Man am I needy! Another question.

[ibewiggin]

Ok so I have recieved a file from another user. The problem is they only have it as a 3dm file. How can I convert the rhino file to a file type which I can use for my CW? Am I going to have to buy the STL importer just to check out this project I need....Man this machine just is getting too expensive with all the accessories and repairs I keep having to get. Thanks Again in advance.

[dbfletcher]

Can the user send you a depth map of the object? Short of the the STL importer would be you best bet. On the plus side, LHR is budling ghe STL and DXF importer at a discount right now.. of course for those of us that already bought the STL importer, the deal still doesnt help us at all.

[ibewiggin]

Please forgive my ignorance but what is a depth map. The file he gave me is the only thing he had. I am learning all this as fast as I can, but there is so much information to absorb. I hate feeling so dumb.

[dbfletcher]

Did he model it for you or just something he had lying around? A depth map (or height map depending on who you are speaking with) is a grey scale image of the object that uses the shades of grey to represent differt heights of the 3d model. Most 3D modeling programs give you an option to create a depth mad for you model. This map can them be directly imported into Designer. Take a looks at this link which shows some examples and gives you more details.

http://www.google.com/search?sourcei...10&q=depth+map

[ibewiggin]

Oh ok...well I downloaded the trial of rhino so I may be able to create a depth map from the file. As for how he got it, he said he had it laying around and doesn't remember where he got it. I will see if I can get the program to do a depth map. He did not know how to convert it either.

[dbfletcher]

You can also trying posting the object on the forum as asking someone who had the STL importer to convert it for you. A few have done that in the past. I do have the STL importer, but haver not used it enought to feel i'm qualified to create the patterns for you.

[www.go3d.us]

Did he sent you a 3d model of a 3d object? or relief 2.5d model?

[ibewiggin]

I believe it is a 3d model. I can get the wire frame, shaded, and smoothed objects but no depth map. If anyone wants to try and convert it to an mpc i can try and carve I will send you the file. It will not let me attach it, which is unusual since I am sure it was posted on the forum before. Hard to believe with all the help I have been needing but I am working on some cool projects that I will share when I am done, so I will be returning the favor for all of you who have been such a great help. Thanks