Step-by-Step: Converting 3D Models to G-Code with Blender & DMap2GCode

🎥 Video Description:
Discover how to transform STL or OBJ files into depth maps using Blender, and then convert these into G-code with DMap2GCode for 2.5D CNC projects. This tutorial is a complete guide to using free tools for impressive results without the hefty price tag of professional software. If you have questions or want to participate in a sticker swap, email me at [e-mail].
⚙️ What's Inside:
1. Convert 3D files to depth maps using Blender.
2. Edit depth maps in Inkscape for optimal CNC results.
3. Generate precise G-code with DMap2GCode.
🛠️ Tools & Resources:
3D File: www.thingiverse.com/thing:441087
Blender: www.blender.org/download/
Inkscape: inkscape.org/release/inkscape...
DMap2GCode:
PROGRAM: www.scorchworks.com/Dmap2gcod...
MANUAL: www.scorchworks.com/Dmap2gcod...
More on Scan Direction: www.linuxcnc.org/docs/2.4/html...
🎶 Music:
Rock Waltz by Hawk vs Dove:
hawkvsdove.bandcamp.com/music​​​
🔧 Key Moments:
1:08 - Essential Tools for the Process
2:21 - Using Blender for STL to Depth Map Conversion
8:38 - Editing Depth Maps in Inkscape
11:41 - Generating G-Code with DMap2GCode
📢 Why Watch:
Learn how to leverage free software like Blender and Inkscape to create depth maps and convert them into G-code for your CNC projects. Perfect for anyone wanting to explore 2.5D cutting without investing in expensive software.
💬 Engage with Us:
Got a question or want to share your thoughts? Leave a comment below or email me for a sticker swap at [e-mail].
🙌 Support the Channel:
Support us by checking out the MK2 LONG MILL and other tools using our affiliate links. This helps fund more tutorials and content without adding any cost to you: Get the MK2 LONG MILL Here:
sienci.com/product/longmill-m...

[@bluehalossalters1671]

Thank you! Well done!

[@artsquirrel]

If you scale and rotate the object in Blender you should also reset the scale and rotation values before rendering by selecting the object and then use keys CTRL and A and select rotation and scale.

[@ChainsawDNA]

Excellent!

[@D.E.Hammer]

Thank You

[@chuckmoney1688]

Blender for me is always the hard one, the buttons have their own life from version to version it seems..I am only a very occasional user.

[@chrispelletier3661]

Thanks for your video. Question. Can you do this with starting from a photo rather then an STL ? Thanks. Chris

[@fxsrider]

In Dmap2Gcode try selecting the normalize depth option on the left side of the screen. What that does is treats the darkest pixel as total black and the lightest pixel as pure white. It may produce more detail as it will spread out the values from front to back. I use Dmap all the time. It is really good at what it does.

[@D.E.Hammer]

Thank you, will try that out next time I'm using it.

[@mikekiske]

@@D.E.Hammer Hi there. Do you know any AI site that make the same but with an image as source? I tried Leiapix but is not quite the same. Cheers.

[@D.E.Hammer]

I do not, have been looking myself for one.

[@mikekiske]

@@D.E.Hammer 🙂

[@fxsrider]

@@D.E.Hammer I really hope skill is still needed for this stuff. It would really piss me off if just anyone could ask AI to make a G-code file of whatever they have in mind. I love software that makes it easier but I still like it to have a little difficulty. Keeps the posers away. I have been asked quite a few times over the years. Q: How do you know how to do that? A: They hid it in a book. Thanks for making the video and describing the steps you are taking to get things where you want them. Too many videos out there with rapid mouse clicks and shitty music. If it takes longer it takes longer. A lot of information is left out on many of the other productions I have endured. Have a great day!!

[@villageidiot8718]

I'm definitely going to try this. A lot of steps to go through but it saves $350 working with my 3018 or $700 on the new Sienci when it comes out. When I started 3D printing years ago, Blender scared me and I've never looked back. I like OpenSCAD. Thanks for the step by step instructions. We're gonna test this.

[@D.E.Hammer]

I will have to look at OpenSCAD, have not used it before. I will have to say, it took me years to get get the hang of Blender, I mainly used it for 3D animation, and then for 3D print modeling. Now they went and changed up the UI, so it has kind of thrown me for a little bit of a loop, but I will say I do like the latest version.

[@villageidiot8718]

@@D.E.Hammer OpenSCAD is more like programming or writing a script. No cameras, scenes or furry things running through

[@zyweii]

I encounter an issue when texturing my object. No matter how high or low the ADD math is, the result is either white if the MULTIPLY is pos or Black if its neg. I even tried to scale the Z axis up to see if it would help make a greater difference, but its no use. I use a more recent version of BLENDER (3.2.2). could it be the issue?

[@hugogrnlund9626]

Hi. Thanks for the tutorial. It was very helpful. I did however hit a problem in blender when rendering. Just as it finish rendering the image turns from what I can see in the shading into total black. Hope you might have a suggestion.

[@D.E.Hammer]

If you could send me a screen shot of your blender project it could help narrow down what is going on. Email is in the about section on my page.

[@j_shelby_damnwird]

Try Stable Diffusion's depth2img, you're gonna dig it 😊

[@D.E.Hammer]

Will have to look at that, thanks!