super simple cookie cutter generator

thingiverse

Foreword: OpenSCAD is a powerful and completely free tool for creating technical objects. The "cookie cutter" project utilizes the "surface" function to create a three-dimensional object from a two-dimensional PNG image. The height of each pixel is calculated based on its grayscale value, requiring significant computing power. To avoid overwhelming your computer, use a resolution that's not too high if you have a weaker machine. Step 1 - Preparing Your Picture First, take your picture and crop away any unnecessary borders. Next, color the outline black and the background white. The details in the middle should range from light to dark gray depending on their height. Convert your image into a grayscale PNG file with a low resolution. A recommended size is 300x300 pixels or less. Save this image as "cutter.png" in the same folder where you've stored your OpenSCAD file. I personally prefer using GIMP for such tasks. Step 2 - Working with OpenSCAD Open your OpenSCAD file in a new version of the software. Enter the final height and width of your cookie cutter, based on the size of "cutter.png" in pixels. To adjust the proportion between the black outline and the gray details, use the "cut off head" variable. A grid is also created to support these details, which you can customize according to your preferences. Step 3 - Trial and Error Perfectly adapting your finished cookie cutter to your picture and cookie dough takes time. You'll also need some practice with image editing programs. Fortunately, OpenSCAD performs all calculations using just one processor core, so you can multitask by listening to music or watching movies in the background. PS: To avoid infringing on copyrights, I've used a hand-painted picture as an example.