[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":179},["ShallowReactive",2],{"blog-post-lithophanes-guide-choosing-the-right-photo":3,"blog-posts":17},{"slug":4,"category":5,"date":6,"description":7,"image":8,"readTime":9,"tags":10,"title":15,"bodyHtml":16},"lithophanes-guide-choosing-the-right-photo","Guides","2026-09-30","How 3D-printed lithophanes work, which photos turn out best, sizes and prices in Singapore, and how to light and display one.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Flithophanes-guide-choosing-the-right-photo.png","4 min read",[11,12,13,14],"lithophane","gifts","photo","PLA","Lithophanes: What They Are and How to Choose the Right Photo","\u003Cp>A lithophane looks like a blank white panel until you hold it up to a light. Then a photograph appears in soft, glowing detail. It's one of the most striking things you can make on a 3D printer, and it makes a great personal gift for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries or in memory of someone. This guide explains how lithophanes work, which photos turn out best, and how to choose a size.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-is-a-lithophane\">What Is a Lithophane?\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Lithophanes date back to 19th-century Europe, when they were carved into thin porcelain. The idea is simple: the panel is \u003Cstrong>thin where the image is bright and thick where it is dark\u003C\u002Fstrong>. With light behind it, thin areas let lots of light through and thick areas block it, so the panel's changing thickness becomes a greyscale picture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A 3D printer is well suited to this because it can build that thickness in fine layers. We print our lithophanes in white PLA, which spreads light evenly and gives the cleanest range of tones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"what-makes-a-great-lithophane-photo\">What Makes a Great Lithophane Photo\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A photo that looks great on your phone doesn't always make a great lithophane. The panel reproduces brightness only, not colour, so a few things matter:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Strong contrast.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Clear lights and darks translate well. Photos that are flat, hazy or all mid-tone come out muddy.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>A clear subject.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Faces, people and pets that fill most of the frame work best. A person standing small in front of a large landscape becomes a tiny, indistinct figure.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>A simple background.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Busy backgrounds such as crowds, foliage or patterned walls compete with the subject. A plain sky, wall or blurred background keeps attention where it belongs.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Good lighting on faces.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Faces lit from the front or side keep their features. Harsh shadows or backlit silhouettes lose detail.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>Enough resolution.\u003C\u002Fstrong> A normal phone photo is plenty. Avoid screenshots of screenshots and heavily compressed images from chat apps, because compression artefacts get printed too.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Ch3 id=\"quick-check-before-you-upload\">Quick check before you upload\u003C\u002Fh3>\n\u003Cp>Convert your photo to black and white on your phone. If it still reads clearly (you can recognise the faces and the subject stands out), it will make a good lithophane. If it turns into a grey blur, try another shot or crop tighter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"photos-that-work-well\">Photos That Work Well\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Ctable>\n  \u003Cthead>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Cth>Works well\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Harder to get right\u003C\u002Fth>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003C\u002Fthead>\n  \u003Ctbody>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Close-up portraits and couples\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Large group photos with small faces\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Pets, especially light fur against a dark background (or vice versa)\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Black pets on dark sofas\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Wedding and graduation portraits\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Night shots and dim indoor photos\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Babies and newborn photos\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Wide scenic landscapes\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Landmarks with a clear silhouette\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>Photos with text you need to read\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"choosing-a-size-and-orientation\">Choosing a Size and Orientation\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>Match the orientation to your photo so nothing important gets cropped. Our \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fshop\u002Flithophanes\">custom lithophanes\u003C\u002Fa> come in these sizes:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ctable>\n  \u003Cthead>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Cth>Photo shape\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Size\u003C\u002Fth>\u003Cth>Price\u003C\u002Fth>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003C\u002Fthead>\n  \u003Ctbody>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Landscape\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>203 × 152 mm\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>$60\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Landscape\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>152 × 102 mm\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>$50\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Portrait\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>152 × 203 mm\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>$60\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Portrait\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>102 × 152 mm\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>$50\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n    \u003Ctr>\u003Ctd>Square\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>152 × 152 mm\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003Ctd>$50\u003C\u002Ftd>\u003C\u002Ftr>\n  \u003C\u002Ftbody>\n\u003C\u002Ftable>\n\u003Cp>Prices are in SGD. The larger sizes show more detail, which helps with photos of two or more people. The smaller ones suit a single face or a pet and fit nicely on a desk or bedside table. You can also pick a frame colour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-to-display-a-lithophane\">How to Display a Lithophane\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Cp>A lithophane needs light behind it to show the image. Any of these works:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cul>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>A window.\u003C\u002Fstrong> Daylight gives the most natural look and needs nothing extra.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>A small LED light or strip\u003C\u002Fstrong> behind the panel. Warm white gives a classic, cosy glow; cool white looks crisper.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>\u003Cstrong>A lamp or phone torch\u003C\u002Fstrong>, to show it off to someone quickly.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Ful>\n\u003Cp>Avoid direct, hot light sources such as old incandescent bulbs pressed against the panel. PLA softens at around 60 °C. LEDs run cool and are the safe choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Ch2 id=\"how-ordering-works\">How Ordering Works\u003C\u002Fh2>\n\u003Col>\n  \u003Cli>Upload your photo on the \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fshop\u002Flithophanes\">lithophane page\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Check the live preview. It shows how the image will look when backlit.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>Pick a size and frame colour, then add it to your cart.\u003C\u002Fli>\n  \u003Cli>We convert the photo into a 3D model and print it in white PLA.\u003C\u002Fli>\n\u003C\u002Fol>\n\u003Cp>Lithophanes are made to order. If you need one for a specific date such as a wedding, birthday or Christmas, order early. Check our \u003Ca href=\"\u002Fdrops\">seasonal drops\u003C\u002Fa> too; we sometimes run festive lithophane designs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cblockquote>Have a favourite photo? Upload it and see the backlit preview before you order.\u003C\u002Fblockquote>\n\u003Cp>\u003Ca href=\"\u002Fshop\u002Flithophanes\">Make a custom lithophane\u003C\u002Fa>.\u003C\u002Fp>",[18,31,45,59,70,81,92,103,111,121,123,135,142,151,159,169],{"slug":19,"category":5,"date":20,"description":21,"image":22,"readTime":23,"tags":24,"title":29,"updated_at":30},"3d-printing-infill-explained","2026-05-09","Infill controls a print's strength, weight, print time and cost. A material-by-material guide to infill percentage and patterns, with a quick-reference table.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002F3d-printing-infill-explained.png","9 min read",[25,26,27,28],"infill","strength","cost saving","design tips","3D Printing Infill Explained: How Much Do You Really Need?","2026-08-22T00:00:00Z",{"slug":32,"category":33,"date":34,"description":35,"image":36,"readTime":37,"tags":38,"title":44,"updated_at":30},"fdm-vs-resin-3d-printing-which-to-choose","Materials","2026-05-27","FDM and resin (SLA) printing produce very different results. Compare strength, detail, cost and use cases to pick the right process for your project.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Ffdm-vs-resin-3d-printing-which-to-choose.png","7 min read",[39,40,41,42,43],"FDM","resin","SLA","comparison","detail","FDM vs Resin 3D Printing: Which Should You Choose?",{"slug":46,"category":5,"date":47,"description":48,"image":49,"readTime":50,"tags":51,"title":57,"updated_at":58},"how-much-does-3d-printing-cost-in-singapore","2026-05-20","What 3D printing actually costs in Singapore — real material rates, the minimum order and delivery fee, plus two worked examples, so you know what to expect.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-much-does-3d-printing-cost-in-singapore.png","12 min read",[52,53,54,55,56],"pricing","cost","Singapore","quote","beginners","How Much Does 3D Printing Cost in Singapore?","2026-07-31T00:00:00Z",{"slug":60,"category":5,"date":61,"description":62,"image":63,"readTime":64,"tags":65,"title":69,"updated_at":30},"how-strong-are-3d-printed-parts","2026-05-23","Can 3D-printed parts handle real loads? Learn what determines strength — material, infill, walls and orientation — and how to design parts that hold up.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-strong-are-3d-printed-parts.png","8 min read",[26,66,25,67,68],"durability","orientation","engineering","How Strong Are 3D-Printed Parts?",{"slug":71,"category":5,"date":6,"description":72,"image":73,"readTime":9,"tags":74,"title":80},"how-to-3d-print-your-fyp-or-school-project","Getting an FYP prototype, D&T coursework piece or architecture model 3D printed in Singapore: file prep, scale, keeping costs down and meeting deadlines.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-3d-print-your-fyp-or-school-project.png",[75,76,77,78,79],"FYP","coursework","architecture models","school projects","budget","How to 3D Print Your FYP, Coursework or Architecture Model in Singapore",{"slug":82,"category":5,"date":6,"description":83,"image":84,"readTime":9,"tags":85,"title":91},"how-to-convert-step-to-stl","Convert STEP to STL in Fusion 360, SolidWorks, Onshape or FreeCAD with the right tolerance settings, or skip it and upload the STEP file directly.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-convert-step-to-stl.png",[86,87,88,89,90],"STEP","STL","CAD","file format","export","How to Convert STEP to STL (and When You Don’t Need To)",{"slug":93,"category":5,"date":6,"description":94,"image":95,"readTime":96,"tags":97,"title":102},"how-to-get-a-makerworld-model-printed-in-singapore","No 3D printer? Paste a MakerWorld, Printables or Thingiverse link and get it printed in Singapore. How to pick the file, check the licence and choose a material.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-get-a-makerworld-model-printed-in-singapore.png","5 min read",[98,99,100,101,56],"MakerWorld","Printables","Thingiverse","licence","How to Get a MakerWorld, Printables or Thingiverse Model Printed in Singapore",{"slug":104,"category":5,"date":6,"description":105,"image":106,"readTime":9,"tags":107,"title":110},"how-to-get-something-3d-printed-in-singapore","Getting something 3D printed in Singapore from start to finish: getting a file, choosing a material, cost, ordering, payment and collection or delivery.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-get-something-3d-printed-in-singapore.png",[56,108,54,109,52],"3D printing service","materials","How to Get Something 3D Printed in Singapore: A Step-by-Step Guide",{"slug":112,"category":5,"date":113,"description":114,"image":115,"readTime":116,"tags":117,"title":120},"how-to-prepare-stl-files-for-3d-printing","2025-03-28","Everything you need to know about exporting, checking, and fixing STL files before sending them for 3D printing. Avoid common mistakes that cause failed prints.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fhow-to-prepare-stl-files-for-3d-printing.png","6 min read",[87,118,56,119],"file preparation","3MF","How to Prepare STL Files for 3D Printing: A Beginner's Guide",{"slug":4,"category":5,"date":6,"description":7,"image":8,"readTime":9,"tags":122,"title":15},[11,12,13,14],{"slug":124,"category":33,"date":125,"description":126,"image":127,"readTime":9,"tags":128,"title":134},"outdoor-3d-prints-choosing-the-right-material","2025-04-10","Not all 3D printing materials survive outdoors. Learn which filaments handle UV, rain, and heat — and which ones will warp, fade, or crack.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Foutdoor-3d-prints-choosing-the-right-material.png",[129,130,131,132,133],"outdoor","ASA","PETG","UV resistance","weathering","Outdoor 3D Prints: Choosing the Right Material for Sun and Rain",{"slug":136,"category":33,"date":137,"description":138,"image":139,"readTime":96,"tags":140,"title":141},"pla-vs-petg-which-material-should-you-choose","2025-03-15","A practical comparison of PLA and PETG — the two most popular FDM materials. Learn when to use each based on strength, heat resistance, and application.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fpla-vs-petg-which-material-should-you-choose.png",[14,131,109,42],"PLA vs PETG: Which 3D Printing Material Should You Choose?",{"slug":143,"category":5,"date":144,"description":145,"image":146,"readTime":96,"tags":147,"title":150},"reducing-3d-printing-costs-tips-for-smarter-designs","2025-04-22","Simple design changes that can cut your 3D printing costs significantly. Learn about wall thickness, infill, orientation, and support optimisation.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Freducing-3d-printing-costs-tips-for-smarter-designs.png",[27,28,25,148,149],"supports","optimisation","Reducing 3D Printing Costs: Tips for Smarter Designs",{"slug":152,"category":5,"date":153,"description":154,"image":155,"readTime":156,"tags":157,"title":158,"updated_at":30},"stl-vs-3mf-which-file-format-to-use","2026-05-16","STL is the classic 3D printing format, but 3MF carries units, colour and multi-part data. How they differ, how to export each, and which to send us.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fstl-vs-3mf-which-file-format-to-use.png","10 min read",[87,119,89,90,88],"STL vs 3MF: Which 3D Printing File Format Should You Use?",{"slug":160,"category":5,"date":161,"description":162,"image":163,"readTime":23,"tags":164,"title":168,"updated_at":58},"what-can-you-3d-print-real-world-ideas","2026-05-29","From replacement parts to custom gifts, real ideas for what to 3D print in Singapore — grouped by use case, matched to materials, with real workshop examples.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fwhat-can-you-3d-print-real-world-ideas.png",[165,166,56,167],"ideas","inspiration","use cases","What Can You 3D Print? 15 Real-World Ideas",{"slug":170,"category":171,"date":6,"description":172,"image":173,"readTime":96,"tags":174,"title":178},"whats-new-at-zerocore-september-2026","News","Paste a MakerWorld or Printables link, upload STEP, IGES or OBJ files, map multi-colour 3MFs and track every order. Everything new on zerocore.sg.","\u002Fimages\u002Fblog\u002Fwhats-new-at-zerocore-september-2026.png",[175,98,86,176,177],"updates","multi-colour","order tracking","What’s New at ZeroCore: Link Imports, STEP Uploads, Colour Slots and More",1791379050734]