How to turn a Jpeg or image to cad file.

[diyengineer]

I use solidworks, how do i convert a simple image or Jpeg to a usuable file without manually tracing it all? Do i need a different program? I am all ears!!

(company logos, pictures, etc)

[moldcore]

You'll need a Raster to Vector program. Search Google for a free one. These will create a DXF file that you can use. Results will vary with complexity of the shape.

[ger21]

Usable is the key word. From my experience, raster to vector conversions range from "ok" to poor. Manual tracing always give far superior results.

What you intend on doing with them, though, can dictate which route you take.
If you want to V Carve them, then the raster to vector conversion in V-Carve Pro will give very good results, very quickly. Again, depending on the image your working with.

If you want to profile cut parts, you may find than manual tracing is required to get good quality edges.

[diyengineer]

I was speaking in terms of general business logos, or things that dont need the highest level of accuracy. Sounds like the rastor to vector should work for me.

I do have a question, how do people use this Vcarve software i see all the time. Its like they take a picture of a object and it makes it 3D for it to carve? How do they go from a 2D picture to 3D?

[ger21]

It's not 3D.
It uses a V shaped cutter, and cuts a V carved groove in between vectors, varying the depth of cut to stay between the vectors. The further apart they are, the deeper it cuts. The closer together they are, the shallower the cut.

Download the demo and play with it.
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