Export a 3D image

Exporting a two-dimensional image to a three-dimensional model requires understanding some basic concepts. A 3D model consists of a mesh of adjacent triangles that define the surface of the three-dimensional object. “Biblos calculates the three-dimensional relief based on the colors and brightness of the source image. Similar to tactile graphics, darker points may correspond to a greater height relative to the base surface.

The following fields are present in the export window:

- File Name: Path and name of the file where the image will be exported. A suggested name is automatically proposed based on the source image. Next to the field is the Browse… button, which allows selecting an alternative path and file name. The image is always exported in StereoLithography (STL) format.

- Width and Height: Width and height of the three-dimensional object in centimeters. To maintain the proportions of the source image, width and height are automatically scaled proportionally.

- Thickness: Depth of the three-dimensional object in millimeters. For example, setting a thickness of 10 millimeters will result in a maximum polygon height of 10 millimeters above the base.

- Base: Height of the base on which the 3D image is built, expressed in millimeters. The base is the bottom surface on which the three-dimensional object rests. It can be set to a higher or lower value, or omitted entirely. Setting the base to 0 mm will generate only the relief derived from the image, without a uniform support plate. For example, a filled circle will produce a raised ring without a continuous bottom plate.

- Surface Type: Defines which dominant tone, black or white, should be interpreted as the maximum height of the three-dimensional model.

- Edge Smoothing: Allows adjustment of the smoothing level for the sharper edges of the source image. Available levels: None, Low, Medium, High.

- Apply: Generates a provisional three-dimensional model and displays it in the preview pane. This is useful for evaluating the final object’s features.

- Export: Button that creates the three-dimensional object and saves it to the specified file.

- Cancel: Button to abort the operation.

- Preview: Graphical display of the three-dimensional model generated using the Apply button. For very complex source images, the projection may take a few seconds, depending on image complexity and the number of generated polygons.

- Status Bar: Displays technical information about the generated model, such as the diameter of each three-dimensional point and the total number of polygons in the mesh.

The exported 3D model must then be opened in a 3D slicing software. Slicing is the process that divides the three-dimensional model into successive two-dimensional layers, which are then printed one on top of the other to create the physical object.