Cyanotype printing, a monochromatic photographic technique introduced in the 1840s, is being reimagined with modern technology. Traditionally, this niche process involves placing an object or negative between the sun and a UV-sensitive medium to create blue-tinted prints. However, a new approach is bringing this historical method into the digital age.
An innovative developer, [Gabe], has modernized the process by replacing both the sun and the negative with a lightly modified resin 3D printer. The key challenge was in the software, as [Gabe] had to develop custom code that converts digital images into a format the printer can process. Initially, he used a Python script that generated an OpenSCAD script, transforming grayscale images into a series of rectangular “pixels” with varying heights. These STL files could then be processed through a slicer to create printable files.
The workflow has since been further refined with a new Python script that directly converts images into native printer files via UVtools. On the hardware side, the modifications were minimal—[Gabe] removed the resin vat and replaced it with a wooden lid designed to secure the UV-sensitive paper while also protecting the user’s eyes.
Though [Gabe] acknowledges that there is room for further refinement, the results already showcase stunning, high-quality prints. This modern adaptation highlights the potential of 3D printing to bridge the gap between historical photographic techniques and contemporary digital fabrication.
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