Cad with 2D import

[george baker 1Participant @georgebaker1]

Hi

is there a free CAD package that can import a 2D file as a layer and then allow me to add height?

 

* I am a Linux user.

*I have a BMP (or similar as needed) picture from a camera.

* I need to produce an STL lamina output. 

A mate will then 3D print it for me.

 

I tried a Web based BMP2STL converter but TinkerCAD did not like the STL.

I am out of practice with TinkerCAD and have forgotten how to use it so happy to consider almost anything else that’s Free since I dont expect to need the CAD again.

 

Thanks

George

 

 

[Stuart Smith 5Participant @stuartsmith5]

I use freecad and I understand that you can import a bmp picture.

It is discussed here on the freecad forum:

https://forum.freecad.org/viewtopic.php?t=10456

I haven’t tried it myself, but it sounds like it is possible.

I use the windows version of freecad, but there is a Linux version.

Stuart

[george baker 1Participant @georgebaker1]

Hi Stuart,

that was quick, thank you, I will investigate

 

Still willing to hear other ideas

 

George

[Stuart Smith 5Participant @stuartsmith5]

George

You could also try this online conversion tool:

http://imagetostl.com

I have used it after I had scanned a drawing that my grandson did.

It worked ok.

I use the version of the Creality slicer that came with my 3d printer.

Stuart

[Stuart Smith 5Participant @stuartsmith5]

George

I have just found the drawing I converted using the imagetostl converter.

The drawing I scanned was black on a white background, but I had to reverse the image to white on a black background (I used Paintshop pro).

Here is the drawing:

Here is a screenshot of it in the Creality slicer:

Unfortunately, I dont have the 3d printed part to photograph.

Hope this helps

Stuart

 

[SillyOldDufferModerator @sillyoldduffer]

FreeCAD.  Convert DXF to a parametric Part Design

Open new 2D Draft document

File->Import your_DXF

Select all the wanted lines

Click button:  Modification->Draft to Sketch

Switch to Part Design workbench

Click button:  Create Body

Drag Sketch (in Tree pane) into Body

Pad and other tools should now work,

Bit fiddly…

Dave

[blowlampParticipant @blowlamp]

CamBam CAM software will convert an image to a surface. See attached picture.

You get 40 free sessions and after that it won’t produce g-code but otherwise remains functional in all ways.

 

Martin.

 

[SillyOldDuffer]

On SillyOldDuffer Said:

FreeCAD.  Convert DXF to a parametric Part Design

Please note the original post.

“I have a BMP”

BMP is not DXF.

Why mislead someone who needs help?

—

BMP is what is known as a ‘raster’ format – a series of dots.

An STL, the required end result, is a ‘vector’ format – a mathematical description of the geometry.

So somewhere early in the process, a raster to vector conversion is needed. But this is a separate piece of software to a CAD progam*.

This ([free] raster to vector) is the key phrase on which to search. Once the vector file is made, almost any 3D software will produce the STL.

* some CAD programs offer raster to vector as a feature, but using the correct terminology will find many more candidates.

[DC31k]

On DC31k Said:

On SillyOldDuffer Said:

FreeCAD.  Convert DXF to a parametric Part Design

Please note the original post.

“I have a BMP”

BMP is not DXF.

Why mislead someone who needs help?

—

…

It was a mistake.

Your question suggests I intended a deliberate deception.  Please avoid snarky comments that might be considered abusive or a personal attack.

George might investigate FreeCAD’s  FCBmpImport macro, which converts bitmaps into sketches.  Or covertio, which converts BMP into DXF.  I haven’t tried either.  Other online tools available.

Dave

[Andy StopfordParticipant @andystopford50521]

There is a way this can be done, and it’s a standard technique in 3D computer animation programs, but it requires a specially constructed image, and there are some severe limitations.

This works by taking a grey scale image and using the value (i.e. the colour from black to white) to generate the 3rd dimension. Normally this is done to add detail to a 3D model for rendering as an image, e.g. pores in skin, textures of brick, woodgrain, etc.

The grey scale images are called bump maps or displacement maps (I won’t go into the difference here, but you want the displacement version).

Blender – the free, open source animation program (https://www.blender.org/), can export .stl files, and I think you may be able to export a displacement mapped object to produce a ‘real’ 3D printed version.

But this only will only work for some objects – it cannot produce undercuts for instance, and the level of detail may be too low to be useable. For their intended purpose, a photograph of the real object may be good enough, see the head on the glass of beer below:

 

But this may not be what you want.

You can see, if you look carefully, that the dark areas on the top photo are rendered as low points e.g. the largest bubble appears as a crater – this could have been prevented by inverting the image (white is rendered as the high points), but I guess I was in a hurry at the time.

 

[george baker 1Participant @georgebaker1]

Hi

thanks folks.  I have managed to solve my problem (I think).  In the process I learned from everyone’s comments.  Next year I may think about a proper idea but ATM I just need a Quick and Dirty solution

 

A camera Picture into KolourPaint saved as a mono BMP

BMP 2 STL on line converter

Load the STL into TinkerCAD

Export as STL.

 

As I said I only need a pair lamina printed  as two 1.5mm & 0.5mm sheets with holes.

then glued together and cast.

I can add detail in the final article.

 

George

–

[george baker 1Participant @georgebaker1]

Hi

it was cast for me by a mate.  Yep I learned and the next one will be easier and better.  It had better be cos I spent hours fettering the casting.

 

George

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