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There are many different useful techniques that allow you to create a 3D model for 3D printing from a 2D image or drawing. These use different software and online tools. In this masterclass, we share a series of short video demonstrations that show how to use each of these techniques, these include:
- Using Purple Mash
- Using a 2D Paint Program and Ultimaker Cura
Coming Soon - Using a 2D Paint Program and Dremel DigiLab 3D Slicer
- Importing a Hand Drawing into Ultimaker Cura or Dremel DigiLab 2D Slicer
- Importing a Photograph into Ultimaker Cura or Dremel DigiLab 3D Slicer
- Using an online lithophane image conversion tool
- Using the Tinkercad scribble tool
- Using Vector Clipart files and Tinkercad
- Using a Vector Paint and Tinkercad
- Converting an image to a .svg file and using Tinkercad
New videos will be added during the 2021 Autumn Term, and at the end a series of single page How To crib sheets that summarise each process will also be available, so do come back to learn more.
The following lessons and project resources which utilise the 2D to 3D process in different ways are available to download:
In The Classroom
Understanding and being able to apply the various techniques for converting a 2D drawing or image to a 3D model opens up lots of possibilities for different projects and design outcomes. In Primary schools it allows even the youngest pupils who may not yet have developed the fine motor skills to use 3D CAD software to create a 3D model or their own design from a hand drawing or using simple 2D drawing software. In secondary schools it allows students to incorporate photography and artistic sketches into their project work or to very quickly design and make extruded parts for projects which have the same cross section.