Turning a Picture, Into a Beautiful 3D Printable Model!

This is how I would go about finding a picture, and turning it into a beautiful 3D model!

Here's a link to the finished model: https://makerworld.com/en/models/2138188-the-doors-of-durin-glows-w-fully-colored-trees#profileId-2315933

You will need a a computer with a designing app, like Fusion 360 or Nomad Sculpt. A web browser for coverting the picture into a 3D model. If you want to make your model physical, you will need a multi-color (optional) 3D printer.

First, go online and search for a picture of what you are wanting to make a 3D model of. Once you find a picture that you like, make sure that it has some depth to it, download it.

If you already have an image picked, you can skip this step.

Now take that picture, and upload it into one of these model generators. I use the Bambu Lab version, but you need a Bambu Lab/MakerWorld login. From what I tried, the other model generator was not bad either, but I recommend the highest face count. Once you have generated the model you like, export it in the format you want; .stl = no color, .obj = color, .3mf = 3D print file.

Bambu Lab login needed: https://makerworld.com/en/makerlab/imageTo3d?from=makerlab

No login needed: https://www.imgto3d.ai/

At the time I made the 3D printed model, I didn't have Nomad Sculpt, but now I do. So now I would recommend editing your mesh in Nomad much more than Fusion 360. It is much more mesh friendly! But if you don't want to spend the $35 on Nomad Sculpt, Fusion will suffice. Nomad allows you to edit the mesh as if it were any sculpt-able object. In Fusion, you have to use extrude, then convert that extrude to mesh, then combine it with the chosen object. Or you could also use plane cut then "heal" the mesh.

For the last picture (Fusion):

1. Sketch, Extrude, Convert to mesh, Combine
2. Sketch, Extrude, Convert to mesh, Combine
3. Trace image using sketch, extrude, edit sketch, extrude, convert to mesh, flatten surface (many steps), Combine

Now export the model as .stl, or .obj if you colored it in Nomad. Then import it into your 3D printing slicer, make sure that the orientation is fine for 3D printing. Now you have to use the paint tool and color the model as you need it, this can take a while. Once you have finished painting it sufficiently, make sure your slicing settings are correct: add support where needed, enough infill, wall count... Now slice it and make sure it looks right, its cost effective, and doesnt take to long to print. This all depends on your preferences and the 3D printer you use.

Then 3D print it! Once the print finishes, remove the supports, this is a tedious step depending on your model. Once that's done, you're finished!