Lithophanes can be amazing... if they print correctly. But their upright orientation poses challenges to a successful print. In this video we address the difficulty of printing these slender designs upright with no support by building a custom support that will stabilize your lithophanes. We provide the file for you, free of charge, and walk you through using them to set up your next successful print!


Lithophane Support Bar .stl file:
https://bit.ly/3OLKozf


In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricate process of printing 3D lithophanes with an emphasis on maximizing detail and ensuring structural integrity throughout the printing process. Lithophanes, revered for their captivating visual depth and detail, require a meticulous approach to 3D printing, particularly when it comes to their orientation and support structures. This summary not only outlines the challenges faced when printing lithophanes but also introduces an innovative solution to overcome these obstacles, ensuring every lithophane emerges straight, clean, and consistent.

The Challenge of Printing 3D Lithophanes

The primary challenge in 3D printing lithophanes lies in their delicate balance between detail and structural stability. Printing lithophanes upright is recommended to preserve as much detail as possible—a crucial aspect that defines their allure. However, this method introduces an architectural dilemma: thin, tall structures struggle to support themselves, leading to potential bending or even complete printing failures.

Architectural Solutions and Support Mechanisms

To combat this issue, the use of support structures such as brims, skirts, and rafts is explored. Each support mechanism offers different levels of bed adhesion and ease of removal, with brims identified as particularly effective for lithophane printing. The guide further introduces a custom support solution, designed to provide optimal stability without compromising the lithophane's surface quality.
Step-by-Step Guide to Printing with Custom Supports

A detailed walkthrough covers the creation of a custom support structure using Rhino software, followed by the preparation and adjustment of lithophane files in Ultimaker Cura. This process involves strategically rotating and positioning both the lithophanes and the custom supports to ensure maximum stability with minimal contact, facilitating easy post-print removal.
Results and Conclusion

The guide concludes with a showcase of the printing results, highlighting the effectiveness of the custom supports in maintaining the lithophanes' integrity and detail. The barely-there contact points between the supports and lithophanes underscore the method's success, offering a solution that combines aesthetic excellence with practical efficiency.

This guide serves as a valuable resource for artists, educators, DIY enthusiasts, and craftspeople interested in the art of 3D lithophane printing. By addressing common challenges and providing a detailed solution, it empowers individuals to achieve optimal results, merging technical precision with artistic creativity.