MakerJig › Guides › Lithophane thickness
The best lithophane thickness and print settings
For most lithophanes, use a minimum thickness of about 0.8 mm and a maximum of about 3 mm, printed in white PLA standing upright at 100% infill. Thinner gives more light but a weaker print; thicker gives more contrast but a darker image.
Recommended starting settings
| Setting | Starting value | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum thickness (brightest areas) | 0.6–0.8 mm | Below about 0.6 mm the thin areas can break or print with gaps |
| Maximum thickness (darkest areas) | 2.5–3.2 mm | Enough depth for strong shadows without blocking all light |
| Width | 80–150 mm | Larger prints show more detail but take longer |
| Orientation | Standing upright | Detail comes from the X/Y resolution, which is finer than layer height |
| Infill | 100% | Infill patterns show through as lines when backlit |
| Layer height | 0.12–0.2 mm | Lower is smoother but slower |
| Filament | White PLA | Even light diffusion; coloured filament tints the image |
How thickness changes the picture
A lithophane works by blocking light: thicker plastic means a darker pixel. The difference between the minimum and maximum thickness sets the contrast.
- Too thin overall (for example 0.4–1.5 mm): the print is bright but washed out and fragile.
- Too thick overall (for example 1.2–5 mm): strong contrast but dark; it needs a bright light behind it.
- A good balance (0.8–3 mm): clear detail with an ordinary LED light.
Curved and cylinder lithophanes
Curved shapes are stronger, so you can go slightly thinner at the minimum. For a lamp shade, keep the maximum around 2.5–3 mm so the light stays even. The Lithophane Maker makes flat, curved, full-cylinder, heart and circle shapes.
Light source matters
A warm white LED gives a classic look; a cool white one gives more contrast. If the image looks too dark, use a brighter light before printing thinner.
FAQ
- What is the best thickness for a lithophane?
- Start with 0.8 mm minimum and 3 mm maximum. It is a reliable middle ground for white PLA and a normal LED backlight.
- Should I print a lithophane flat or upright?
- Upright, for flat lithophanes. The fine detail then comes from the printer's X/Y movement, and you avoid visible layer steps across the face.
- Why does my lithophane show lines?
- Usually infill showing through (use 100%), inconsistent extrusion, or a resolution set higher than the nozzle can reproduce.
- What colour filament is best?
- White PLA. Natural or translucent filament lets too much light through, and dark colours block it. Colour lithophanes use several filaments or a coloured backlight.