How to convert 2D BMP images to 3D STLs?
The basic principle is to take a regular 2D image (in BMP format) and translate the image’s gray shades into a 3D height map (Figures 1 and 2). The two-dimensional array (i.e. color) of each element is interpreted as a height value in order to store information on the height of each point. For example; the white points are flat, the gray points are higher and the black points are the highest.
The following steps in this procedure were accomplished using Microsoft®
Paint image viewing software and Materialise® Magics STL editing software,
and make reference to the menu options in those applications. Other similar
software programs may be used to accomplish this procedure.
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Step 1:
Convert the Image to BMP Format. Open the image in the image viewing software that is capable of converting the file to a bitmap (BMP) format. Then save the image as a bitmap (BMP) file.
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Step 2:
Create the STL File. Create an STL file from the BMP file by using the Materialise Magics editing program. Click on the Edit menu and select Create from bitmap.
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Step 3:
Edit the STL File. Choose the image. Choose and set the following parameters according to the end product dimensions.
Depth (z) – the depth of the gray shade
Depth (a) – the depth of the model base -
Step 4:
Cut the Unwanted Details. Click on the View menu and choose Front view (Figure 9).
Go to Tool – Cut and choose a circle or polyline cut, depending on
the model type.Remove the excess area. Save the part.