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Pictures in plastic

The Pictures in Plastic project introduces students to lithophanes using 3D printing to bring a 2D photo to life. Students practice their photography skills to capture an image and then use public domain, web-based software to convert their image into a lithophane before printing. While the project is intended to be a single lesson with printing following the lesson, the project can be extended to a second lesson by either extending the photography section of the project or by testing the printed designs and suggesting future improvements.

Subjects: Design and TechnologyArt and DesignHumanitiesScienceComputing
Years | Grades: 8th Grade | 12-13 years9th Grade | 13-14 years10th Grade | 14-15 years11th Grade | 15-16 years
Duration: Lesson 1: 90 minutes Print time: ~ 1 hour 45 minutes

Objectives

Capture an image to convert into a lithophane
Use an online convertor to convert the 2D image file to a lithophane
Design and create a lithophane suitable for 3D printing
Understand the challenges faced with 3D printing lithophanes
Slice and print the lithophane

Tools and equipment

BE3D eDee printer with PLA filament
Internet-enabled computer and mouse
Example lithophane
Digital camera

Skill requirements

To participate in the lesson, students should be able to:

Comfortable using the basic functions of digital cameras
Comfortable transferring files between digital cameras and computers
Comfortable navigating the Internet in a safe manner to access the online image converter
Comfortable using DeeControl software including adjusting print settings
Able to use the BE3D eDee printer

3D models overview

Total print time 17 hours
Total filament 17.8 m
Additional non-printable components
Printed all at once

eDee lithophane

2 hours
3.3 m

Curved eDee lithophane

15 hours
14.5 m

Note: Values are calculated for one set of models.

Lesson resources

Lesson plan
Example lithophane
Worksheet
Walkthrough
Walkthrough video
Presentation
3D models
3D print instructions
Curriculum Alignment: ISTE standard compliant

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