3D PNG Conversion

[Tex_Lawrence]

Is there any way to convert a PNG of a coin into a file / object that can be carved with Vcarve Desktop?

I've found some ways to convert an STL to a PNG heightmap, but can only think of somehow getting a 3D scan of a real coin to make this work.

[Adrian]

There are a few sites (https://imagetostl.com/ for example) that will convert JPG/PNG images like that to STL files. You would almost certainly need to do some editing with the results in a 3D program though. Even with Aspire converting a bitmap to a model isn't a one click operation, there's always tweaking needed.

[sharkcutup]

Even if you are able to get the model into V-carve or Desktop there is an awful lot of detail in the image. The best I could accomplish was this in V-Carve Pro using a V-bit on a 3D Finish pass .025 from surface of material.

Carved at 219.106mm by 219.106

Sharkcutup

[Tex_Lawrence]

Sharkcutup, There is a lot of detail. What did you use for a 3D file? Did you convert with something?

[sharkcutup]

Yes I just used the site that Adrian posted here to convert a good line art image of the quarter. Then imported the stl model into V-Carve Pro V10.

Sharkcutup

[TReischl]

The question I have is: How big are you planning on making that "coin"?

The reason I ask is that small work like that is a challenge. One of our regulars, ScottP55, does a lot of that sort of thing and is really good at it. You might want to check out some of his posts, he shares a lot of information.

[Tex_Lawrence]

" How big are you planning on making that "coin"? "
Don't know exactly, but it will be a wall hanging probably in the 12" diameter range.

[Tex_Lawrence]

convert a good line art image of the quarter. Then imported the stl model into V-Carve Pro V10.

Thanks, I did that also but I didn't know the right things to get any results. Your results are a little disappointing to me, so I'd better do some more work.

[scottp55]

Shark used a VBit in his example,and VBits always have that fuzzy look because of the point.
If Shark had stuck in a 30degree engraving bit with say a .005" flat and about an 16-24% stepover....
It would look very different.
I frequently use a bit like that for tiny detail.
For your size workpiece, probably a .5-1mm Tapered Ball Nose would give great detail?

Play with preview and different bits and stepovers to find the level of detail you want.
I DO quite often tell my machine that the engraving bit is a VBit....
and that's the only time preview isn't totally accurate....
I'd avoid lying to my machine right off the bat though on 3Ds...it can bite you
Just a note...close pored dense woods hold small details better usually...
and lower stepover can cut sanding details a lot usually(often eliminating sanding).

Like Adrian said though, we're limited a bit with what we can do with a 3D model compared to Aspire.
Play with it
scott

[TReischl]

The problem with files/pictures like that is the shadow effects. Of course the shadows are what allow us to see a model. But the model itself does not have deep gouges where shadows appear. Think of a simple quarter.

That is why "converting" a bitmap into a model is usually rather unsatisfying.

As for modeling that image? There is a lot of detail but no real unsurmountable challenges, just time consuming because of all the detail.

Since it is going to be about 12 inches in diameter I do not think a bitmap conversion is going to work out very well. They do not work well with things like state seals, the great seal of the U.S., etc. All because of the shadow lines.

[Tex_Lawrence]

Originally, I was thinking that I could improve the bitmap by making a new one. I happen to have access to my son's photography equipment where we've made many photos of detailed objects. The trick is to get the right lighting, and wash out all of those shadows.

The problem is that I will have to get my Virginia friend to send me a "proof" quality coin ... something he might not be willing to do.

So, I'm still working on editing the bitmap to come up with a reasonable alternative.

[sharkcutup]

Here is another preview carving of the same stl model using a 30 degree engraving bit with 19% stepover. (Max Toolpath Simulation Quality)

It is definitely an improvement! Thank You Scottp55!

In my own opinion a hardwood with a tight grain structure would be best along with sharp bits would probably be best for all this detail.

And of course you will probably have to deal with a long carving time at a 12" diameter size.

Sharkcutup

[Tex_Lawrence]

Looks good! There’s hope that it will work. Thanks.