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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Posts
    0

    converting to stl format

    I am new to the STL format. I'm having trouble finding a way to convert a TIFF file to STL for import into Deskproto. Anyone have any insight? Thanks

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2003
    Posts
    35538
    Tiff is a raster image, and .stl is a 3D polygon model.

    The only thing you can do is use the tiff as a heightmap to create a relief, and save as an .stl.

    Blender can probably do it, and probably some other free software as well.

    Don't expect it to look really good, though.
    Gerry

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  3. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Posts
    62
    A conversion from TIFF (2D data) to STL (3D data) indeed is complicated, as explained by Ger21.

    For DeskProto this conversion is not needed either, as DeskProto can import a bitmap file, convert that to a relief and calculate toolpaths - without converting to STL first. The conversion is done by converting each pixel's grey-value to a Z-height: you specify the desired heights for white and for black, the rest will be done automatically.

    Easiest is to use the wizard called "Basic bitmap machining".
    More information in Lesson 6 of the Tutorial on www.deskproto.com/download/manuals.htm
    and in the lithophane videos on www.deskproto.com/support/videos-lithophanes.htm

    Important is the DeskProto can only read bitmap files in the formats GIF, JPG and BMP, so you will have to first convert your TIFF file to BMP (using GIF or JPG may lead to data loss). Any graphics program can do this conversion.

    Lex.

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