Messages

1

FAQs / Re: Using Bitmaps for 3D

« on: July 07, 2010, 06:46:05 PM »

Thanks Brian,

MeshCam might be the ticket. What I'm looking for is someone who is actively using a program. Right now I'm overloaded with CAD Cam programs. The most challenging is ArtCam. Wish I hadn't spent the thousands on that one.

Joe

2

FAQs / Re: Using Bitmaps for 3D

« on: June 05, 2010, 08:39:31 AM »

Thanks fellows for all the good information. I'm very appreciative of the excellent information. All of this comes as a surprise from a completely new forum to me.

Presently I have two 3D architectural  jobs. However I've found learning new CNC program takes time to iron out the kinks. Perhaps I should look at Tweakie's suggestion of using the Lithophane technique, in reverse. Don't know what limitations that has. One of my present 3D jobs is a Art Deco eagle for a county building. The original eagle is atop the present bldg. Fifteen years ago I'd be hand carving this piece. Don't mind hand carving but It's time consuming.

This weekend I'll begin with  Bmp2CNC and see how it goes.

Thanks again.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com

3

FAQs / Re: Using Bitmaps for 3D

« on: June 04, 2010, 06:31:07 AM »

Thank you, Thank you & Thank you for the excellent information.

As simple as it may seem, I haven't found a good description between Mesh & Point Cloud, but I think I have a better idea now.

I've viewed a couple of half tone files used for 3D carving. I know they appear different from gray scales but should be discribed as half tones. Your link to Bmp2CNC is a real eye opener. I'll go in that direction.

Any other sage advice would be appreciated.

Thanks again

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com

4

FAQs / Re: Using Bitmaps for 3D

« on: June 03, 2010, 09:37:22 PM »

Rich,

Thanks for the suggestion The technology for lithophanes are in ArtCam and Aspire. That's not the right direction. I'm looking for a mesh or cloud technique. Thanks for the effort. I'll probably need to keep looking.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com

5

FAQs / Re: Using Bitmaps for 3D

« on: June 03, 2010, 06:03:53 AM »

Rich,

Thanks for the reply. Now I don't feel so lonely,

Here the direction I'm going. I know 3D carving can be done without the difficult process from ArtCam and Aspire. I've come to this conclusion by seeing one of my friends carving with the cheap little, entry level, Carv Write. I spoke to one of the artist using this machine. This photo comes from Doug Haffner who took the CSA and put it through his CW. The software, in the machine, reduces the color image down to a gray scale, with the limit of 250 shades. Then carves from that.

As Doug described it to me, the dark shades carve the deepest.

This seems like a much more simple way for some carving. Does anyone have experience with a software package up to this chore.

Joe Crumley
www.normansignco.com

6

FAQs / Using Bitmaps for 3D

« on: May 29, 2010, 07:27:24 AM »

I'm looking into creating my 3D files with halftones.

I've been using ArtCam and Mach 3 for several years. Can I use a strategy like Carve Write to make my 3D files with Lazy Cam?

7

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: engrave picture????

« on: May 26, 2007, 06:41:33 PM »

Thanks Brian for the quick reply.

Yep, that's what I want to do. I'd like to be able to assign depths to different grey tones. At this time I'm wanting to see if there are examples, finished routed 3D pieces, for viewing.

I'm fairly skilled with Photoshop and could desaturate images and alter their shades. Don't know if I'm on the right trail.

J.

8

LazyCam (Beta) / Re: engrave picture????

« on: May 26, 2007, 08:37:07 AM »

I would like to find some examples of half tones, or photo's done with Lazycam.  I've seen a few of these done by the Carvewright CNC so I'm confident it's possible. I wonder what the limits are?

Joe
www.normansignco.com

9

General Mach Discussion / Re: Does Mach 3 generate 3D from bitmaps?

« on: April 03, 2007, 05:24:10 AM »

Zealous,

Thanks very much for the information. I appreciate your directions.

The image you posted was a very attaractive half tone and should route very clean. Have you given it at a go on the CNC?
Can't wait to give this a go.

Please let me know how you do with this venture.

J.
www.normansignco.com

10

General Mach Discussion / Does Mach 3 generate 3D from bitmaps?

« on: April 02, 2007, 07:35:51 PM »

I'm been directed to Mach since it apparently has the ability to generate 3D files from bitmap images. Can someone direct me to the proper area in Mach for this info.

Joe