


If the range is set to 0.5", a white pixel will be set to an elevation of 0.5", and the height of a white pixel will be set to 0.0".

In this case, the image should be at least 3" X 3". Se these to match (or at least fit) within the boundaries of the model you've started. Width / Height: These are width and height of the surface created by the image that was imported.In the example, that's the lower left corner. The origin position should correspond to the model origin so that when you scale the image, it will stay on the origin. Origin Position: When the bitmap image is imported, it will be placed against the origin that was set when you created your model.ArtCAM will translate a bitmap image into a 3D surface by translating the value (blackness or whiteness) of each pixel to the height a point in 3D space. When you import a relief, Tool Settings will automatically pop up. You can download the Zip file attached in this lesson if you want to follow along. Any image will do, but black-and-white images make it easier to predict what the 3D surface will look like. Go to Relief > Import > Import to select an image as the base for the 3D object. If you'd prefer to stick with Fusion and don't want to pay for software, check out my other instructable: Create a 3D Surface ( relief) from a 2D image.What You'll NeedĪrtCAM (Windows only- $40 / month non-recurring subscription) What You'll Learn The paid version ($40 / month, no recurring payments required) allows you to bring in bitmaps to create 3D surfaces and edit them, which we'll get into here. The free version of ArtCAM will let you work with vectors and 3D shapes, which is a whole subject on its own that we won't get into in this class. Has excellent toolpath simulation so you can get a clear picture of what your carved piece will look likeįor more info on ArtCAM, check out their Youtube channel.Has a full suite of vector drawing tools.Allows for direct editing of surfaces generated by 2D images.

With ArtCAM, you'll get a fully functioning CAD/CAM program that is specifically tailored to decorative woodworking, and has some awesome features for 3D carving. If you want to dive deeper into the software, check out the free ArtCAM Class here on Instructables. This instructable will get you going with Artcam, an easy to use CAM program that's geared towards decorative woodworking.
