picture converter

[miljnor]

Is there software that can convert picture textures into solidworks surfaces?

I'm looking to take various pictures from things like burnt wood or tree bark and make a solidworks model and then use that to machine a 3d model.

for the interim I will look for a picture to gcode program I think I saw one on this forum a couple of years ago.

[BurrMan]

Hi Michael,
You can create a NURBS surface from a bitmap relief with ZSurf (free).

Zsurf

But really, trying to do this organic, fine detailed type of surface is not a strong suit of NURBS. Your files will be very heavy.

If you want to start doing "Bark", you might want to explore a poly modeler that can save a good STL to use as the object to cut...

You may be able to look here for results:

Sculptris Alpha 6: It's HERE!!

Then you could use Meshlab to open the obj and save as an STL.

[miljnor]

what is Meshlab? I'll google it but it would save me some time if you posted it here.

[txcncman]

MasterCAM X3 and up with ART feature has the ability to add depth to an imported raster image to create surfaces with. I am surprised Solidworks is not as advanced.

Go check out the engraving threads and I bet you will find secondary software to do what you are wanting.

[BurrMan]

The 3 introductory tools I pointed to are free.

Meshlab can be downloaded here:

MeshLab

Comparing MasterCam and Solidworks is like looking for lips on birds.

[miljnor]

thanks for the link.....

solidworks may or may not do what I'm asking but I don't know how to do it. and the web data is more about precision items not rough hewn wood or banged up metal.....Solidworks is great for making things look real but some of the photoworks options don't do anything but make it look nice.

And I agree on the comparison thingy. apples and oranges.

[giz]

there is no way in native SolidWorks to use a texture to alter the geometry.

[miljnor]

I know I looked everywhere was just hoping I missed it.

too bad too its a big functionality thing to be able to machine an aluminum service to a rough wood shape...for me anyhow....importing patterns would be cool too to get crosshatched or some derivative. Was looking at meshcam/enroute as I saw that link CNCADMIN posted and that's what i was looking for.

[giz]

I agree, it is a functionality I wish existed. I just didn't want you wasting too much time looking for it.

[CNC Lurker]

As you know, there isn't a way to do that in Solidworks, but you could do that afterwards in another program. Here is an example of what it sounds like you want to do, but using Vectric Aspire: sign project using photo for texture.

The leaf texture came out pretty good.

If you want a more affordable way of applying a texture, forum member Microcarve has a program that might work for you. You can download a demo on the linked page Microcarve

If you want a free option, try BMP To Din G-Code Converter

Someone on here made a lithophane with it and it came out pretty good. I tried it, and it wasn't easy to use as Microcarve, but you can't beat it for the price.

[miljnor]

Thanks a lot Paul that is actually what I am looking for. will try it a play around with the software!