Build Instructions

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• 1

  The Plan

  I have designed this simple structure in Fusion 360.
  

  We will be using an online lithophane generator to convert your 2D image into 3D lithophane. The structure holds 4 lithophanes in the front. Lithophane must be 50x50mm with a maximum thickness of 3mm and a border of 2mm.

  Warm white 12V LED strips will be used to illuminate the lithophane from behind. The wiring of the LED strips can be neatly tucked into the channels provided and the cover makes sure that no wires are visible.

• 2

  Creating Lithophanes

  Before creating lithophanes, we first need to prepare the image by cropping it square (1:1). This is important.
  

  Turning images to lithophanes:

  • Visit this online converter and upload your image in the 'Images' tab.
  • Select Flat profile
  • Go to Settings > Model Settings
  • Set Maximum Size = 50mm, Thickness = 3mm, Border = 2mm
  • Go to Settings > Image Settings
  • Bring the slider to Positive image
• 3

  3D Printing

  I have printed the parts using Creality Ender 3 with White PLA filament and 0.4mm nozzle diameter. The main body took approximately 14hrs to complete. So make sure your slicer settings are just right.
  

  Slicer settings for printing the main body and cover -

  • Layer height = 0.2 mm
  • Wall thickness = 1.2 mm. I printed with 0.8mm which makes the infill more visible as light shines through it. It doesn't look that bad but it would have been better.
  • Top thickness = 0.8 mm. The same applies here too.
  • Infill = 15%
  • Use Raft and heated bed to get good adhesion to the bed. I had first printed without any rafts and the print just lifted up at the edges as seen in the photo. Here's a good explanation by CNC Kitchen on prints lifting up

  Slicer settings for printing lithophane -

  • Layer height = 0.2 mm
  • Infill = 100%
  • Use Raft since the surface area in contact with the bed is very small
  • All other settings don't really matter

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