Different Strategies for Rapid Prototyping of Digital Bas-Reliefs

In the last decades several computer-based procedures have been devised with the aim of speeding up the 3D reconstruction from a single image in the form of bas-relief. At the same time, the use of rapid prototyping (RP) technology considerably spread enabling quick manufacture of 3D products directly from 3D modelling systems. The present paper presents a few consideration about different possible strategies for bas-reliefs manufacturing by using the main RP techniques (stereolithography (SLA), selective laser sintering (SLS), fused deposition modeling (FDM) and Polyjet/Multi-jet technology). A practical example is used for discussing pros and cons of the different alternatives.