"A lithophane is an etched or molded artwork in very thin translucent porcelain or plastic that can only be seen clearly when back lit with a light source."  Wikipedia
  lithophane lampshade


KEY FEATURES

WARNING - RISK OF FIRE

Plastic, especially PLA, can melt and burn. Always use LED type bulbs, never incandescent bulbs.


HOW TO USE THE APP IN 3 EASY STEPS

1- Select lampshade shape and dimensions

Note that "Main Shape" cylinder and sphere use different settings.

 

2- Load and position images

You may load multiple images and position them individually.
For best results and faster print time, use a subject on a white background.
PNG files with transparent background are supported.

Use keyboard arrows to fine adjust position and scale.

 

3- Select a lampshade holder

Top and bottom hole sizes may be adjusted.

 
That's it, enter a file name, and hit "Download" to generate a STL file.


SLICER AND PRINTER SETUP

If you are getting "hairy prints", reduce the head temperature by 5 to 10°C and/or slightly increase the filament retraction distance..


PRACTICAL EXAMPLES


1- Hexagonal lampshade

Here is the print result. Size is 103.4 x 115.8 x 50 mm.
The slicer is Cura and the printer a Dagoma Discoeasy200. Filament is Chromatik Ivory at 210°C.
Print time is 2h41mn.
Light is a GU4 12V led

hexagonal lithophane lampshade


2 - Spherical lampshade

Using white filament, sphere diameter is 100mm, using 45mm bulb clips. Print time is 6 hours.

Spherical lithophane lampshade

3 - Oval lampshade

Dimension: 95 x 50mm, print time 2h40mn. The lamp base is designed using doit3D.

Oval lithophane lampshade