About lithophanes
What is a lithophane?
A lithophane is a 3D image that only becomes visible when light shines through it from behind , so on the flat side, not the textured side. This creates a razor-sharp image full of depth, detail, and color . Without light, you only see a white surface with subtle texture.
The image is created from subtle differences in material thickness : thin zones let in more light, thicker ones let in less.
Originally, lithophanes were hand- carved from porcelain . Today, we use precision 3D printing technology , where layers of plastic are built up into a single, refined whole.
How 3D printing technology enables color lithophanes
Previously you could only make black and white lithophanes, but at iMsignMo we use the latest four-colour 3D printer .
We print with cyan, magenta, yellow, and white , allowing the colors to build up in the inner layers. This creates a true color photo in 3D.
Depending on the format, the printing time varies greatly:
- Photos for keychains: between 2 and 3 hours
- Photos for photo frames: between 10 and 12 o'clock
3D printing technology is becoming increasingly qualitative and faster , but each lithophane photo is still built up layer by layer , while the printer constantly switches between four colours .
How do you make your lithophane photo visible?
The photo truly comes to life when you backlight the lithophane . This can be done in several ways: with sunlight , candlelight , or your smartphone's flashlight .
Make sure that the light source is not too close , so that the light can be distributed evenly over the entire photo.
How does iMsignMo bring your memories to life?
• Lithophane 3D Photo Keychains : Shine your smartphone's flashlight behind them or hold them in bright sunlight.
• Lithophane Photo Frames : also described as a night light with your personal 3D photo , equipped with a built-in LED light plate that you connect with a power adapter or power bank.
