The Art, Science And Math Behind Every Lithophane
A lithophane is a 3D-printed artwork that reveals a detailed image when illuminated from behind. The secret lies in varying the thickness of the print — thinner areas allow more light to pass through, while thicker areas block it, creating depth, contrast, and stunning photo realism.
At its core, the “formula” for a lithophane is simple yet precise:
T = Tmin + (1 - B/255) * (Tmax - Tmin)
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T = thickness at each pixel
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B = brightness (0 = black, 255 = white)
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Tmin = thinnest layer (lightest part)
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Tmax = thickest layer (darkest part)
Here’s how we craft each lithophane
At Lightcharm 3D
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Image Preparation – We start with a high-quality photo and convert it into a grayscale depth map, where light and dark values determine print thickness.
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3D Modeling – Using specialized software, the image is transformed into a 3D model — bright areas become thinner, dark areas become thicker.
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Precision Printing – Each lithophane is printed with fine layer settings and premium filament to capture every subtle tone.
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Finishing Touches – The final product is smoothed, cleaned, and tested with backlighting to ensure clarity, contrast, and durability.