One of my favorite things to do with the 3D printer has been printing lithophanes. However, for the past few months, I've not had the right filament to print them until recently when a reel of white arrived.
But what's a lithophane I hear you ask.
Well, Hivers in a nutshell it's a thin 3D print that when it's held up to the light it creates a monochrome image. Without the light, they don't look that interesting but the transformation can be quite spectacular with the right image.
It takes a little while to create the file for the 3D printer but in a few hours you can end up with a 3D print like this.
I use a software package from 3DRocks to make the Lithophane STL file
Then slice in the normal way with Cura
But you need to remember a few things with the settings. Always use a brim on the bed because they are quite thin and as they get taller they can tip over. Lots of thin layers are better for the resolution and use 100% infill if you don't the infill pattern will show through. It can look quite cool but it's very hit and miss depending on the image.
I started doing them as presents then an author friend asked me to do some promotional ones of her book covers and it has sort of gone on from there.
They can be very versatile as you can make Chrismas Tree decorations.
Or night lights, lampshades, beermats, you can print them flat, curves or globes so they are as versatile as your imagination.
If you're wondering what a lithophane looks like without the light behind it? Here you go :)
All for now Hivers and an introduction into one of the many things you can do with a 3D printer.
I like this
cool, scubahead one next please ;)