3D appeals to human senses better than 2D. An image in 2D may fail to impress viewers but the same image rendered in 3D would grab attention. 3D print of any image makes a lovable gift. During professional presentations, 3D model is more useful in demonstrating details. Images can be printed in 3D through various ways. To accomplish this, you are not required to possess any technical knowledge. You would just require high resolution images and working knowledge of 3D printing. Spectacular results can be achieved if you can invest quality time. The only complex portion of the entire exercise is creation of 3D model from image. There are no shortcuts to this. A number of software with intuitive interfaces is available to help you out. You, of course, have to master certain tricks.

Converting an Image into a 3D Model

The number of images present influences the technique for creation of 3D model from them. You can start with single image. However, use of multiple images enhances the accuracy and detailing of resultant 3D model.

Conversion of single image

To transform a single image, you can use different platforms or frameworks like:

· Free online digital model building platform, Smoothie 3D

Smoothie 3D is a free to use platform available online. 3D model can be seamlessly created from a single image. Only one photo is used by the software for creation of digital model online. The model is visually similar to the result we get while scanning or using photogrammetry.

However, your purpose would not be completely served if you have been looking for asymmetrical models that carry significant amount of detailing. Also, you need to draw intermittently on the Smoothie app to ensure that the drawn out parts get converted into textured 3D type adequately. Once you develop familiarity with the interface of this online platform, drawing won’t take much time.

After the modeling part is done away with, you can get the 3D model printed on your own. Else, you may hire a 3D printing service to get the design materialized. Smoothie 3D is really effective in getting a single image readied for 3D printing in simplest possible manner. You need not be an expert in modeling. Also, you don’t have to download any expensive software for this purpose.

·Extrude tool available in different CAD software

Using the faces, edges and vertices; completely new surface geometry can be created by the Extrude tool. Your image is in 2D mode. From it, 3rd axis can be created for 3D appearance using specialized algorithms of Extrude tool. The fresh geometry would transform 2D image into 3D model with volume. Almost all CAD (Computer Aided Design) programs have this tool in their respective menus. The CAD software with which you are comfortable working in can be chosen for conversion purpose. The tool is present in both free to use and purchasable professional CAD software.

· AI (Artificial Intelligence) driven tool

The first Artificial Intelligence powered tool which could convert the image of your face into 3D printable file was launched in September’17. The tool allows creation of 3D models from static images with relative ease. The domain of VR or Virtual Reality stands to benefit significantly with this advancement as many digital applications can be devised by using this technique. The process of 3D printing from image is rendered really easy.

·Lithophanes

Lithoplane can be considered an image which has been etched out of a translucent surface. The contents of the image are revealed by a backlight. The areas that are thicker in consistency would obstruct the passage of light through them. This renders them darker. Conversely, the thinner areas glow brighter. For creating a lithophane, a 3D model has to be initially created from the image. Some tools that facilitate this process are:

Free to use and accessible with ease: Image to Lithophane

PhotoToMesh

Cura, version 13.11 or higher

After the STL file has been generated, it has to be loaded into the slicer program. The 3D printable file would be sliced into layers for guiding the printer. Printing would be seamless.

Conversion of Multiple Images

You can exercise various options for converting multiple images into 3D model. To start with, you can use some of the tools which have been discussed above. But, if you wish to generate model with intricate detailing, you may ask a reputed 3D company to help you out in 3D modeling. However, you can learn advanced tools such as ZBrush to carry out the task on your own.

You can also use photogrammetry to accomplish this. A number of images related to the subject have to be taken. From them, a sequence of spatial points would have to be collected. However, for photogrammetry to yield accurate results, you have to capture maximum number of photos of the subject from all possible angles. Upload the images to a photogrammetry program for generating the file printable on 3D printer.

For optimal rendering of the 3D model, superior quality photos in high resolution have to be used. The quality of images influences the 3D printing process significantly.

Accurate 3D Modelling from Multiple Images

You need to capture a minimum of 30-40 images of the subject from various possible angles. Each image should be of superior quality. Ensure that the images are of high resolution prior to getting them uploaded into photogrammetry software. Some of the popular programs are Recap, Photoscan and Acute 3D. 3D scanning is carried out with the help of algorithms. You just have to arrange for high quality image sets; the photogrammetric program takes care of the rest.

Inspecting The Model

The probability of noticing any flaw in the model on visual scrutiny is high. But, it is advisable to change the viewing angles to ensure that the defects which may have gone unnoticed in the first glance are detected. You need to keep an eye for the accuracy of structural details.

The smoothing as well as sculpting tools can be used for fixing minor flaws. However, if the appearance of the model diverges from the actual object, you would have to capture newer images in high resolution. Instead of spending time to repair the model, you may go for fresh conversion from newer image sets. The bottom line is that 3D model would resemble the object better if the images are highly accurate and taken from different angles.

Conclusion

With rapid advances in 3D printing, you can now convert images into models with specialized software and by exercising due diligence. As technologies are evolving, we can expect the process to be streamlined further. If you need support in cost effective 3D printing design reach us.



