Lithophane Folding Fan (MakerLab)
Turns an image into a printable folding hand fan with lithophane blades
Opens makerworld.com
About Lithophane Folding Fan (MakerLab)
Lithophane Folding Fan is a community tool in Bambu Lab's MakerLab that generates a complete folding hand fan whose blades work as a lithophane. In normal light the fan shows a subtle relief; hold it up to a window or lamp and the picture appears. The generator spreads the image across the blades for you, adds the pins that hold the fan together and exports a 3MF for Bambu Studio.
The free version covers the built-in designs, the standard fan shape, basic relief settings and 2D and 3D previews. Uploading your own photo, splitting the fan into sections with different images, extra fan shapes and text layers with custom fonts are part of a one-time Pro unlock, and you can try those features in the preview before paying.
It is an unusual gift and a nice conversation piece. Keep in mind that a fan with a personal photo needs the paid unlock, and that a white PLA that lets plenty of light through gives the clearest image.
What you can make
- Lithophane folding fans
- Multi-image fan designs
- Fans with text
How to use it
- Open the tool in MakerLab and sign in
- Pick a built-in image or unlock Pro to upload your own
- Adjust relief settings and preview in 2D and 3D
- Export the 3MF and print blades and pins
Good
- Complete fan with blades and pins generated for you
- Premium features can be previewed before buying
- Unusual gift idea
Not so good
- Own photos require the paid Pro unlock
- Needs a MakerWorld account
What you'll need to print it
Materials and parts that give the best results with Lithophane Folding Fan (MakerLab).
White PLA for lithophanes
A lithophane is only as good as the light passing through it. A neutral, evenly pigmented white gives smooth grey gradients, while an off-white or patchy batch shows up as blotches and colour casts once it is backlit.
- Bambu Lab PLA Basic Jade WhiteThe white Bambu uses in its own lithophane workflow; RFID presets make first prints predictable on Bambu printers.
- Polymaker PolyLite PLA Cold WhiteA cool-toned white (listed next to the warmer standard White) that keeps backlit photos crisp instead of yellowish.
- eSUN PLA+ WhiteAffordable and easy to find, good for large or batch lithophane panels.
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