[Oscar36]

Hey'all,

I made the assumption everyone knows how to convert height maps to STL's but it may be something that is new to some folks. Didn't realize this may not be as straight forward as I thought. With the Carvewright, using height maps is the only way to bring in external patterns in the base software without purchasing additional add-ons. Otherwise you are stuck using their proprietary format patterns. So they made it extremely easy to do. Hence my assumption that it is easy.

I am curious to what software you all use to convert grayscale depth maps/height maps to stl for use in your cnc's.

I personally use: Blender 3d, Carvewright Designer 2, Zbrush, 3d Coat (capable but haven't used it yet for this), Shadermap Pro.

I know Meshlabs can create height maps but I still haven't figured out if it can create STL's from those height maps.

 

[MEBCWD]

You can do it in Vectric Aspire.
I think you can also do it in Carvco software.
FreeCAD will also work with them.

 

[Oscar36]

Mike,

Thanks. That is good info. I did not know FreeCad could do that. I have a copy downloaded somewhere but have never played with it. Too many software programs and not nearly enough time to be good with them.

 

[AzWoodWarrior]

Mike,

Thanks. That is good info. I did not know FreeCad could do that. I have a copy downloaded somewhere but have never played with it. Too many software programs and not nearly enough time to be good with them.

Agreed. I taught myself Autocad, Revit, Maya, Photoshop, fusion 360 and inventor. One of them has to do it.

 

[Oscar36]

For sure Maya and Fusion 360 (image2surface plugin) can do it. I am unfamiliar or don't know enough with the other software packages to know if they can do it. It is all a lot of fun though.