How To: 3D Printed Lithophane Lantern

This holiday season I wanted to design a 3D printed gift that would be loved by all. This Lithophane Lantern is sure to be a crowd favorite at your next holiday gift exchange!

Illuminated lithophane lantern showing an astronaut in space

Figure 1 Assembled Lithophane Lantern

Step 1 – Download Lantern STLs and Print

The STLs for this project are available on Thingiverse.com and Thangs.com, free of charge. Start by downloading all the parts you will need to complete this project:

  • Base.stl
  • Lamp2.stl (should be printed with supports)
  • Light.stl
  • Top.stl
  • CapTop.stl
  • CapThreads.stl (should be printed upside down)

Note the helpful printing tips above. For more helpful printing tips, follow along with the complete build video above.

Step 2 – Creating Lithophane STLs and Printing

I recommend using Lithophane Maker website to create your STLs so that you can be sure the finished prints will fit in the Lithophane Lantern.

LithophaneMaker flat lithophane settings page with design schematic

Figure 2 This is LithophaneMaker.com

To make sure your lithophane fits into the Lithophane Lantern, use these settings:

  • Frame Only
  • Lithophane Resolution: 0.2
  • Width: 100
  • Height: 150
  • Depth: 7.5
  • Base Height: 7.5
  • Overhang Angle: 45
  • Maximum Thickness: 6
  • Minimum Thickness: 0.6

Step 3 – Slicing the STLs

For success when slicing/printing lithophanes, follow these simple steps:

  1. Use the smallest nozzle you have available
  2. Print with the smallest layer height for the highest resolution
  3. Print the Lithophane upright and perpendicular to the movement of the build plate
  4. Print with a brim to prevent the lithophane from falling over
  5. Print using MatterHackers Build Series White PLA filament and 100% infill

Yellow framed lithophane model standing on a slicer build plate

Figure 3 Correct orientation of Lithophane to be 3D printed

Step 4 – Quick Shopping Trip

The lithophane lantern is designed to be almost fully 3D printed. However, there are a few additional parts you will need. Links to the items I used are available on Thingiverse and in the video description.

  • M4 Threaded insert
  • M4 Screw (at least 30mm long)
  • AA Battery Pack (12V)
  • LED Strip (warm white 12V)
  • Wire management Clips
  • Binder Clip (Black looks best)

Step 5 – Final Assembly

To assemble the Lithophane Lantern you need to follow these steps in order (or follow along with the build video above):

  1.  Use a soldering iron to install the M4 threaded insert into the light post.

Installing a brass heat-set insert into a 3D printed part with a soldering iron

Figure 4 Installing threaded insert

2. Wrap the Light Post with the led strip leaving enough wire to go through the base to the battery pack mounted to the underside of the base.

LED light strip wrapped around light post with 3–4 inches of wire at the base

Figure 5 LED light strip attached to Light Post with 3-4" of wire at the base end

3. Attach the Base to the Lamp using joining dowels and super glue.

Applying adhesive to a black 3D printed frame assembly

Figure 6 Apply glue to each joining dowel and to the center area

4. Attach the Light Post to the Base assembly

Installing an LED strip inside a 3D printed lantern frame

Figure 7 Apply glue at base and hold securely while drying

5. Mount the battery using super glue, connect the wires and secure them with clips

3D printed black electronics enclosure with battery pack and wiring

Figure 8 Mount the battery pack and secure the wires

6. Install joining dowels on the top of the lamp. DO NOT USE GLUE HERE if you want your lithophanes to be replaceable. 

3D printed black LED light frame with strip light inside

Figure 9 Press fit joining dowels on top (NO GLUE)

7. Insert the 4 lithophanes into the lamp facing outward

Hand inserting a lithophane panel into a 3D printed light box frame

Figure 10 Insert the lithophanes facing out

8. Install the top using an M4 screw

M4 screw securing the top inside a 3D printed recessed hole
Figure 11 Use M4 Screw to secure the top

9. Assemble the top cap by gluing the two pieces together and installing the handle (binder clip)

Hands assembling a black 3D printed threaded top cap Figure 12 Assemble the Top Cap

10. Screw in the top cap

Black 3D printed ring puzzle with cone and ball on a box

Figure 13 Installed Top Cap

11. Turn off the lights


12. Turn on the lamp and enjoy!

If you liked this project be sure to check out Jacob's YouTube channel FLA Labs here! 

Illuminated 3D printed lithophane lantern showing an astronaut on the moonAwesome 3D printed lithphane lantern!