Make a layered 3D lamp
A layer lamp is a lamp made of several flat cut-outs stacked one behind another with a little space between them, which build a 3D scene with depth when lit from behind. The Jarvis 3DP layer lamp maker gives you the layers, frame and light housing ready for 3D printing.
What is a layer lamp or 3D light box?
Each layer is a flat cut-out. Stacked with a little space between them and lit from behind, they build depth like a stage set: mountains, a skyline or a forest glow in front of each other. Off, the frame with its layers is a flat sculpture; on, it is a living scene.
How the layer lamp maker works
The tool runs in your browser:
- Choose a scene or a set of images.
- The tool builds the flat layers in the right order and spacing.
- A frame and a light housing come with the layers.
- Print the layers and the frame, stack them in order and put the light behind.
Front layers usually carry more detail and back layers simpler shapes, so the depth reads well.
Material, colour and light
You can print the layers in white or coloured PLA. Thin, light filament lets more light through, and coloured layers colour the scene. Keep the layers thin so light passes well through the openings.
A warm or soft white LED strip behind the layers looks great. Match the overall size of the lamp to your printer’s bed and to where you plan to put it.
Who is it for?
It is for night lights and room decor, creative gifts, sellers of custom products, and anyone who wants an art project with their printer.
Frequently asked questions
How is a layer lamp different from a lithophane?
A lithophane is one plate that shows a photo through varying thickness. A layer lamp is several separate flat cut-outs stacked with space between them, which build 3D depth.
What does the tool give me?
The flat layers, a frame and a light housing. You print them all and stack them in order.
What should I use for light?
A low-heat LED strip behind the layers is a good choice. Avoid hot bulbs so the plastic does not soften.
Which filament should I print the layers in?
White or coloured PLA. Light filament lets more light through and coloured filaments tint the scene.
What if I do not own a printer?
Send the export through the custom request form and we will give you a price and a print time.
A lamp of flat layers stacked one behind another that read together as a 3D scene.
Our tools
- Make a lithophane from a photo: Turns a photo into a thin plate that shows the picture only when light shines through it.
- Make string art from a photo: Turns a photo into a string-art pattern: the ordered list of nails that rebuilds the image with a single thread.
- Turn a map into a 3D printable model: Turns any area of a real map into a printable 3D model with buildings, streets and terrain.
- Make a silicone mould from a 3D model: Turns any 3D model into a printable two-part mould, with pins, a pour channel and vents.
- Online brick maker for 3D printing: A brick editor in the browser: build a model and download parts that fit real LEGO.
- Make a custom drawer organizer: Builds a custom insert for a drawer, shelf or toolbox from its inner size and the items you store.
- Make a shadow lamp from an image: A box with a lamp inside that casts the image you choose as a shadow on the wall.
- Make a printable lucky egg: Choose the egg size, the figure hidden inside and the egg type, and get the print files.
- Make a layered 3D lamp: A lamp of flat layers stacked one behind another that read together as a 3D scene.
- Make a miniature cubic room: A small printable model of a room, with simple furniture inside.
- Turn a Minecraft map into a 3D print: Turns a Minecraft map you upload into a printable 3D model.
- Turn a game map into a 3D print: Turns a selected area of a well-known game’s map into a printable 3D model.