3D Printing from a Photo?

[Tecumsea]

Having kicked off the 3D debate taking things a stage further is it possible or can we envisage in the future using this format to produce a demi ronde or a flat figure from a photo?.
Presumably we cannot be far from a situation where you scan a photo or picture and the computer 3D's the image to a given level?
Obviously the computer couldn't do a round figure as it can't see what is behind, although the same principle could work from a set of front and rear drawings put together?

Keith

 

[JonP]

Hi Keith,

not surprisingly there are programs available to do this already


http://www.photomodeler.com

http://www.123dapp.com/catch

The first one is quite basic and you effictively draw lines over the image to show the program where the edges are. The second one is quite a bit smarter and works on point cloud technology.

 

[Mark S]

I heard a report on radio today in which it was proposed that if man was to establish a colony on the moon the buildings required for it could be constructed using 3D printing.
It was explained in detail how many miniature 3d printers would draw up the moons dust and using that as the basic medium, by adding a solidifying agent they could mechanically lay down courses of 3D printed building blocks to a pre programmed plan.
It's just that cheesy,.. I mean easy apparently...Is there anything #d printers, or 3D printers as they're also known, can't do?


http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/bydesign/xavier-dekestelier---foster-26-ptrns/4581536

 

[Merryweather]

Having kicked off the 3D debate taking things a stage further is it possible or can we envisage in the future using this format to produce a demi ronde or a flat figure from a photo?.
Presumably we cannot be far from a situation where you scan a photo or picture and the computer 3D's the image to a given level?
Obviously the computer couldn't do a round figure as it can't see what is behind, although the same principle could work from a set of front and rear drawings put together?

Keith

you can do this already with a laser cutter - import the image as a jpeg and 'print' in grey scale, so that the dark tones go deep and the lighter tones barely engrave the surface. I always dismissed it as a novelty so we have never really explored it.Flats are not my thing but you've got me thinking now.....

 

[JonP]

you can do this already with a laser cutter - import the image as a jpeg and 'print' in grey scale, so that the dark tones go deep and the lighter tones barely engrave the surface. I always dismissed it as a novelty so we have never really explored it.Flats are not my thing but you've got me thinking now.....

If you can convert the images into halftone ( newsprint ) you can get some great effects.

 

[Merryweather]

Hi Keith,

not surprisingly there are programs available to do this already


http://www.photomodeler.com

http://www.123dapp.com/catch

The first one is quite basic and you effictively draw lines over the image to show the program where the edges are. The second one is quite a bit smarter and works on point cloud technology.

OMG ! I just looked at the second link, I may as well give up now
it does seems like cheating, but I am sure this will take off .The only real limitation is the printing technologies - cost versus quality and build speed.
this is the future

 

[Diegoff]

I realised that some brands of collectible figures are using 3D technologies, but, in the end, is another tool for the sculptor:

 

[Gra30]

A great video and the sculpts are superb. Indiana on horse looks superb, I think these are the sideshow figures, I am fortunate to own a few.
I think it gets the point across well, another tool but as said not a replacement.
Looking at those sculpts I don't think anyone would say that they are not as good as any 3d print, it probably will come down to speed of process and if the manufacturer wishes to use digital art or in the case of small businesses quality hand sculpts with less output.