¶ Preparation
¶ Filament List
- SnapSpeed PLA CMYK Lithophane Filament Bundle (4kg, RFID)
🚪Get the SnapSpeed PLA CMYK Lithophane Filament Bundle from your regional Snapmaker store:
Snapmaker Global Store
Snapmaker US Store
Snapmaker EU Store
Snapmaker DE Store
¶ Accessory List
We have provided accessible STL files for the following accessories (including frame, its accessory and light guide plate). Please click corresponding blue links to downdload.
Or you can download all accessories through this 3MF file.
- Frame
- Light-Blocking Strip (Frame Accessory)
- Light Guide Plate
- Blacklight Board (Purchase Separately)
Recommended: 156 mm × 120 mm USB-C powered backlight board.
¶ Lithophane Generator
- Third-party generator website: Lithophane Makers
¶ Printing Steps
¶ Using the Lithophane Makers
¶ Step 1: Generate the STL file.
- Select a color photo to be 3D printed. JPG or PNG format is recommended.
- Use Lithophane Makers to adjust the file format.
- Click
Choose Fileto upload the color photo to be printed; - Set layer height to 0.1, first layer height to 0.15;
- Adjust dimensions to: 144mm x 108mm.
-
Enter your personal email address. After clicking
Create .stl, the webpage will scroll to the bottom. Please wait a moment, and the generated compressed folder will be downloaded.
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Unzipthe downloaded compressed folder to obtain 5 STL files. Thendragthe generated 5 STL files into Snapmaker Orca.
A pop-up window will appear asking whether to load these files as a multi-part object. Select 👉 Yes.
¶ Step 2: Adjust parameters and slice in Orca.
-
Select SnapSpeed PLA CMYK Lithophane Filament Bundle: In
Filament Management, add filaments to 4 colors.- Snapmaker PLA SnapSpeed Cyan (#0086D6)
- Snapmaker PLA SnapSpeed Vivid Magenta (#EC008C)
- Snapmaker PLA SnapSpeed Lemon Yellow (#FCE300)
- Snapmaker PLA SnapSpeed Pure White (#FFFFFF)
- In the
Objectslist, set the corresponding color for each part according to its file name.
- In
Globalsettings, modify the print parameters.- Select a 0.4 mm nozzle (a 0.2 mm nozzle is recommended for better results).
- Set layer height to 0.08 or 0.1 mm.
- Set first layer height to 0.15 mm.
- Set top shell layers to 3.
- Set sparse infill density to 100%.
- Set sparse infill pattern to Rectilinear.
- After completing the above parameter settings, start
slicing.
⌛ Slicing color lithophane files takes a long time. Please be patient.
¶ Installation Steps
After printing is complete, we recommend doing two things first:
① Clean the lithophane print: carefully remove supports and burrs from the sides of the print. The edges can be gently trimmed with a deburring tool.
② Check the accessories: the lithophane print itself, the light guide plate, the frame (front and back), the backlight board, and the USB-C power cable.
¶ 1. Confirm the installation layers (key step)
- The order from back to front is as follows:
¶ 2.Insert the Light Guide Plate
- When placing the light guide plate into the frame, make sure it is in front of the backlight board and behind the lithophane print. If the light guide plate tends to fall out, use a small amount of glue to secure it.
¶ 3.Insert the Backlight Board
-
Place the backlight board into the rear side of the frame:
- The light-emitting side faces the light guide plate;
- Align the USB-C port with the reserved hole on the back of the frame;
- Snap it under the elastic clips on the inside of the frame, keeping it flat.
¶ 4.Route and Secure the Power Cable
- Depending on whether the lithophane print is placed vertically or horizontally, feed the USB-C power cable through the reserved hole on the back of the frame.
- Plug the cable into the USB-C port on the backlight board.
- Then secure the power cable into the cable slot on the frame to prevent it from being pinched when closing the frame.
¶ 5.Close the Frame
- Place the lithophane print into the front side with the pattern side facing the viewing direction.
- Align the clips and gently press the front frame into place.
- If the fit between the lithophane print and the frame is tight, slowly push it in from the back. Do not use excessive force.
¶ 6.Connect Power and Light Up
- Connect the USB-C power cable to a 5V power source (a charger or power bank is fine) and turn it on. The even backlight will pass through the light guide plate, gradually revealing the light and shadow details of the lithophane print layer by layer.
Display Tips:
👍 Recommended for viewing in dim lighting, where the lithophane print's sense of depth is most visible.
👍 When replacing the lithophane print, gently pull the old one out from the frame opening and insert the new one. The light guide plate and backlight board do not need to be removed.
¶ Finished Print Showcase
¶ Conclusion
✨ What lights up is not just the lithophane, but also your passion for creation.
Your lithophane print is now officially lit up! From printing to assembly, every layer of light showcases your creativity. We hope the filament bundle and this printing guide will accompany you in easily turning your creations into warm light and shadow.