I want to create some 3d objects for importing into Poser. I want to take a black and white image (e.g. a logo) and to extrude the shape. A simple example would be, for example, to convert a black square into a cube. And I want to do this semi-automatically, without the need to use the graphic as a template and then manually draw around it.
I would prefer to do this with cheap (or free) software; and have so far looked at Blender, Adobe Illustrator, Inkscape and AccuTrans 3d.
Accutrans3d appears to do be able to do simple graphics; but tends to crash when huge and complex shaped graphics are used.
Please. Can anyone suggest what software might be available for this task?
Many thanks.

Blender and learn to model.

I am sorry. I was not clear. I was asking for a semi-automated procedure; as I am wishing to create a large number of such simple objects. The images are very detailed and may contain over 20,000 accurately placed vertices. Whilst it can be done, I assume, using most modelling software; it would likely be a huge manual task.

I had understood the Blender option requires the user to manually trace the outline. Some applications, for example Adobe's Illustrator are able to create the required vector outlines; but cannot generate 3d models.

Perhaps jestmarc can explain how Blender might automate the task for me?

It can't and neither can any other affordable software, and the unaffordable software that claims it can doesn't do it very well.  For just a logo made from vector graphics Blender can import .svg (Scaleable Vector Graphics) format to give you a starting point.  There are no shortcuts, you will need to learn some basic modeling.

Thank you. I have now looked briefly at Blender's option to extrude SVG. That may eventually be my option.

My other option is to write my own image to OBJ (or whatever) converter. Input a black and white graphic at one end; and out pops a 3d object with all the necessary quads. I wonder why there are lots of similar freeware apps available?

My thanks again to jestmark. I am not actually adverse to 'learning basic modeling', but I understand the theory alot better than I know what each program does, or how well each one performs.

http://www.philc.net/ClothingCreator.htm

I wrote this some time ago and it worked reasonably well, it may contain elements that would help you. It is no longer available having been superseded by other scripts that I have written however I would be happy in exploring the possibility in adapting it to meet your needs. No cost is involved and it will depend on time being available to pursue the task. If you would like to email me at pcooke@philc.net we can maybe proceed from there. 

My thanks again for the advice and suggestions.
This process now appears to work satisfactorily (for me).

1. Import the original graphics file into Inkscape.
2. Use the Menu 'Path/Trace Bitmap' and choose the tracing system required.
3. Export as SVG.
4. Import the SVG into Blender, and apply an Extrusion.
5. Export the object as OBJ (or whatever is required).
6. Import the OBJ into Poser, and use the Material room to replace the default (black) colour.

Inkscape's options for tracing are described in the Helpfile. Depending how it is set, the trace may either either generate only the outline or treat the whole coloured area as a solid.
The Inkscape tracing options are described here:
http://tavmjong.free.fr/INKSCAPE/MANUAL/html/Trace.html

Running the image through a graphics program that has a posterize (I think that is the right name) function first could reduce the insignificant details.

I don't know if this would be of interest, but I came across a $15 maxscript that creates simple 3D models from images in Photoshop in just a click or so, inside 3dsmax.  It will auto-extrude, or lathe, the object for you, so it can make something like a wine bottle from an image, and it will be lathed to a 3-dimensional bottle shape, not just a flat extrusion; that makes it very handy.  If you don't have access to 3dsmax, then it's probably of no use to you though, unless you think it's worth downloading the eval copy for 30 days just to use it.

http://www.scriptspot.com/3ds-max/scripts/curves-to-3ds

I haven't tested this yet, but reviews seem to indicate that it works well, although it's not free.  You could directly import AI files into 3dsmax natively, but then you have to extrude or lathe the lines manually, and add the texture; this script does all that for you.

In Wings 3D you can type your text and directly extrude it, and it's easy to do. Wings 3D is free.

If you already have Photoshop CS6, 5 or 4 (I'm not sure about 3), you can convert test to 3D very quickly and easily.

Attached Link: Shapeways

Is it possible to automatically combine 3 drawing of a part into a single 3D object in autocad?

Also, could someone please let me know what the abbreviations TYP, TAP, and NC mean?

I am new to AutoCAD and I do not understand half of this drawing below. Thanks all.

Casinoonline posted at 6:25PM Thu, 15 August 2019 - #4359255

Is it possible to automatically combine 3 drawing of a part into a single 3D object in autocad?

Also, could someone please let me know what the abbreviations TYP, TAP, and NC mean?

I am new to AutoCAD and I do not understand half of this drawing below. Thanks all.

Did you attach the drawing? TYP (abbreviation for typical) meaning the same detail or spec occurs in several places. TAP means using a tool to create threads, usually followed by a thread spec. NC could refer to numerical control, as in a computer controlled cutting machine