3D Photo Prints and Lithophanes — Turn a Photo Into a Product

A lithophane is a thin 3D printed panel that reveals a photo when light passes through it, which is why it makes a strong gift, keepsake or retail night light.

We convert a JPG or PNG photo into a printable relief. Thicker areas block light and thinner areas let it through, so the image appears when the panel is backlit. The same file can be finished as a framed picture, a standing panel or a night light.

Panels are produced from 10 cm to 30 cm, and each piece carries one primary image. For collages or multi-photo pieces, add a note to the order and our design team will lay it out.

Specifications

Sizes10 cm to 30 cmFormatsFramed panel, standing panel or night lightInputOne primary JPG / PNG photo per pieceMaterialRigid resin or PLA depending on the finish chosenSampleSample from 1 piece, then bulk from 10 piecesProofA lit photo of the first panel is sent for approval

Typical applications

• Personalised gifts and keepsakes
• Memorial and pet remembrance products
• Retail night lights
• Wedding and event favours
• Photo studios and print shops adding a 3D line

Printing processes and tolerances

Processes available for this product

SLA - Stereolithography	0.05 - 0.1 mm layer height | accuracy +/-0.1 mm | minimum wall 0.8 mm (recommended >= 1.2 mm)
SLS - Selective Laser Sintering	0.1 - 0.12 mm layer height | accuracy +/-0.3% | minimum wall 1.0 mm
MJF - Multi Jet Fusion	0.08 mm layer height | accuracy +/-0.3 mm | minimum wall 1.0 mm
FDM - Fused Deposition Modeling	0.16 - 0.3 mm layer height | accuracy +/-0.2% | minimum wall 1.2 mm
Metal SLM / DMLS	0.02 - 0.05 mm layer height | accuracy +/-0.1 mm | minimum wall 0.5 - 1.0 mm

How to order custom 3D printing

• Samples start from 1 piece so the print can be approved before a bulk run.
• Bulk pricing tiers start at 10 pieces and step down again at higher quantities.
• A proof is sent for approval before the batch is produced.
• Upload STL, STEP, STP, OBJ, 3MF, GLB or GLTF. Up to 20 files per request, 100 MB per file.
• Keep walls above 1.2 mm and never below 0.8 mm for a reliable, printable part.
• Your files stay confidential and are used only to quote and print your order.
• Printed in our own factory, so no tooling is required and MOQ stays low.
• Shipped worldwide by express courier, air or sea freight with tracking.

3D Photo Prints and Lithophanes — Turn a Photo Into a Product FAQ

What is a 3D photo or lithophane?

It is a thin 3D printed panel whose thickness varies with the brightness of the photo. Backlit, the thin areas glow and the thick areas stay dark, so the picture appears in relief rather than as flat ink.

What photo should I send?

Send the highest-resolution version available, ideally at least 1000 pixels on the short edge. High-contrast images with a clear subject read best because the effect depends on brightness differences.

What sizes can I order?

Panels are produced from 10 cm to 30 cm. Larger panels show more detail but need a stronger light source and use more material, so the estimate scales with size.

How many photos can I submit?

One primary image per piece is standard. For a collage or several photos in one panel, add a note to the order and our design team will lay it out before printing.

Do you provide a light base?

Yes. The piece can be finished as a framed panel, a standing panel or a complete night light with a base, so it can be sold ready to use.

What is the minimum order?

Sample pieces start at 1 unit so the photo can be checked when lit. Bulk pricing starts at 10 pieces, which suits gift shops and online sellers.

Other custom 3D products

• Custom 3D Printed Slippers — Your Logo, Your Colours (Custom 3D printed slippers are made to order in flexible TPU, so a logo, pattern or colour)
• Custom 3D Printed Figurines — Yourself, Your Mascot, Your Character (Custom 3D printed figurines turn a person, pet, mascot or character into a physical collec)
• Custom Pet Figurines — 3D Printed From Your Photos (A custom pet figurine is a 3D printed sculpture built from your photos, so a lasting versi)
• Custom 3D Printed Keychains — Logo, Name or Character (Custom 3D printed keychains give a low-MOQ branded product with no mould cost, so a new lo)
• Custom 3D Printed Trophies and Awards (Custom 3D printed trophies let a one-off award shape be created and then repeated for an e)
• Custom 3D Printed Corporate Gifts and Branded Merchandise (Custom 3D printed corporate gifts are produced from 10 units with the logo built into the )

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