16-Color Print Instructions (Lithophane / HueForge-style)

1. Slicer Setup

Layer Height: 0.08 mm (recommended for smooth color blending)

You can use 0.12 mm, but 0.08 mm gives better gradients.

First Layer Height: 0.2 mm

Nozzle: 0.4 mm

Infill: 100%

Walls/Perimeters: 2–3

Top/Bottom Layers: 0 (not needed for lithos)

Ironing: OFF

Supports: OFF

Orientation:

Flat back on the bed

Image facing UP

2. Color Order (CRITICAL)

Always print from darkest to lightest.

This prevents dark colors from bleeding through lighter layers.

Example 16-Color Order (Bottom → Top):

Black

Very Dark Gray

Dark Gray

Charcoal

Dark Brown / Dark Blue

Medium Dark Brown / Blue

Medium Brown / Slate

Neutral Gray

Medium Light Gray

Light Gray

Cream

Ivory

Pale Yellow

Off-White

White

Translucent / Natural (optional highlight layer)

If you don’t have exact shades, just maintain dark → light progression.

3. Layer-Based Color Changes

You’ll assign one color per height range.

Math for 16 colors at 0.08 mm layer height:

Total color height ≈ 2.56 mm

Each color = 0.16 mm (2 layers per color)

Color Change Plan

Color 1: Layers 1–2

Color 2: Layers 3–4

Color 3: Layers 5–6

…

Color 16: Final 2 layers

4. How to Apply Color Changes (Manual Method)

In **** / PrusaSlicer / OrcaSlicer:

Slice the model

Open Preview

Switch to Layer View

Add a Pause at Layer or Color Change every 2 layers

Assign each filament in order (dark → light)

Save G-code

If using Bambu AMS / Prusa MMU:

Assign filaments to slots in correct order

Use color painting by height, not by face

5. Print Settings

Print Speed:

Outer walls: 25–30 mm/s

Overall speed: 40 mm/s max

Cooling Fan:

PLA: 100% after layer 2

Bed Adhesion:

Smooth PEI or textured both work

Brim optional (2–3 mm)

6. Lighting (After Print)

For best results:

Use white LED backlight

Distance from light to litho: 15–30 mm

Avoid RGB lighting for lithophanes

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Printing light → dark (image will look muddy)

❌ Low infill (kills contrast)

❌ Too thick layers (>0.16 mm)

❌ Glossy filament for dark colors (matte works better)

8. Quick Checklist

✅ Flat back on bed

✅ Dark → light order

✅ 0.08 mm layers

✅ Color change every 2 layers

✅ 100% infill