Can you import a JPEG and create a pattern to machine in Solidworks

[Berndog12]

So I am drawing up a tap for a kegerator that I have at my house. I want to import an image of the island that I summer on (Cuttyhunk, MA) then somehow extrude the image either up and out or make a cut into the handle. It looks great in my head, but my question is is this even possible to import a JPEG and use it as a sketch? Basically this island is going to be a bear to draw up so I am looking for the easier way out. If anyone has any tips or other ideas I would very much appreciate them. Thanks!

Berndog
SolidWorks 2007 SP4.0
Windows XP Pro SP2, Pentium4 3.00GHz
2GB RAM, Nvidia Quadro FX 3450/4000 SDI

 

[tygerdawg]

Open new part
Open new Sketch1
Sketch Tools / Sketch Picture
Select & insert JPG
Scale & stretch JPG to suit your needs
Save Sketch1
Open new Sketch2
Use (viewable) Sketch1 as tracing pattern to draw elements on Sketch2

TygerDawg
Blue Technik LLC
Advanced Robotics & Automation Engineering

http://www.bluetechnik.com

 

[Eltron]

Sw '08 has an add-in called Autotrace which is a raster to vector conversion program that will try to automatically trace your outline depending on which settings you choose. It also depends on the picture you are using as well. This probably won't help you since you are on '07, but sometimes I just like talking to myself...

Dan

http://www.eltronresearch.com

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

I've read your post several times and still have no idea what you are actually trying to do with the image.

Are you wanting to create a 3D engraving of the island onto a physical thing (the keg or handle or ?) ... or just apply an image to a 3D model? (Use a Decal if so)

I don't understand how the, "or make a cut into the handle" comment applies.

 

[Berndog12]

I am going to actually machine this tap handle so I am going to need to make the image into a sketch and make a extrude cut into handle. So yes it will be like engraving it.

Berndog
SolidWorks 2007 SP4.0
Windows XP Pro SP2, Pentium4 3.00GHz
2GB RAM, Nvidia Quadro FX 3450/4000 SDI

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

What shape and how big is the handle?

 

[Berndog12]

I am thinking 14" in length and 3" at its largest diameter at the top tapering down to 1"-1.5" at the base where the thread will be.

Berndog
SolidWorks 2007 SP4.0
Windows XP Pro SP2, Pentium4 3.00GHz
2GB RAM, Nvidia Quadro FX 3450/4000 SDI

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Oh, like the large draw/pull/siphon handles used in Pubs? Like

http://www.micromatic.com/draft-keg-beer/tap-handles-pid-5400.html

I was imagining the small lever type.

It would be a lot simpler to attach a photo into something like

http://cgi.ebay.com/Guinness-Guines...goryZ571QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

 

[Berndog12]

Wow... It's like we have ESPN. Thats exactly what I want to do.

Berndog
SolidWorks 2007 SP4.0
Windows XP Pro SP2, Pentium4 3.00GHz
2GB RAM, Nvidia Quadro FX 3450/4000 SDI