Df3d is a 3D printing and design platform which aims to encompass the entire scope of the 3D printing community. The company has slowly been rolling out a number of useful and unique features which provide the 3D design and printing community with something to cheer about.
Whether it’s their 3D printable model marketplace, or their various plugins to help you integrate and launch a 3D printing business, df3d seems to be growing, innovating, and adapting to the ever changing environment of 3D modeling and printing. Today the company announced yet another very interesting free offering called eXtrud3it.
What eXtrud3it does is allow anyone to take a regular 2D image and within seconds turn it into a 3D model which can then be sent to your own 3D printer, or to df3d to have them fabricate it for you. To get started, simply go to the eXtrud3it page. Here, all you need to do is select the depth of the image (between 2 and 20 mm), the scale of the output file (between 20 and 200 mm of which the width/aspect ratio is maintained), select the type of file being uploaded (image file or pattern), and then upload the image.
Within seconds that 2D image will become a 3D model viewable in a special web app made available on the site. You then have the option to download the file and use it as you choose.
I have tried the tool out a bit and have to say it’s decent, but some work could be done to make it a bit more useful. Not every image will work, as images with a lot of noise in the background will likely turn into a 3D mess. Logos, simple images, and less intricate shapes, however, turn out quite well. The problem comes when the application has to decide on which areas of the image should be raised and which should be set back. It seems as though images with a white background, like that of the df3d logo above, work the best. It’s also important to remember that dimensions of the 2D image should be in the range of 128 x 128 to 512 x 512 pixels, and the image should be in JPG or PNG format.
In addition to making this tool available on their own site, df3d will allow individuals to embed the tool on their own website. Those interested in doing so can contact the company at contactus@dfthreed.com and request the code snippet for embedding.
Let us know if you have used this tool, and what your thoughts are. Discuss in the eXtrud3it forum thread on 3DPB.com.
Subscribe to Our Email Newsletter
Stay up-to-date on all the latest news from the 3D printing industry and receive information and offers from third party vendors.
You May Also Like
3DPOD Episode 190: Generative Design for 3D Printing with Novineer CEO Ali Tamijani
Ali Tamijani, a professor in the Department of Aerospace Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, has an extensive background in composites, tool pathing, and the development of functional 3D printed parts,...
3DPOD Episode 189: AMUG President Shannon VanDeren
Shannon VanDeren is a consultant in the 3D printing industry, focusing on implementation and integration for her company, Layered Manufacturing and Consulting. For nearly ten years, she has been involved...
3DPOD Episode 188: Clare Difazio of E3D – Growing the Industry, and Growing With the Industry
Clare DiFazio’s journey into the 3D printing industry was serendipitous, yet her involvement at critical moments has significantly influenced the sector. Her position as Head of Marketing & Product Strategy...
Printing Money Episode 15: 3D Printing Markets & Deals, with AM Research and AMPOWER
Printing Money returns with Episode 15! This month, NewCap Partners‘ Danny Piper is joined by Scott Dunham, Executive Vice President of Research at Additive Manufacturing (AM) Research, and Matthias Schmidt-Lehr,...