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CAD/CAM and Engraving Software

Converting scanned images


   
Important: usually, converting scanned images is not easy.

You first scan the image, which creates a bitmap image.

Then you need raster-to-vector software to convert the bitmap image into geometry (ie, lines, arcs, circles). Then you probably have to spend a few minutes to an hour or more cleaning up the jagged lines and other goofs.

MillWrite has a raster-to-vector option, so you can use MillWrite to convert bitmapped images into geometry. If you downloaded and installed the help files for MillWrite, browse the MillWrite Help folder for a file called Raster2vector.html

It gives an example of how to convert a colored bitmapped image, which is more complicated than a black and white line drawing, but just skip past the colored section if that doesn't apply to you.

There is no raster-to-vector software that works as good as you expect it to work, so be prepared to be disappointed. WinTopo does raster-to-vector program, and they have offer a free version that converts line drawings, which is what most MillWrite users want..
 

Examples of what people have done with MillWrite

 

This eagle was created and cut by Ken Ballou on
a CNC wood router. MillWrite version 8 can cut 3D surfaces,
and MillWrite also lets you set each pocket or contour at a different
depth, which lets you cut 3D shapes with a lot of two-dimensional pockets and contours. Then when you sand the edges of the wood, the
smooth edges create a 3D shape.

Below is a photo of a coat rack that Ken made.
He drew the objects in MillWrite and set them to different depths.
After cutting the wood on his CNC router, he finished it by hand
to give it a 3D appearance. Then he painted it.






Below are some examples of what Paul Nielsen has done with MillWrite and his CNC wood router.
 

 

Metalia is (or was -- they don't seem to exist any more) company that can plate non-metalic objects with metal.
You can cut signs in foam or wood, and they can coat them with metal.
A sample is at the bottom of this page.


 
This rolls royce sign was from a scanned image.
MillWrite was used to clean up the drawing and
produce the NC program.
The letters were set to be islands.
MillWrite cut the material around the letters.
 
 






Here is a decorative lion head.
It is impossible to see in this photo, but the light-colored areas are the areas that MillWrite cut.







This is a picture frame.






The frame above was then copper plated.