3D Software that will map to a 2D Plane for printing on Hydrographic film

[studebaker]

I have a customer that wants me to map his 3D model to a 2D plane so that I can print that layout on my 2D Hydrographic film so he can dip/apply it to his 3D prints. My max print area for the film is 4 ft x 8 ft.

He is beginning to print 3D models of his Duck Decoys, and he saw a video on youtube about dipping to a 3D object, and wants me to print film specifically for his decoys.

He is a regular hydrographic film customer and I want to do everything I can do to make him happy. Normally I just print a generic feather patterns for him and he fills in the other areas with airbrushing.

So, the question is, Does anybody know of a software that will "Flatten" a 3D model? The 3D models he sent me are .stl and .blender formats.

[video=youtube;YlUhPrAqiY0]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YlUhPrAqiY0&feature=youtu.be[/video]

I need to do this... Create a texture map from an existing 3D duck decoy object. Since we can now print the 3D objects, we need a cheap and quick way to decorate them other than hand painting them.

 

[Gene@mpls]

That dear sir is otherworldly kehl. I wish I was younger [and had ambition of course]. Gene

 

[kheebl]

That looks very complex. Very cool though.

 

[rubo]

the answer is right there in your explanation - BodyPaint 3D will do it, so will Animation Master, it's called uv mapping

 

[rubo]

here is another one - doing just that: http://www.unwrap3d.com/u3d/index.aspx

 

[GAC05]

I think flattening the model will be about the easiest part of this.
Just about all 3d applications have UV wrapping tools to do the flattening out so you can paint on a texture map that will line up with the features of the model.
Many allow you to paint directly on the model
In the video they are using something new to take your map and compensate for the stretching of the printed film as the object is dipped.
Looks like some heavy math - really interesting.

wayne k
guam usa

 

[studebaker]

here is another one - doing just that: http://www.unwrap3d.com/u3d/index.aspx

That is the perfect solution to my UV Mapping conundrum... I will try it out immediately. That's the great thing about this forum, the members are knowledgeable in all areas!

 

[oksigns]

that or sketchup.. tons of 3rd party rendering options

 

[studebaker]

that or sketchup.. tons of 3rd party rendering options

Thanks, my objective is to "Unwrap" an existing 3D model with paint/color information to print to custom printed hydrographic film so that it can be dipped onto a physical 3D printed model. I don't need to render it, we are creating physical objects that needs decorating accurately and efficiently.

 

[studebaker]

I need to generate a flat texture map of an already existing 3D Blender model. Similar to this Duck Model...

 

[GAC05]

It can be done in Blender

http://wiki.blender.org/index.php/Doc:2.4/Manual/Textures/Mapping/UV/Unwrapping

Youtube has a bunch of videos that break it down pretty good.

[video=youtube;p4ngVoGIj1Q]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ngVoGIj1Q[/video]


wayne k
guam usa

 

[synergy_jim]

getting these things to line up perfect may rip a hole in the entire space time continuum....

 

[GAC05]

Shouldn't be too long before they figure out how to dip a vehicle - then the next generation of Old Paint will be on here talking about the good old days when he had to wrap them by hand using vinyl )))))))))))))))))))))


wayne k
guam usa

 

[studebaker]

It can be done in Blender Youtube has a bunch of videos that break it down pretty good.

wayne k
guam usa

This is definately what I was looking for... The model is already a Blender model. I'll keep you guys posted on my progress.

Someone from this forum gave me this insight...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UV_mapping#UV_programs

It seems that a couple of those programs will work for what I'm needing to do.

So if anybody wants to try this for their 3D model decoration, send me your texturemap and I'll print it on hydrographic film for you to try for yourself! I'll even send a few copies so you can practice and get the the ink positioned just right.

 

[jtinker]

If youre not looking to spend any money on it I would just go with blender.
For other options I would suggest zbrush for unwrapping.
http://pixologic.com/zbrush/features/UV-Master/

Ive used C4D for about 6 years and its great but body paint is more trouble than its worth.

 

[studebaker]

Just an update, the Blender program seems to be doing the trick! Thank you everybody for your input and suggestions.

 

[scott pagan]

very neat process!

how do you get registration of object to print, or are some tolerances allowed?

 

[studebaker]

With the duck decoy, some tolerances are allowed. But hydrographic dipping can be done accurately with an automatic arm... Like in this video.