Unfortunately DSM is issuing a version 6 (V6) which has some reduced features such as being able to export 2D files as .ORF. So I prefer V5, but that is no longer available and may have its activation jerked. We shall see. For decal printing, my art work work is just great, but not happy with the material I am trying. I use PHOTOSHOP. I did use DSM to design some graphics that I printed on my Cameo (Cricut like) machine for cutting lettering from thin adhesive vinyl or as stencils.
For the fluid White pass script logos I traced the .jpeg image from a photo and exported as a 2D design file to the Cameo and filled it in and exported as a .jpeg of the appropriate color for a decal.
DSM allows a very size accurate creation and a re size to the nearest percent. However as to 3D printing, the slicer (Chitubox) allows independent accurate sizing to dimensions in all three axis.
Tom
[...]
(quoting you): "DSM can import image files as a background. I did this with projects as the hopper cars, duce n half, jeep etc where I had 2D drawings. As this is a background, it's useful for scaling and arranging the 3D on top of it."
[...]
^^^ Yes, and that's exactly why I want them. To easily build the 3Ds directly off the 2D plans. If you AREN'T already doing your own this way--assuming 2D plans are available, of course--then you would be making things harder than they have to be.
All of which does assume that the 2D plans (hopefully 3 elevations) are accurate. But if they are not, or if your eye sees something else, you can just adjust your own 3D models. Or even the 2D plans, which is particularly easy if they are your own plans.
Or even don't bother at all, skip the plans entirely and just go with your eye.*
[*But it's hard to work back from that to 2D plans unless you take the time to draw up those plans yourself. If you aren't working from an actual 2D plan, then creating one is all up to you.]
Dunno about you, but I actually see plan errors pretty often, and so I make adjustments according to what MY eyes tell me. However, it's also nice if you can subsequently work thing backward too: Adjust your 3D model over the 2D plan...look it over until you say either "that's perfect-I nailed it," or just "that's good enough," but then be able to export from your 3D model (hopefully) 3 different plan views* back out again.
[sometimes loosly called elevations, and not plan views in architecture]
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So would you know if a 3D model [in DesignMechanical] can be reduced back to a new series of plans...and if they can be exported back out again as a .jpg or a .bmp?