Heightmap to curved surface

[jhndrx]

I have a heightmap image that I converted into a mesh using Hans Kellner's conversion tool.

I then converted the mesh into a T-Spline. This creates a "flat" body (not curved to fit a surface). Is it possible to wrap this around a curved surface so that I can create a grip for a gun? I would want the highest parts of the mesh to align with the top of the curved surface so that it will cut into the model and not extend above it. Something like an intersection cut.

Here's an example of what I want to achieve:Using this heightmap (ignore the black border):

 My fusion file is attached with the T-spline and the model of the gun grip blank in it.

I'm open to suggestions if there is a different way of doing this using heightmaps.

[etfrench]

I would attempt this in the Sheet Metal workspace by creating a partial cylinder for the grip.  This screencast shows how to create a cylinder and add an svg to it.  In your case you would add the height map.

I think the height map is too complex for Fusion 360 to thicken.  You could try using just one row of the height map pattern.  If that is successful, then use a rectangular pattern to complete the full height map (add the center geometry later).

[TrippyLighting]

In the time you spend creating the simple height map and using the conversion tool, you could have easily modeled it using either T-Splines of the solid modeling environment. 

If you keep n mind from the beginning of the beginning of the process that you need to bend this in the sheet metal environment then that's fairly efficient.

[jhndrx]

---

@etfrenchwrote:

I would attempt this in the Sheet Metal workspace by creating a partial cylinder for the grip.  This screencast shows how to create a cylinder and add an svg to it.  In your case you would add the height map. 

---

I seen a tutorial on how to add text to a cylinder which is basically the same as what your demonstrating. Part of the problem is the curved surface is not uniform. The radius is larger at one side. This is probably still possible using the sheet metal method and I will definitely look into tonight.

@TrippyLightingwrote:

In the time you spend creating the simple height map and using the conversion tool, you could have easily modeled it using either T-Splines of the solid modeling environment. 

If you keep n mind from the beginning of the beginning of the process that you need to bend this in the sheet metal environment then that's fairly efficient.

The heightmap was given to me at a later point. In the past, my buddy had a guy laser engrave the designs so I assume they just kept their laser at a constant height and didn't bother with modeling the grip. He was curious if I could do something like that and I have some rather tiny ball end mills so I'm giving it a shot.

I do agree that the mesh is rather complex. Much of it could be simplified into larger triangles, I just don't have the experience modifying those so I didn't mess with that. I might tinker with that as a side project. I already saved the mesh as an STL and uploaded to fusion.

[pobby_11]

You can run flat files around a curved surface by using G-code ripper it is mainly a code modifier to wrap a flat tool path around a cylinder but can also probe the surface to find the curvature of the stock and apply that curvature to the toolpath.