like-never-before personal touch!