Filaticum Litho filament was specially developed for printing lithophane images, so the filament itself contributes to print perfect 3D images. Our suggested printing settings can help you create an even more beautiful image.
Originally, a lithophane was a very thin, translucent piece of art, engraved or moulded into porcelain or plastic, which can be visible by transmitted light. Lithophane images are three-dimensional and their appearance is different by varying the angle and brightness of the light source.
The most recent heyday of the lithophane is happening, thanks to 3D printing. Although this kind of printing could be a challenge even for experienced 3D printers, since the slightest error can be very distracting when we want to create a properly print 3D image. Printing parameters need to be set very precisely, and the true masters of litho printing sometimes are hiding their secret settings. We believe that a raw material, specially developed for this reason can help you to print breathtaking 3D images.
This filament is Filaticum PLA Litho. Its recipe and the entire manufacturing process has been designed to print really beautiful lithophanes with this filament. What makes this filament different from standard PLA filaments or other filaments offered for litho printing?
The base of our Litho filament is a PLA granulate specially manufactured for 3D printing, which itself meets the highest quality standards in this field. Various additives have been added to the PLA matrix to make the 3D printing, including the production of lithophanes easier and better. For example, the off-white colour of the material is achieved in an unusual way. We use fine powder which is insoluble in PLA, when it exposed to light, the thin surfaces become much lighter and the thicker ones darker.
Printed by maszat.eu
During production, we have strict requirements for the diameter and ovality of the filament, using our dual-axis optical gauges we ensure a diameter accuracy of +/- 0.05 mm, so that the material flow is always uniform.
Some tips for printing settings that help to reach perfect result:
- Thanks to the special additives, Filaticum Litho can be printed well at lower temperatures – even at 1900C – thus avoiding stringing and ensuring better adhesion to the bed.
- It’s important to print your lithophane slower than usual, ideally the highest speed should be 30-35 mm/s.
- It is best to use no infill at all, and the thickness of the wall should be equal to the thickest point of the image.
- For good result, it is best to use as small a layer height as possible, e.g. 0.1-0.15 mm.
- In case of printers where the bed itself moves into the y direction, it is advisable to use a y orientation.