Introduction

Turning your artistic drawings into 3D printed models is a fascinating process that allows you to bring your flat artwork to life. This guide will walk you through the steps from creating high-resolution scans to selecting the perfect printing technique and taking your final prints to a professional printing service.

Step 1: Creating High-Resolution Scans

Whether you choose to scan your artwork or photograph it, the quality of the scan or photograph is crucial for a successful 3D printing process. Here are the steps to ensure you capture the finest details.

Scanning Artwork

For smaller artwork (8.5 x 11 or smaller), high-resolution scans are the way to go. Follow these steps:

Log on to a reliable scanning service or a professional photography store like Office Max. Although Office Max can be costly, their in-house digital systems can produce high-quality scans. Ask for assistance in setting up and connecting directly to their scanning system, if possible. Most employees may not be aware of this feature. Use the highest resolution setting and scan your artwork, ensuring that the resolution is at least 300 dpi (dots per inch). Save the scanned image as a RAW TIFF or BMP file, not a JPEG, to preserve as much detail as possible.

Photographing Larger Artwork

For larger artwork, you’ll need to take high-quality photographs. Follow these steps:

Use a high-quality DSLR camera with a 1-inch sensor and at least 35–50 megapixels. Set up the camera to take photos from a 45-degree angle to ensure uniform lighting. Use a tailor's tape measure, cloth, or paper to precisely space the artwork from the lens to the corner of the frame, ensuring accurate focus. Take multiple shots to ensure you capture the best possible details. Focus on high-resolution areas such as textures and fine lines. Save the images in RAW or TIFF format, not JPEG, to retain as much detail as possible.

Step 2: Preparing Your Artwork for 3D Printing

Once you have your high-resolution scans, you'll need to prepare your artwork for the 3D printing process. You can do this by using a design software like Tinkercad.

Design and Modify Your Artwork

Follow these steps to design and modify your artwork for 3D printing:

Log on to Tinkercad and start building your .STL files. STL files are specifically designed for 3D printing, making them ideal for this process. Use the Tinkercad slicer to convert your .STL files into .GCODE files. GCODE files are the commands sent to the 3D printer to create your model. Transfer the .GCODE file to your 3D printer and start printing. Check that the print size, paper type, and printing technique are set appropriately to showcase your artwork.

Step 3: Professional Printing Services

If you require higher quality prints or find that your home printer does not match the desired outcome, consider taking your artwork to a professional printing service. Here are some recommendations:

Professional Graphic Arts Shops

Professional graphic arts shops, such as those that do STATS (Statistical Process Control) or handle high-quality logos, are equipped with the necessary software and expertise to print your artwork with the highest level of detail. They often have advanced graphics cameras that can capture intricate details, ensuring that the 3D printed model closely resembles the original artwork.

Conclusion

Transforming your drawings into 3D printed models is a rewarding process that requires careful planning and execution. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional artist, the steps outlined in this guide should help you achieve stunning results. Remember to prioritize high-resolution scans and consider professional printing services to ensure your artwork is brought to life in the finest detail.