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SoliForum - 3D Printing Community → Solidoodle Discussion → Lithophanes in STL
Does anyone know of good, but cheap (free) software that converts image files (photos in particular) into lithophane objects in .stl format, or something that can be converted? I think I already covered this topic somewhat, but someone mentioned "photo2mesh" which appears to work well, but for as simple a program as it likely is I think $75 is very excessive. Does anyone know of anything that works as well that is closer to $20?
Yes, I found German software that will emboss any picture, and export as an STL. Its called BMP2IGES. Its free and works well after a little experimentation. Check it out. I have done a few objects like this, you can view at Thingiverse, search for Skyblue to see all my objects. Happy printing! Best photo size recommended is 250 x 250. You must downsize your image or you will end up with an STL thats too big to print.
Not free, but not expensive, try PhotoToMesh (US$44.99):
http://www.ransen.com/PhotoToMesh/
The bottom of that home page shows a lithophane made with PhotoToMesh.
I'm the author so if you have any questions just let me know.
See also attached photo. Many of my customers produce lithophanes, even cylindrical ones, see here:
http://www.ransen.com/phototomesh/examp … ophane.htm
Yes, I found German software that will emboss any picture, and export as an STL. Its called BMP2IGES. Its free and works well after a little experimentation. Check it out. I have done a few objects like this, you can view at Thingiverse, search for Skyblue to see all my objects. Happy printing! Best photo size recommended is 250 x 250. You must downsize your image or you will end up with an STL thats too big to print.
It can't handle photos of all sizes? I don't mind if the .stl file is a bit large. I can always tell the software to print it at a decimal factor size, right?
I think the software can handle a photo of any size, my machine won't save a large stl, maybe its just my lack of ram or something. Problem I encountered is while saving the stl. Works fine if I reduce the original image.
I think the software can handle a photo of any size, my machine won't save a large stl, maybe its just my lack of ram or something. Problem I encountered is while saving the stl. Works fine if I reduce the original image.
I always tend to prefer saving the original of anything at the best possible quality not knowing what I might like to use it for.
I think the software can handle a photo of any size, my machine won't save a large stl, maybe its just my lack of ram or something. Problem I encountered is while saving the stl. Works fine if I reduce the original image.
PhotoToMesh can handle up to 400MByte STL files. Not sure how often you need to though...
i think that blender can do this and is free.
i think that blender can do this and is free.
I believe that my customers find PhotoToMesh easier to use for its specific use of adding photo bas reliefs to solid objects. Horses for courses.
algosuk wrote:i think that blender can do this and is free.
I believe that my customers find PhotoToMesh easier to use for its specific use of adding photo bas reliefs to solid objects. Horses for courses.
Indeed. Only just started using PhotoToMesh myself, but its much more straightforward to achieve the desired outcomes - Happy to have paid a small token cost for ease-of-use. Using blender to achieve the same outcomes is a bit like using a 100lb Sledgehammer to hang a picture on a wall... But as you say, horses-for-courses etc 
owenransen wrote:algosuk wrote:i think that blender can do this and is free.
I believe that my customers find PhotoToMesh easier to use for its specific use of adding photo bas reliefs to solid objects. Horses for courses.
Indeed. Only just started using PhotoToMesh myself, but its much more straightforward to achieve the desired outcomes - Happy to have paid a small token cost for ease-of-use. Using blender to achieve the same outcomes is a bit like using a 100lb Sledgehammer to hang a picture on a wall... But as you say, horses-for-courses etc
Yes, and I'd be mad to try to compete with Blender!
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