Lithophane LED Lantern

This is a lithophane LED lantern I built from a camping lantern that I bought from ALDI. I noticed Amazon sells some that looks very similar.

https://www.amazon.com/CycleMore-Collapsible-Flashlight-Resistant-Emergency/dp/B076BGWQZZ

First thing is to take it apart. Remove the inside netting and the spring. On the bottom part ridge there are 3 protrusions of plastic. Use a scalpel or file and carefully remove these.

Now I use the online program at

http://3dp.rocks/lithophane/

to make the lithophane. I am including the picture template that you can use. Simply clear the image and use the canvas in your favorite image editing program to add your own pictures within the outline of the template. The template is 36.6 (W)x7.87(H) inches or 90.42(W)x20(H) cm.

Load your image into the program and use the following settings.

Model: Maximum size 247

        Thickness 2


         Border 0 (default)


         Thinnest layer 0.8 (Default)


         Vectors per pixel 4 (Default)


         Base stand depth 0 (Default)


         Curve 360

Refresh and download .stl file.

I slice in Cura and print upright at 0.15 resolution and 15% infill. Use a brim to stabilize the lithophane whilst printing.

You will also need to print an upper lid adapter. Use a raft for this print.

Fit the cylindrical lithophane into the groove in the base of the lantern. It should fit in snuggly-if it does not make sure that you have removed the brim (you may have to use a scalpel along the rim) and the little protrusions completely .

Once that's sitting in place you can glue it in place. Place the 3D printed adapter for the upper part of the lantern on top of the cylinder and close with the lantern top. Glue everything together so that the lantern is in one piece (or when people pick it up and admire it will come apart). If you want to hang it up rather than sit on a table make sure you orientate the picture correctly.

As an added bonus-if you need the LED lantern to look like a candle for an appropriate occasion you can use a 3D printed candle flame and paste on top. I used the one by Mrcleanr6 on Thingiverse

https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:606141

The convex glass on the top lid can be removed as it is held to the top with 2 screws. You will have to scale the flame to fit.