Our Process - Lithophanes
Receiving Your Order
For each item in your order, we get sent an image of your choosing. For example, something like this:
Professional Editing
We then use professional editing software to convert the image to grayscale, sharpen the image and adjust the lighting for best results:
Converting to 3D
When we are happy with how the image looks, we use a special program to convert it into a 3D STL (stereolithography) file. This program uses the darkness/lightness of each pixel in the image to determine how "thick" that portion of the 3D image should be. The lighter parts are thinner and the darker parts thicker, which causes the image to appear when lit from behind.
Slicing the STL File
The final step on the computer involves "slicing" the STL file into gcode, which is the language 3D printers understand. The file is converted into instructions which tell the printer where to move and what to do. This is all done using special software and ultra-dialed in settings to make sure it is absolutely perfect.
Printing the Lithophane
The gcode is uploaded to the 3D printer and then the printing begins! The lithophane is printed one layer at a time, and each layer is only 0.15mm thick. This means a single large lithophane has over 1000 layers and takes between 16 and 24 hours to print!
Finishing Touches
After printing, we sand and brush the final piece then assess in different lights to make sure the piece meets our quality standards.
Packaging and Sending
Once we are completely happy with each piece in your order, we package them up and prepare them to be sent off. Each package has the lithophanes wrapped in paper, then seated on a bed of shredded paper for safety in transit. A few goodies to top it off and away they go!
