How to Create the Albert Einstein Lithophane Photo Frame Using SelfCAD
Designing a lithophane photo frame is a really cool way to mix art and technology, especially when using SelfCAD. A lithophane is a special kind of 3D design that reveals an image when light shines through it, almost like magic. In this project, I’ll be creating an Albert Einstein lithophane photo frame using SelfCAD, a beginner-friendly online 3D modeling program. The process involves turning a regular photo into a 3D model, shaping the frame, and preparing it for 3D printing. You’ll see how easy and enjoyable it can be to make a personalized lithophane that brings a famous image to life.
To access the interactive tutorial to this article, check out; https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials/1k321l535jxr6a594f3394q665br2l422h6r
Once you’ve launched the editor;
Click image to 3D on the toolbar
Click select image button to load new image
Click load image from tutorial button to add image
Set resolution to 250, flip background to true, back side to true, symmetry to true
Tick the checkmark to finalize image to 3D
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 350, height to 400, depth to 40
Tick the checkmark finalize cube, Click on imagegenerator-1 to select. Click on mesh 4 to deselect
Click move on the toolbar; Set y to 10 using highlighted gizmo
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 300, height to 405, depth to 45, position y to 10.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
Click on mesh 4 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8 to subtract and set keepsubtractedobject to true
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
Click on difference 1 to deselect
Click scale on the toolbar; Set z to 25, x to 325
Click ‘x’ to close transformation panel
Click on difference 1 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose mesh 8 to subtract
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
From the 3D Shapes category on the toolbar choose cube; Set width to 350, height to 40, depth to 40,position y to 400.
Tick the checkmark finalize cube
Click on imagegenerator-1 to select it
Click Boolean on the toolbar; from the tool panel choose difference, Choose imagegenerator-1 to subtract and set keepsubtractedobject to true
Tick the checkmark to finalize difference
As you continue honing your design skills, remember that SelfCAD offers a wealth of resources to support your learning journey. To deepen your understanding and explore more advanced features, consider checking out the interactive tutorials (https://www.selfcad.com/tutorials) available on the SelfCAD website. The tutorials page provides a treasure trove of guides, tips, and tricks that cater to designers of all levels.
More structured learning experience can also be accessed at the SelfCAD Academy (https://www.selfcad.com/academy/curriculum/), https://www.youtube.com/@3dmodeling101, and 3D Modeling 101 series (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL74nFNT8yS9DcE1UlUUdiR1wFGv9DDfTB). This comprehensive resource offers in-depth courses taught by industry experts, allowing you to master the intricacies of SelfCAD at your own pace
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