A lithophane is a 3D relief that shows a photographic image when backlit. Held up to a lamp or placed in a light box, the thin areas glow bright and thick areas stay dark — creating a stunning portrait effect. They're one of the highest-margin personalized gift products a laser shop can offer.
What you need: - A high-contrast photo (portraits work best — sharp face, plain background) - Reticle Red Lithophane Fabricator (free, no credits required) - A 3D printer OR a laser engraver with a deep-engrave capable setup
Step 1: Upload your photo Open the Lithophane Fabricator and upload your image. Use the AI Background Remover first (built into The Fabricator) to isolate the subject for a cleaner result.
Step 2: Set dimensions and depth Set your target width in mm. For a standard ornament, 80–100mm width works well. Max relief depth of 3–4mm gives good contrast when lit. Enable "invert" if your output looks reversed.
Step 3: Export - STL → Send to your 3D printer. Use white PLA at 0.1mm layer height for maximum detail. - Height Map PNG → Import to LightBurn as a grayscale image. Use "Threshold" mode and a power/speed that removes about 3mm of material at max depth.
Laser engraving lithophanes: Use a V-bit or a 2.5D depth pass in LightBurn. Basswood or MDF works well at 3–4mm plunge. The result backlit with an LED panel is striking.
Selling price benchmark: Lithophane ornaments regularly sell for $25–$65 on Etsy. The material cost is under $1. Production time: ~45 minutes printing + 2 minutes of your time.