Image to Lithophane STL Generator

This Python script converts a grayscale image into an STL file for 3D printing as a lithophane. A lithophane is an embossed, translucent image that is visible when illuminated from behind. The script creates a 3D model with varying thickness based on the brightness of the pixels in the image.

⭐ Features

• Converts any image into a 3D lithophane STL.
• Adjusts the model’s thickness based on brightness (lighter areas are thinner, darker areas are thicker).
• Allows scaling and reducing the resolution of the image for optimized 3D printing.
• Configurable parameters for lithophane size, thickness, and detail level.
• Outputs STL files ready for 3D printing in millimeters.

🚧 Requirements

Ensure you have Python 3.x installed and the following Python libraries:

pip install numpy opencv-python scikit-image numpy-stl

🔍 Usage

1. Clone the repository:

git clone https://github.com/jinc77/lithophane.git
cd lithophane

2. Run the script:

python lithophane.py

💻 Parameters

In the create_lithophane function, you can adjust several parameters:

• image_path: The path to the input image (preferably a grayscale image).
• output_stl_path: The path where the STL file will be saved.
• scale: Scales the lithophane dimensions. Default is 0.5 (1 unit = 0.5 mm).
• layer_height: Defines the height of each discrete lithophane layer. Default is 0.2 mm.
• num_levels: Sets the number of brightness levels (default is 10).
• reduction_factor: Scales down the image resolution for simpler, faster prints. Default is 0.2 for a 20% size reduction.

💾 Example

# Example usage in lithophane.py
image_path = 'person.jpg'
output_stl_path = 'lithophane.stl'
create_lithophane(image_path, output_stl_path)

This will read person.jpg from your project folder and output an STL file named lithophane.stl.

🌐 Sample Image to STL

You can convert any grayscale image (or convert color images to grayscale using an image editor) into a lithophane. The output STL can then be 3D printed with any FDM or resin printer.

🧮 3D Printing Recommendations

• Print Orientation: Always print lithophanes vertically to maximize detail.
• Material: Translucent filaments like white or clear PLA work best for lithophanes.
• Layer Height: Use a layer height of 0.1-0.2 mm for best results.
• Infill: Higher infill percentages (around 100%) will provide better light diffusion through the lithophane.

🧠 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License. See the LICENSE file for details.

📝 Contributing

Feel free to submit issues or pull requests! Contributions are welcome.

❤️ Acknowledgements

• Uses the numpy-stl library for generating STL files.
• OpenCV and scikit-image for image processing.