PGM to STL Solid

thingiverse

This updated PGM-to-STL Python tool creates a "lithophane" type solid from an image file, now including a base for a true solid. Adjustable base thickness is within a specified range. The STL sample illustrates its potential; the actual "thing" is the Python code itself. Ensure Python 2.7 with Tkinter and use ASCII PGM files created by photo editors like IrfanView or ImageMagick, keeping image dimensions below 500 pixels. The STL output will be a mirror image of the PGM file and its size will be about 1cm per 100 pixels of the PGM width. Adjust the "relief" value (1-5) for your specific use case. Note that resulting STL files can be large, so consider using MeshLab to smooth the output before printing. Try "Clustering Decimation" at a 0.3 percent value in MeshLab's Filters > Remeshing, Simplification, and Reconstruction menu for optimal results. Happy lithophaning!