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Topic: gif graphics to stl

I have some GIF graphics I would like to convert to stl format
is their free software for this

Ultimaker S3.

2 (edited by COASTER19 2013-11-10 02:24:18)

Re: gif graphics to stl

In short, it would be really hard (if not impossible) to do.

Your best bet is 123d Catch, it is about the only thing that could do that to my knowledge.  You would need to pull individual images from the gif to use it.

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Re: gif graphics to stl

my suggestion, depending on complexity, would be:

Import into Inkscape
Convert to BMP
Convert to 1-bit image (since colour is irrelevant to a mesh and makes the next step easier)
Use 'Trace Outlines' under the Image menu
Convert the resultant path to SVG or EPS
Then import into your favourite model editor and proceed as usual.

messy, but it'd work, depending on the complexity of the original image.

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Re: gif graphics to stl

I tend to just import it into sketchup and then trace jpg or gif with the line and arc tools.  Then I extrude where I need to.  Export to stl and clean it with netfabb.  Like adrian said, depending on the complexity this can take minutes to days to do.

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Re: gif graphics to stl

I have found that method works better with something like a logo type image that has straight vertical walls rather than with a sculpted model with rounded edges.

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Re: gif graphics to stl

I agree that it works best with logos, boxes, straight line work stuff.