Converting 2D photos to 3D objects

Discussion/questions about software used with your CNC Shark and programming issues

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JoDy
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:13 am

Converting 2D photos to 3D objects

Post by JoDy »

I am looking for an inexpensive solution to create 3d objects from 2d photos for relief carving. I came across a program called PhotoAnim 3D last nite and downloaded the demo. After watching some of the demo videos on YouTube it appears to have some promise and the price is only $50. Has anyone used this program?

GullyFoyle
Posts: 74
Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2013 12:04 pm

Re: Converting 2D photos to 3D objects

Post by GullyFoyle »

You can also try Depth mapping.
Or Google for more advice/programming options
(The I picture software will create a depth map. It is saved in a different format, but with some effort can be converted. http://www.generalcnc.ca/software Two different versions for the different machines. Both Intellicarve and Icarver use this software. Either way it may give you more of an idea of what you are looking for. Artcam has/had a face conversion program included. Anyway they all use some aspect of Depth Mapping to create a relief image, darks are deep lights are high.)
Photovcarve will work as well. Free trial.http://www.vectric.com/products/photovcarve.html
Here are a couple more
Faceworx $30
http://looxis-faceworx.software.informer.com/

3Defy free
http://www.3defy.com/how-to-create
http://www.3defy.com/modeler

Blender free
http://www.blender.org/

How to Convert 2D Image Into a 3D Model
http://www.ehow.com/how_5444025_convert ... model.html

You may find more information here http://www.cnczone.com/forums/forum.php#cam_software

Good luck.

JoDy
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:13 am

Re: Converting 2D photos to 3D objects

Post by JoDy »

Thanks for the info.
I have tried Blender and used it to modify some probe scans, but it has a very steep learning curve along with it. What started me looking was the demo version of Art Cam and the face wizard. We are getting our first serious snowfall today, so I have time to check out your links.

GullyFoyle
Posts: 74
Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2013 12:04 pm

Re: Converting 2D photos to 3D objects

Post by GullyFoyle »

You can also post a conversion question at the Google groups.
I know there are CNC groups, but try the Makerbot groups and Thingiverse.
All use .stl files and someone there may know of an easier or cheaper conversion method.
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/cnc-build-club
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/makerbot
http://www.thingiverse.com/
Fair amount of CNC information floating around.
Same is true of 3d printing.
Luckily most same the same file formats required by the two separate devices.
So there is a fair amount of bleed over between the two.

JoDy
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:13 am

Re: Converting 2D photos to 3D objects

Post by JoDy »

Thanks for the links. I've had a project come up and I'm going to have to put my research on the back burner for a bit until I get it done.
I did get a chance to play with PhotoAnim 3D but it doesn't have enough control over its settings. The auto wizard does a reasonable job in creating a 3d surface. The model looks like a foil balloon with sharp creases in the surface. You can freehand draw selection areas and then push and pull them creating 3d surfaces but the control over the resulting output is limited. The biggest problem is not being able to blend and smooth the creases out.

GullyFoyle
Posts: 74
Joined: Sat Apr 20, 2013 12:04 pm

Re: Converting 2D photos to 3D objects

Post by GullyFoyle »

Sounds similar to Sculptris which is free. And Autodesk Fusion360.
Sculptris provides an excellent gateway into the exciting world of 3D. It's features are easy to learn, even for someone with no experience in digital art, yet robust enough for creating base models that can then be refined in other applications, such as ZBrush.
http://pixologic.com/sculptris/
Youtube video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6DNRg6pdNeE

Autodesk Fusion360 free download.
http://fusion360.autodesk.com/about

Lots of support forums for it.


Here is Creo Elements
http://www.ptc.com/products/creo-elemen ... g-express/
Creo Elements/Direct Modeling Express 4.0 is a popular 3D CAD choice for leaders in product design who have short design cycles and frequent one-off designs. Its speed, flexibility and responsiveness to change also make it the ideal tool for short-series production runs.
Download this free 3D CAD software and create assemblies with up to 60 unique parts. Use it as long as you like. Once you’ve registered and downloaded the software, it’s yours to use indefinitely.


There is also Repg, for sd printers. But I believe it will export to STL and possibly a convertible gcode.
http://replicat.org/

I don't play around enough with the CAD stuff. But the above all come highly recommended both because they are free and they are easy to use.
Plus there are enough users that most problems can be solved simply.
Photoshop also has older versions,cs2 I think, for free download.
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/ ... -for-free/
God knows there are enough Photoshop forums where people can recommend various techniques

If I recall correctly you can map an image onto a 3d model. Should be able to create/modify the image with the Photoshop then map it using one of the 3d/cad programs.

JoDy
Posts: 25
Joined: Thu Oct 18, 2012 10:13 am

Re: Converting 2D photos to 3D objects

Post by JoDy »

Thanks for all of your help. I'll have a look when I get a bit of time.

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