Question regarding converting image file(BMP or Jpg) to a printable 3d object

Jack Sparrow

Jack Sparrow

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Wondering if anyone know if this is possible.
I can import the image into freedcad then sketch the lines over the image but I was hoping that there was an easier way
 
Unfortunately there is no way to accomplish that without tracing your image.

Vector and bitmap (also called raster) images are two different types of digital images. Vector (CAD file) images are made up of lines and curves that are defined by mathematical algorithms, while bitmap images (JPG, PDF, BMP) are made up of a grid of pixels.

Vector graphics are generally better for creating layouts because they can be scaled to any size without losing resolution. This means that you can create a vector graphic at a small size and then scale it up to a larger size without it becoming pixelated or blurry. Raster graphics, on the other hand, can become pixelated or blurry when they are scaled up.

Interesting (at least to me) if you save a CAD file to PDF it retains some of the vector traits and can be upscaled without loosing resolution. :rolleyes:
 
There is a way, of sorts, but it’s of very limited use. You can create a lithophane to extrapolate and apply depth to an image, usually based on differences in light and shade. Google it and you’ll find a few free online sites where you can give it a whirl.

Once you have a 3D model it should be possible to project this onto a sketch to get the outline.

Having wasted a good few hours on this process back in the day, I’d just add this: it’s really, really clunky and the results are not that great. These days I just go straight to tracing the outline in the CAD software.
 
Kevin the Lubber said:
There is a way, of sorts, but it’s of very limited use. You can create a lithophane to extrapolate and apply depth to an image, usually based on differences in light and shade. Google it and you’ll find a few free online sites where you can give it a whirl.

Once you have a 3D model it should be possible to project this onto a sketch to get the outline.

Having wasted a good few hours on this process back in the day, I’d just add this: it’s really, really clunky and the results are not that great. These days I just go straight to tracing the outline in the CAD software.
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ok, thanks for the information.
 
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