Importing Images


    Converting an Image to DXF

  1. Download the stegosaurus image and save it in Documents.
  2. Run Inkscape.
  3. Import the JPEG file into your Inkscape document.
  4. With the image selected, do Path -> Trace Bitmap (sh-alt-B).
  5. Select single scan, Brightness Cutoff, and press Update to see the result.
  6. Click OK and delete the Trace Bitmap window.
  7. Click and drag on the image to move it out of the way, then delete it, leaving the vector graphic.
  8. Save the outline as a DXF file.

    Importing a DXF into SolidWorks

  9. Start SolidWorks and open the DXF file.
  10. Select "2D" import.
  11. Turn the sketch into an Extruded Base with depth of 1/8 inch.

    Making Puzzle Pieces

  12. Start a new sketch on the surface of the part.
  13. Use the spline tool to draw cut lines to cut up the image into pieces.
  14. Make sure your cut lines define shapes that are both concave and convex.
  15. Exit the sketch.
  16. Make a drawing from the sketch; the cut lines will appear as gray lines in the drawing.
  17. Save as a DXF file.
  18. Color the DXF: outline blue, cut lines red.



    Engraving the Pepsi Logo

  19. Run Inkscape.
  20. Import the Pepsi logo.
  21. With the logo selected, do Path -> Trace Bitmap (sh-alt-B).
  22. Select single scan, Brightness Cutoff, and press Update to see the result. The light blue element is missing.
  23. Raise the threshold to 700 and press Update again to get the light blue element.
  24. Click OK and delete the Trace Bitmap window.
  25. Click and drag on the graphic to move the traced vector off of the bitmap and into its own space.
  26. Do Path -> Break Apart (c-sh-K) to Separate the contours.
  27. Color different contours by selecting a contour and doing Objects -> Fill and Stroke (c-sh-F), then clear the Fill color and use shift-click to set the stroke color.
  28. Save as a DXF file.
Dave Touretzky
Last modified: Sat Apr 23 06:02:59 EDT 2016