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3D Model to Depth Map Wizard
Importing 3D Models to Create Depth Maps¶
Quick Reference: Import 3D Model & Create Depth Map
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Import 3D models to create depth maps for 3D Relief Carving.
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Location
File → Import
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Keyboard Shortcuts
Ctrl/Cmd + I
Use MillMage to create depth maps used in 3D Relief Carving. MillMage can Import and convert a three dimensional model into a black and white depth map — a flat image with black areas representing the lowest portions of the model which will be cut out the most, and lighter shades that represent the higher portions of the design that will not be carved, or carved less.
Steps to Creating a Depth Map¶
- Import 3D Model
- Adjust Rotation and Scale
- Optionally Adjust Depth Map Options
- Insert 3D Model Depth Map
Video: Creating a Depth Map in MillMage
Watch the video at the top of this page for a step-by-step guide on creating a depth map with MillMage.
Import 3D Model¶
Click any option in the image below to jump directly to the relevant section for that option, or scroll down for a list of options and descriptions.
Accessing the Import 3D Model and Depth Map Settings Windows¶
The Import 3D Model window will display when importing a file type associated with 3D models.
Select File → Import or press Ctrl/Cmd + I to open the Import a file window. Choose a 3D model file and select Open to load the 3D model and open the Import 3D Model window.
Compatible 3D Object Files¶
MillMage can import the following common file types:
- .amf
- .obj
- .off
- .3mf
- .ply
- .stl
Selecting a 3D Model¶
Choose a design that has a clean mesh, without holes, and that lays flat along the Z axis for best results.
If your 3D model has holes when imported or does not look as expected, attempt to repair the model in your preferred 3D model slicer.
3D Model Preview¶
The 3D Model Preview window displays the model rotation and orientation that will be captured to create a depth map. The 3D model preview will update automatically as changes are made to the viewpoint.
Click and drag within the 3D Model Preview window to rotate, tilt, and pan your model around until it is in the desired position. Optionally, enter specific values into the Size and/or Rotation fields.
Help Screen¶
Displays helpful tips for positioning your 3D model view within the 3D Model Preview window.
| Function | Mouse Action |
|---|---|
| 3D Viewport Zoom | Scroll mouse wheel |
| 3D Viewport Pan | Move mouse while holding middle mouse button |
| Rotate 3D Model | Move mouse while holding left mouse button |
| Scale 3D Model | Scroll mouse wheel while holding Ctrl/Cmd key |
| 3D Model Rotation Presets | Preset 3D Model view angles can be selected by clicking on the Rotation Preset button |
| Close Help Card | Click the help button to close or view the Help card again |
Model Orientation Presets¶
Choose between many basic, angled, and isometric viewpoints listed.
Zoom to Fit¶
Press the Zoom to Fit button to fill the 3D Model Preview view.
Resize Model to Fit Workspace¶
Grow or shrink the 3D model to fit within the size of the material stock.
Outline Model for Easier Isolation
MillMage will include a dark background around the 3D model depth map by default. Activate Generate Outline when creating a depth map if more space around the design is required. View the 3D Relief Carving guide for more details.
Reset Model Size and Orientation¶
Restore the original size and orientation of the loaded 3D model.
Size X¶
Manually set a specific measurement of the X axis dimension or a percentage of the original size.
Size Y¶
Manually set a specific measurement of the Y axis dimension or a percentage of the original size.
Size Z¶
Manually set a specific measurement of the Z axis dimension or a percentage of the original size.
Uniform Scale¶
| State | Function |
|---|---|
| Locked | Changes to X, Y, or Z axis are applied to all axes equally |
| Unlocked | Change X, Y, and Z axis scaling independently |
Reset Scale / Size¶
Undo any changes to the model size and scale by pressing the Reset Scale/Size button.
Display Model Size Percentage / Measurement¶
Off by default, press the Display Model Size Percentage/Measurement button to switch between changing the model scale by percentage of original size, or by entering exact measurements.
Rotation X¶
Sets the X axis rotational angle.
Rotation Y¶
Sets the Y axis rotational angle.
Rotation Z¶
Sets the Z axis rotational angle.
Reset Model Rotation¶
Undo any rotational changes by pressing the Reset Model Rotation button.
Insert 3D Model¶
Select Insert 3D Model to insert the created depth map into the Workspace using the default depth map settings.
Optionally, adjust the default depth map settings by clicking the Edit 3D Model button.
This depth map can be edited later by right-clicking on the depth map and selecting Edit 3D Model.
Depth Map Settings¶
Once clicked, the Depth Map Settings button will open the Depth Map Settings window, with your 3D model orientation and view captured and loaded.
Cancel¶
Close the Import 3D Model wizard by selecting the Cancel button to close the wizard.
Adjust Depth Map Settings¶
Video: Creating a Depth Map
Watch this video for a step-by-step guide on creating a depth map with MillMage.
Adjust the depth map parameters to include the desired 3D model geometry and details in the Depth Map Settings window.
Click any option in the image below to jump directly to the relevant section for that option, or scroll down for a list of options and descriptions.
Preview Depth Map¶
The Preview Depth Map window displays a grayscale image of the customizable depth map.
Dark areas will be carved away from the workpiece, with black representing areas at the 3D Relief Carving operation final depth.
Light areas will be revealed during the relief carving, with white representing the operation start depth.
Bit Depth¶
The Bit Depth is equivalent to the Z axis resolution. Choose between a depth map Bit Depth of either:
- 8-bit (256 levels of gray)
- 16-bit (65536 levels of gray, Default)
Set to 16-bit by default for more Z axis resolution and details, choose 8-bit if file size is a concern and Z axis details are minimal.
Resolution¶
The Resolution changes the X and Y axis pixel resolution. Choose between a depth map resolution of:
| Preset | Pixels per Millimeter | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Low | 5 px/mm | 127 DPI |
| Medium | 10 px/mm | 254 DPI |
| High | 20 px/mm | 508 DPI |
| Very High | 40 px/mm | 1016 DPI |
Size¶
Your depth map dimensions are shown in the Size display, in both pixels and MillMage design units of measure.
Transparent Background¶
Activate the Transparent Background toggle to turn the black, fully carved background of the 3D model into a transparent background that will be transparent in the Workspace, but carved away during 3D Relief operations. Activate the Transparent Background toggle to turn the black, fully carved background of the 3D model into a transparent background that will be transparent in the Workspace, but carved away during 3D Relief operations.
Ready to Export With Default Settings Applied
Depth Map With Transparent Background
Invert Depth Map¶
Activating Invert Depth Map will flip dark areas light, and light areas dark — especially helpful when carving out negative molds and forms.
Dark areas will be carved away from the workpiece, with black representing areas at the final set depth.
Light areas will be revealed during the relief carving, with white representing the operation start depth.
Ready to Export With Default Settings Applied
Inverted Depth Map
Equalize Depth Map¶
Activate Equalize Depth Map to automatically apply an equalization filter to the depth map to help highlight fine or light details.
Depth Cutoff¶
Adjust the Depth Cutoff slider to raise or lower the model's depth threshold, with a value of zero representing the bottom of the 3D model to the top of the model when the slider is moved all the way to the right.
Automatic Depth Cutoff¶
Enable Automatic Depth Cutoff to allow MillMage to chose the best depth map creation height that will capture the important details. Adjust the depth afterwards by using the Depth Cutoff slider.
Generate Outline¶
Activate the Generate Outline toggle to enable automatic creation of a closed-path outline of the depth map. Once imported, Ungroup the design by right-clicking and selecting Ungroup or by pressing Ctrl/Cmd + U and use the outline as desired.
Generate Outline for Future Pocket Operations
Create a closed shape around your depth map and assign the depth map outline and enclosing shape to a Pocket operation to make isolating your 3D Relief carvings from the workpiece easier.
Edit 3D Model¶
Return to the Import 3D Model wizard to make changes to the depth map image source by selecting Edit 3D Model.
Insert 3D Model¶
Insert your created depth map by selecting Insert 3D Model. The Depth Map Settings window will close, and your depth map will be loaded into the center of your Workspace.
Next Steps¶
Assign your depth map to a 3D Relief Roughing and 3D Relief Finishing operation to carve your 3D relief.
Related Topics¶
- Guide: 3D Relief Carving
- Operation Settings Editor: 3D Relief Roughing
- Operation Settings Editor: 3D Relief Finishing
For more help using MillMage, please visit our forum to talk with MillMage staff and users, or email support.