Software Frustration

[William Adams]

f-engrave imports BMP files. Does an auto-trace, but that should establish a baseline of free functionality for the OP.

http://www.shapeoko.com/wiki/index.php/CAM#2.5D lists some more, notably

http://linuxcnc.org/docs/2.1/html/gu...ode/index.html
http://www.junktech.de/index.php?opt...d=15&Itemid=28

[Dan Hintz]

f-engrave imports BMP files. Does an auto-trace, but that should establish a baseline of free functionality for the OP.

2D tracing can be done by a slew of programs... but I still fail to see how f-engrave gets him any closer to a 3D file (or even a 3D toolpath).

EDIT: I see a few mention of depth maps and such... I'll have to review the stuff in more detail, when time permits.

[William Adams]

My apologies if anyone took my mention of 3D tool paths to mean a full 3D rendering --- I guess I should've said 2.5D.

The software simply maps colour values in the pixel image to differing levels of depth / height in the output file.

[William Adams]

Here's a post on making 3D files from 2D image files: https://kt421.wordpress.com/2015/04/...rom-2d-images/

[Dan Hintz]

Here's a post on making 3D files from 2D image files: https://kt421.wordpress.com/2015/04/...rom-2d-images/

Do note, however, that all of the models created by that woman were essentially two-level... no need for complicated 3D programs. Even Paint would be quite adequate to create those. Start with a white background, then draw your design in black. Once imported, set white to 1/8" and black to 1/16". Print. The article did NOT say, however, how the UFO model from her husband was created.

[Bill Amaya]

Rhino, I have spent tons of money on software and Rhino rocks. I have been using it for 5 plus years and it just works flawlessly. The cost of entry is learning the software, but for my money rhino has it going. Hundreds of drawing tools, plug ins, import and export capability, tens of thousands of users word wide and Bob and Sandy McNeel are just good people. (rhino's developer).