¶ Creating 3D Lithophanes with SolidWorks
A 3D lithophane is a unique way to turn a photo into a three-dimensional object that reveals its details when backlit. This wiki page guides you through the steps to create a 3D lithophane using SolidWorks.
¶ Step-by-Step Guide
¶ 1. Create a Thin Object
- In SolidWorks, start by creating a new object.
- Set the thickness of this object to approximately 0.4mm. This thickness is crucial as it allows light to pass through the lithophane, revealing the image.
¶ 2. Apply a Black and White Image as Texture
- Select a black and white image with high contrast. High contrast images yield better results for lithophanes.
- Apply this image as a texture to the surface of the object you created.
- Carefully align the texture on the object. The placement and orientation of the texture will affect the final appearance of the lithophane.
¶ 3. Enable 3D Texture in Mesh Modeling
- Go to the Mesh Modeling tab. If it's not already visible, add it through the window customization options.
- Within the Mesh Modeling tab, you should find the option for 3D Texture.
¶ 4. Adjust 3D Texture Settings
- Disable the "White to Black" option. This setting is crucial for lithophane creation as it inversely translates the image's brightness to the thickness of the print. (thicker is more dark)
- Set the thickness to a value lower than 1.5mm.
- Use the precision sliders to adjust the detail level of the texture. Higher precision captures more details but can increase the complexity of the model.
¶ 5. Export as STL
- Finally, save your work as an STL file. This file format is widely used in 3D printing and will be compatible with most 3D printers.
¶ Tips for Success
- Experiment with different images and settings to see what works best.
- Pay close attention to the light areas of your image; these will be the thinnest parts of the print.
- Test print small sections of your lithophane to adjust settings before printing the entire piece.
- with lithopane we are working with quite small thicknesses. smaller nozzles are recommended for better detail. However, some materials dont allow that such as woodfill. For such cases, you can just use a smaller print profile such as 0.4mm nozzle while having a 0.6 nozzle installed. This also works in other projects
¶ Conclusion
By following these steps, you can create detailed and personalized 3D lithophanes using SolidWorks. Remember to experiment and adjust settings for the best results. Enjoy the process of bringing your images to life in a new and exciting way!