A lithophane converts a photo into a thin panel whose varying thickness recreates the image when backlit. Despite the small 20 cm³ volume, lithophanes print at 100% infill (light must pass through solid, consistent plastic) and at deliberately slow speeds for clean layers, so a postcard-sized panel typically runs $10–$25 — most of it machine time and the care taken in preparing the image file.
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Price breakdown
| Material | $1.24 |
| Machine time | $4.00 |
| Labor (setup) | $5.00 |
| Markup | $3.07 |
| Estimated price | $13.31 |
What drives the cost
Solid infill, no shortcuts
The image lives in wall thickness; any infill pattern would show as artifacts in the backlight. 100% infill means every cm³ is printed, unlike a 20%-infill part.
Slow and vertical
Lithophanes print standing up at low speed for smooth layers — a small panel still takes 3–6 hours of machine time.
Image prep labor
Cropping, contrast-tuning, and converting the photo to a heightmap is real labor. Frames, hearts, or backlit boxes add print volume and assembly.
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Get an exact quote Run a shop? Start freeFrequently asked questions
Why does a small photo panel cost $15+?
It prints solid at slow speed, so machine hours are high for its size, and preparing the photo file properly takes skilled labor before printing even starts.
What photos make good lithophanes?
High-contrast images with clear subjects — portraits and pets work great. Dark, busy, or low-resolution photos lose detail in the thickness mapping.
White PLA only?
White or natural PLA transmits light most evenly and is the standard. Colored plastic tints the image and usually reduces contrast.