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Converting Raw Image To STL

This was a giant pain in the ass.

TL;DR: Gimp > png > Inkscape (trace bitmap) > svg > Blender (Import SVG > Convert to Curves > Convert to Mesh > Geometry Extrude) STL

  1. Gimp:

    • Crop (Shift + C)
    • Color Correct
    • Export as PNG
  2. Inkscape:

    • Path > Trace Bitmap
    • Color quantization
    • Export as Plain SVG (Verify layer selection is correct)
  3. Blender:

    • Import > Scalable Vector Graphics
    • Select image > Select Object Mode > Select Object button > Convert to Curve
    • Select curve layer > curve tool settings > geometry > extrude x mm
    • Export to STL
  4. Microsoft 3D Builder:

    • Open With 3D Builder
    • Import Model
    • Click to Repair
    • Save As: Finished Model