Turning an image into GCode

[Alohaa]

Hello,

how can I import an image (jpg, png, tiff...) into Sketchup, edit it and export it as a 2d graphic (.dxf) so that it can be converted into GCode in a CAM program (Estlcam).

All my attempts result in an empty file for Estlcam.

I have done this successfully in the past, but I can't remember how.

With kind regards
Alohaa

[cotty]

For 3d printing, the format between SketchUp and Gcode would be STL, have you tried if this is an option with your software?

[Alohaa]

Hi,
Thank you for your response!
I meant 2d milling (not printing, even if the code is similar); the file that I open in Estlcam has to be a .dxf, for 3d it has indeed to be an .stl file.

[Dave R]

There are several ways to get actual geometry from an image. Import the image as an image and trace it with the various drawing tools, use a PNG with transparen't background and Image Trimmer from TIG's SKM Tools extension, or use some raster to vector converter to generate the line work as .dxf which you can then import into SketchUp.

Which is best depends on the image and what you need out of it.