3D printing and normal maps?

Unity Engine
1

Can a 3D printer print the details of a normal map? Or would it just print the model itself as it would appear without said maps?

2

Hi GradyLorenzo,

A 3D printer will print exactly what the geometry is (not textures). If you have a high poly version that you got the normals from, you’ll want to use that one. Hope that helps.

3

What if it’s a model ripped from a game? All I can get are the normals, I don’t have access to the high-poly model

4

Great question. Depending on the 3D software package you are using, you could do the following:
Example in 3dsMax:

  1. Select your object.
  2. In the Modifier tab - Add a Turbosmooth modifier to the model and increase the iterations to the desired amount.
  3. In the Modifier tab - Add a Displace modifier
  4. In the Displace Parameters rollout select Bitmap: None.
  5. Choose your texture (normal map) - click ok.
    Final step -
  6. In the Displace modifier - Adjust the Parameters rollout / Displacement: Strength amount till you have the desired look.

That will do it. :slight_smile:

5

This is brilliant, thank you :smile: