7-color satellite world map - lithophane lamp

A 7-color spherical lithophane of a satellite world map, specifically designed for Bondtech INDX. Thickness encodes topographic shading, while filament color separates satellite image colors. These files are generated using original Python code.

Disclaimer

This is an experimental model. I have not printed it myself yet, as I do not currently own an INDX printer. However, the model has been successfully printed by Tommy from Prusa, so the geometry is printable. The second image is a photo of the print, provided by Tommy.

Thickness and print settings

Filament translucency varies significantly between colors, materials, and manufacturers. I tested 35 different Prusament PLA and Buddy PLA filaments using calibration panels. I attached a PDF containing the recommended thickness range for each tested filament.

I found four ranges to work well with most filaments:

• 0.6–2.0 mm

• 0.8–2.4 mm

• 0.8–2.8 mm

• 1.0–3.2 mm

The 7-color satellite world map is available in each of those thickness ranges. For each filament, choose a range where the thinnest areas appear very bright with your intended lamp, while the thickest areas block most of the light and appear nearly black. Different thickness versions can be combined within one print, so each color can use the range that works best for that specific filament.

Recommended colors are: cyan and dark blue for the sea, green and dark green for humid areas, sand brown and dark brown to olive green for arid areas and white for poles and glaciers

I strongly recommend printing a calibration panel for every color before starting the full model. You can also print the flat 7-color test model to preview the final color and brightness balance. There is no specific test model for the satellite world map (yet). Instead, you can use the flat test print intended for the satellite world map.

Recommended print settings:

• Print in PLA or PLA+

• Recommended layer height: 0.15 mm - 0.20 mm

• Use the Arachne Perimeter Generator for more precise perimeter widths

• If you use Arachne, set the minimum line width to 75% to avoid holes!

• Set wall count to >15 to obtain a solid lamp

• Set number of top layers to 10

• Set seam position to aligned

• Use an outer brim with a width of at least 10mm for both, print and prime tower

• No Support required! The lamps print perfectly fine without support. Since you have one additional toolhead available, it may be a good idea to experiment with PETG supports, though.

This is a long multi-material print with many filament changes. Clean the build plate carefully, use a high-adhesion build surface, and apply adhesive if needed.

 This is not a SpeedBoatRace print! Use conservative print speed settings to avoid artefacts! It's totally fine if your print takes one or two days to finish.

Lamp bases

After printing your multi-color lithophane, you'll also need a Lamp Base to illuminate it. I am providing several different Lamp Bases, all with a M75x4 thread .

Some lamp bases may use snap-off support. The supports look like small ring segments, tabs or cylinders that should be removable with very little force and should leave you with a good surface. They are only tested with PLA/PLA+ filament. Using other filaments may make support removal more difficult. Also your layer height should not exceed 0.2mm as this is the separation distance of the support objects.

E14/E27 Puck Base
A bit more involved, requires you to wire mains voltage and to use heat set inserts. More flexible, since you can use all sorts of bulbs. BOM: 1x E14 or E27 lamp socket with, no strain relief - available at (european) hardware stores 1x Lamp wire with switch, 2x 0.75mm² - available at hardware stores 8x M3 heat set inserts 8x M3x8 BHCS screws 1x E14 or E27 LED Bulb  Printed Parts: 1x Puck Base E14 or E27 1x Puck Base Lid 1x Puck Base Strain Relief Assembly: Insert the heat set inserts into the Puck Base  Screw in the E14 lamp socket from the top Connect the lamp wire to the socket. Use ferrules! Wind the cable through the base to ensure strain relief.  For the ⌀205 base, there is a strain relief clamp available.  Guide the cable out of the base and screw the lid on Connect the base to your lithophane sphere Led Lamp Kit 001 Base No electrical skills or wiring mains voltage required. You can get the LED Kit on Amazon or much cheaper on Aliexpress (recommended!)  BOM: LED Lamp Kit 001 - via AliExpress Printed Parts: 1x lamp kit 001 base Assembly: Insert the LED lamp kit 001 into the Base and screw the Base into the Lamp of your choice. Rock Base This lamp base is based on the High Quality Rocks Asset by P_4_N_D_A. No electrical skills or wiring mains voltage required.  You can get the LED Kit on the Amazon or much cheaper on Aliexpress (recommended!) BOM: 1x LED Lamp Kit 001 - via AliExpress Printed Parts: 1x rock_base Assembly: Insert the LED lamp kit 001 into the Base and screw the Base into the Lamp of your choice. E14 / E27 Adapter A set of simple adapters for any lamp base that uses E14 or E27 sockets.  BOM: 1x Lamp with threaded E14 or E27 socket - some Ikea examples: a ceiling mount, a metal lamp base, a large lamp base and this pretty cheap base. The thread diameter of your lamp must be either ~28mm (E14) or ~40mm (E27). 1x E14 or E27 LED Bulb  Printed Parts: 1x E14_adapter_no_thread or E27_adapter_no_thread or E14_adapter_threaded or E27_adapter_threaded. If your printer is well tuned, I recommend the threaded version Assembly: Screw the adapter on the E14 or E27 socket Secure it with a nut

Remixing and code sharing

Remixes are always welcome, I'm happy to provide additional resources if needed, just message me. The current version of the python code used to create these lamps is a hot mess which is why it is not (yet) published. Upon request, I'm also happy to share my code.

Acknowledgements

• Tommy from Prusa3D for printing the first prototype

• ratmole for their 3DSolarLithophane code I partly used as a basis for my own code

• The QuickSilver for the idea to add a thread to the spherical lithophane lamps

• The NASA earth observatory program for providing the images I used for the lithophane creation

Other models

If you are interested in Lithophane lamps, consider checking out my other models. Click the links below for the respective models or check my profile.

Solar System Lithophane Planet Lamp Collection - ⌀205mm	Multicolor Earth Lithophane - four colors	Dual Color Mars
Phobos Lithophane	Solar System Lithophane Planet Lamp Collection - ⌀25mm	Solar System Lithophane Planet Lamp Collection - ⌀75mm
Solar System Lithophane Planet Lamp Collection - ⌀150mm	Solar System Lithophane Planet Lamp Collection - ⌀295mm	Minimalist City Map Lithophane Lamps
Natural Pattern Lithophane Lamps	Historic Greco-Roman Mosaic Lamps	Glowing Orb Lamp
Solar System Lithophane Calibration Panel	7-color satellite world map - lithophane lamp	7-color political world map - lithophane lamp