Re: GIF files to G Code

Reply to Message #88378
Larry, Virtual Sculptor 3D, from Designs Computed will do raster to
vector conversion, and then generate G-code in it's CAM capability.
It also has a CAD capability which allows you to design in raster
space with sophisticated software tools.

I just wrote up a description of Virtual Sculptor in Message #88394.
Here is the section describing VS3D which may be helpful to you.

I purchased Virtual Sculptor 3D, from Designs Computed. Daniel Carr
used the VS-3D software, which he created, to design, and create G-
code to machine entries to the various US State quarter contests a
few years ago. His designs won for some states, and the US Mint
implemented his designs. The software is both CAD and CAM designed
to do sophisticated sculpting, "engraving", and other specialized
functions with specialized software tools.

Some information about Virtual Sculptor VS3D and VScad3 follows:
VScad3 can import STL and DXF.
VScad3 can export STL, DXF, and VS3D formats.

VS3D can import bitmapped (.tif, .jpg, etc.), ASCII point cloud
files, and VS3D formats.
VS3D can export STL, bitmapped (.tif, .jpg, etc.), VS3D formats, and
G-code with customizable post-processing.

The CAD capability can:
Capture bit mapped images and convert them to G-code, with Z axis
proportional to grey scale contrast (also handles color).
The Z axis proportionality can be adjusted to achieve the artistic
effect desired in the 3D sculpted images.
Convert from bitmapped to vector images.
Example tutorials can be found at www.designscomputed.com, click
on "Virtual Sculptor VS3D/VScad3 Software", click on "VS3D Image
Embossing/Engraving Tutorial", scroll down a few frames to see the
image that is being sculpted.
Take a look at the other tutorials and see the other capabalities of
the software. Such as VS3D Sculpting/Machining/Carving
Examples", "Machining/Engraving brass with an S&W machine (Nevada
design). Go back to the home page and click on "Coin Designs by
Daniel Carr and VS3D" to see the coins.
Yes it also does True Type Font engraving, pocketed or raised, with
centering function.

Some of the other functionality of VS3D is capture the outline of a
grey scale, or color bit mapped image automatically, and convert to
black and white, vector image.

Use "hammering" and "region-of-interest" tools to perform virtual 3-
D relief sculpting.

VS3D's tool path calculations take into account full 3-D shape of
the cutting bit, and surface being cut, so as to achieve the best
possible path. 3-D tool path types include traverse, peck, radial,
spiral, and contour.

Proposed tool paths are shown as a full 3-D preview, which shows
what the piece will look like after each step in the process from
rough cut to final finish.

Larry, hope this helps.

Bill Perun