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Lithophanes: Step by Step Instructions For Making Lithophanes

This document provides step-by-step instructions for making lithophanes, which are thin sheets that display a black and white image when held up to light. The instructions include preparing high-resolution black and white photos, setting up the CNC machine and job parameters, using subtractive combining to cut the image into the material to a precise depth, and previewing the finished lithophane.

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backyardcnc
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318 views13 pages

Lithophanes: Step by Step Instructions For Making Lithophanes

This document provides step-by-step instructions for making lithophanes, which are thin sheets that display a black and white image when held up to light. The instructions include preparing high-resolution black and white photos, setting up the CNC machine and job parameters, using subtractive combining to cut the image into the material to a precise depth, and previewing the finished lithophane.

Uploaded by

backyardcnc
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

LITHOPHANES

Step by step
instructions for
making lithophanes

Dale Hellewell

Before you start your photos must be ready.


For the best results this is my experience, you will need to create your own with your available software and
machine.
I fix my photos using Photoshop CS5i which fortunately removes jpg artifact.
Note: I found the hardest format to work with is .tiff; .png the easiest.
Most of the time I replace the background with wood plank, sunsets, or other uncluttered simple background s
like you see in commercial portraits.
Beware of large white areas such as T-shirts, add texture or color them.
Use the highest resolution photos you have, increase the contrast, then convert them to black and white (not
gray scale)

To make lithophanes your table must be absolutely flat


You will be cutting down to the thickness of a piece of paper (0.03)
When necessary use a surface planning bit to flatten the table

Clamping part to table


Make absolutely certain the entire part is in contact with the table
TIP: When using Festool clamps tap the part down then slide a shim
under the handle to help keep the part down

z-zero
Set z-zero exactly at the table surface
TIP: If you dont have a smart tool or tool changer, insert the bit into the collets, snug but not tight, lower the bit close to
the table, slide the bit to the table, tighten the collets

SET Z-ZERO ON YOUR SCREEN TO ZERO

Job Setup

Set job size (x & y) & Thickness (z)


Material (z) z-zero = bottom
XY Datum Position = Lower left
Modeling Resolution = Very High
Appearance = Solid Color 40% Gray
Click Ok

Create border
If not centered, Center border (F9)
Click Close

Create component from selected bitmap


Size and Center photo leaving a small amount outside
the border

Click on the modeling tab


Click on the Component in Component Tree (if not selected)
Click on the wrench
Set combine with other components to Subtract
Set shape height between 0.08 and 0.12 for best results
Click Close
Switch to Toolpaths Tab

Select border
Click on 3D Finishing Toolpath

Click Gap Below Model


Set gap below model to 0.03
Click Ok

Select bit
Set Area Machine Strategy to Raster
Set raster angle to 315 degrees
Click Calculate

Click Preview Selected Toolpath


Click Close

PREVIEW FINISHED LITHOHANE

Switch to Drawing Tab


Click Model, Create Component from Toolpath Preview

Click New tab


Under component tree uncheck component
Click on Toolpath Preview
Set combine with other components to subtract

Unselect Toolpath preview


Select component
Click close
Switch to Toolpaths Tab
If youre happy save the toolpath

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