Is anyone aware of a process that can create a 3-D image from a photograph? Or a process that will allow a 3-D image from a photograph? I have some experience in cast molding parts and models and I would like to know if anyone has any experience or knowledge of casting plactic parts from a 3-D image or photograph.
TIA
Not familiar with any thing that does castings form a 2Dimage but I used to do 3D modeling and rapid prototyping when I worked for a defense contracting firm. We had state of the art equipment but the one thing about rapid prototyping is it’s not intended for anything more then static display. SO for model railroading it may work out well. We made a few working prototype machines but their service life was extremely limited. I would have liked to try and make some structure models but some how I don’t think the company owuld have liked having to pay me while I was playing with their $250,000 piece of equipment.
TIA
I am not aware of any programs that do that but I am sure that there are some out there, Maybe someone on this forum will know of one, I vaguely remember watching a show on the Discovery channel or maybe it was the Learning channel, awhile back about someone coming up with a 3D imaging system for computers. I havent heard anymore about it so maybe it doesnt work or maybe the government has it now, that wouldnt surprise me a bit if they have it.
There are similar programs out there now just look at what is going on in the world of CGI in animated movies. that sounds and looks very close to what you are trying to do. Anyway good luck with your search, If I hear of anything along those lines I will let you know, I run into a lot of people around here that do strange things and know a lot about stranger things.
A friend of mine, recently unemployed from the auto industry, has a poor man’s version using Google Sketchup and Blender. It takes him awhile to draft things but he’s created some very intricate metal creations using these programs in conjunction with those metal printing machines.
A custom manufacturer for this type of stuff is Shapeways out of Denmark. You may want to check their boards or the user boards for Sketchup.
Here is a link to a “do-it-yourself” rapid prototyping machine.
Reprap - Rapid Prototyping System
You can build one from scratch with complete plans online. Or purchase critical subassemblies already assembled. Or buy a complete kit of parts. Or buy a completely assembled machine (RTR).
John