How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file Hi all, I'm new in this fielw. I am about to build a Reprap 3d printer and there is an application which I would like to use the printer for 2d print such as a plotter which can print a full painted single color image. Is it possible on Photoshop software to save a file as 2d STL or 3d single layer STL? Thanks, Tal https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,151881#msg-151881 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 18:18:49 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,327395#msg-327395 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,327395#msg-327395 Sayaad 3D Design tools Wed, 19 Mar 2014 19:17:23 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,229577#msg-229577 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,229577#msg-229577
Photo of a head reduced to b&w in photoshop, vector path generated for the outline, exported path to illustrator then saved as SVG.
SVG imported into Blender, converted from curve to mesh, I then made a model from that, and exported as STL.

To answer Coolerooney's point - have you extruded the object to have some thickness? Eg for a single layer print make a mesh .4mm (or whatever) thick.]]> simeonb 3D Design tools Wed, 24 Jul 2013 10:47:51 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,159270#msg-159270 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,159270#msg-159270 Traumflug 3D Design tools Mon, 08 Oct 2012 06:06:04 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,159157#msg-159157 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,159157#msg-159157
I will add the PF text once i am on my pc

Br

C]]> Coolerooney 3D Design tools Sun, 07 Oct 2012 09:51:39 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,159129#msg-159129 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,159129#msg-159129
"Material use 0" means there are no E movements. Doesn't matter for sending G-code either.

If the "print" is done 20 times, your G-code commands to do so.

So far I can't see anything going wrong.]]> Traumflug 3D Design tools Sun, 07 Oct 2012 05:36:08 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,159023#msg-159023 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,159023#msg-159023
Does not print, means the pf sees the sizes, including Z usually 5 mm, but also indicates zero layers, material use 0 and time to complete zero seconds

I have no z axis installed, but the the x and y axis move when I feed it sliced stl, it does the moves 20 times, as it sees the layers

Would appreciate advice, i also had to hack out all the temp related code, as it would keep stopping on temp -as there is none
Also trying to adress the temp issue by raising the temp trip setting in marlin, but have problems to the the thing to move at all

Salemsh-i will check out your blog, maybe meet you there

Thx guys and have a grear weekend

C]]> Coolerooney 3D Design tools Sat, 06 Oct 2012 09:57:44 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,159014#msg-159014 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,159014#msg-159014
Quote

but no layers and does not print

What exactly means "does not print"? I use Pronterface for milling and while the preview part of the window doesn't deal ideally with such G-code, milling works just fine.

Does your extruder no movements? Not surprising, as CAM typically means subtractive manufacturing, i.e. no extruder available. You'd have to make a filter adding in E movements. They can be calculated from the other three axes pretty straightforward.]]> Traumflug 3D Design tools Sat, 06 Oct 2012 07:17:10 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,158853#msg-158853 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,158853#msg-158853
I tried the inkscape gcode plug ins (both of them, the us and russian version-which will become standard in inkscape 49
When I try to upload in pronterface, i get the measurements inclluding z, but no layers and does not print

Also
I am looking to cambam, simplecam, they convert from image/dxf to gcode, but the toolpaths cannot be changed-i mean the physical route, (not the properties)
Any suggestions would be appreciated!


C]]> Coolerooney 3D Design tools Fri, 05 Oct 2012 09:16:32 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,151996#msg-151996 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,151996#msg-151996 Sublime 3D Design tools Sun, 02 Sep 2012 15:41:14 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,151993#msg-151993 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,151993#msg-151993
erm...yes, in fact you can, sort of

open a photo in Sketchup
select it using the selection tool
right click the selected object and choose explode
then you can reselect the exploded object and use the push pull tool to apply thickness, setting it to a few layers of height, say 0.6mm for a 0.2mm print layer thickness (just to give it some substance.
Export to STL, (making sure to set mm as your units)
push through your slicing program, and print.

I have no idea how you're going to handle a mutlicolored image though. that's another answer from someone more sage than me.

edit: forgot to include proof of concept]]> xiando 3D Design tools Sun, 02 Sep 2012 15:20:39 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,151898#msg-151898 Re: How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,151898#msg-151898
Has anyone designed a head that will print/plot with a lacquer paint?]]> Scrachbuilder 3D Design tools Sun, 02 Sep 2012 00:56:54 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,151881#msg-151881 How to convert 2d image to single layer stl file https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,151881,151881#msg-151881
I'm new in this fielw.
I am about to build a Reprap 3d printer and there is an application which I would like to use the printer for 2d print such as a plotter which can print a full painted single color image.
Is it possible on Photoshop software to save a file as 2d STL or 3d single layer STL?

Thanks,
Tal]]> tal 3D Design tools Sat, 01 Sep 2012 22:00:43 -0400