Gents and gals,
I have been making and selling cnc patterns for several years now. I have also shared patterns that were either tests or for fun. I only ask that the patterns themselves are not sold but you are welcome to make and sell any physical items carved from them.
Most cnc software can convert grey scale depth map images to STL or other 3d format files. If not, there are several online sites that can do the same.
Hopefully of use to someone.
Regards,
OG
Thanks for sharing…
Cool. How do you create them?
Hi. I use several different programs though primarily Blender 3d for modeling along with Zbrush for digital sculpting. I then either export as an STL format or render as a depth map image using Blender.
This is the model for my latest shared depth map image on Pinterest.
That’s an impressive bit of artistic skill you’re presenting. The “sculpting” of the original material is fabulous. I’d read that one can use Blender to create these depth maps but the task is beyond my ken.
One aspect of these grey scale images is that they can be converted into random dot autostereograms. Of course, that bit of art sorta vanished in the 80s.
good timing as I was going to add an input.
Its actually really easy to make depth maps in blender (when someone has already done all the hard work). lol. Its beyond my ken as well.
Two Cents aka DevilsDJ on blenderartist website generously shared his node set up to create depth maps based on Zdepth and ambient occlusion. Open the file, append the geometry, hit render, the compositor automatically generates the depth map. I would say this was intermediate level Blender 3d usage if you were making it from scratch but since its already done it falls to beginner level. 
The blender 3d file can be found on this thread. I don’t remember if you have to sign up or not.
I shared this on a different site but no one took me up on it.
Make your own themed Mayan calendar. Below is a blank calendar for you to fill in with your favorite patterns.
Here is mine. I just threw patterns on there haphazardly. Just a fun thing to do.
Happy Monday cnc carving.
I should have mentioned this earlier. I shared a few grayscale depth map image patterns celebrating Halloween. Hopefully of use to someone.
what a great work! , I’m actually looking for a way that i can convert a normal images into gray scaled ones , still cant find easy way any advice ?
Hi,
Sorry. I probably won’t be much help.
For general 2d images, I am unaware of any software that does it well. You can do it but you usually get pretty bad results though sometimes you do get lucky. If you search for “image to STL” you will see what I mean when you see the results from some of the services.
I use 3d models with their z-depth information to convert to the grey scale height information to render as the bas relief pattern.
When I am asked to do 2d images I usually have to model a 3d object from the image and then convert to a height map. Here is an example of a model I had to make from the 2d image.
I use either Blender3d, Zbrush or my cnc software (Carvewright Designer) to make the height maps from the 3d models.
An experiment. Projected an image onto geometry and then applied modifiers. This took about 5 minutes to make.
For anyone with small ones that are into anime robots.
Modeled this for a large 3d print. I am a geek at heart. I am half way printing the model (different pose).
I of course had to convert the model to a bas relief for a cnc pattern.
I’m using Blender 4.3.2 and following this tutorial on converting depth map files into 3D but for some reason after I load the file the plane does not get deformed.
I tried originally with a Gemini AI rendered depth map and then I tried one of your(@Oscar ) posted images, the blacksmithing anvil and still no plane deflection. I used 100 subdivisions and 30 subdivisions.
Does anyone have any ideas? My goal is to take a generated depth map like this, convert it to 3D in Blender, size it to fit our 3D printer while flattening it down to about 2.5cm in height and detaching the jaw from the lower lip down to the chin to create 2 pieces I can 3D print and then animate using Bottango animatronics software.
