I am not an immersed user but have far too many decades of using then avoiding 3d software. My view is normal cad is just copying your measurements into a 3d program and you not only need to be highly versed in cad but in the exactness of your measurements. Whereas, tinkercad is like sitting down in my craftroom with boxes of shapes and putting something together, actual creation. Regular cad and solidworks types need precise input from what you already designed. Tinkercad is the designing but is not likely to ever be in replacement to cad. And then there is the 3rd kind, sculpting software like virtual versions of real hands on sculpting. Totally different beast. And finally the AI version which for the most part would be similar to tinkercad where you give instructions and mess about with finer instructions until you have a passable but not precise creation.
And after all that drivel, has anyone used the Miraco scanner yet?
I will have one to borrow in the coming months to work on the screen version of Wyatt Earp's deputy badge in Tombstone. I purchased a legit replica of known badges that is scannable but the letters need changed. Any pointers on going from stl to photoshop or merging my fonts to the face of my scanned badge? If this needs to be in a different thread, let me know. I can make the fonts easy enough but want the real curves of the badge from the scan.
Oddly, they never produced the movie badges in bulk and that version does not seem to exist historically. Making one seems the only path.
I am reluctant to tell you my way, because I use so many programs in concert with each other.
1. Make what you want to say with your font in Photoshop. Save as solid black ink and JPG.
2. Use free 3D-builder program from Microsoft to easily turn the 2D font into 3D font.
3. Use a 3D program that has smoothing (I use Zbrush) to smooth out the area of the badge that has the incorrect text.
4. Import the badge (with text erased) into Tinkercad.
5. Import 3D text into Tinkercad.
6. Align the text onto the badge.
7. Make a copy of the badge, and then turn the copy into a "hole" AKA a negative shape.
8. If you align the negative shape of the badge with the surface of the 3D text, and then merge the negative badge shape with the 3D text, it will curve the text in the same curve of the badge.
Seemingly complex, but requires little training. There are no doubt other ways that take less steps, but this has each step easy, instead of complex manipulation.
If your badge isn't curved, then skip 7 and 8.