3D Relief Challenge Coins: 16-bit Depth Maps + STL

Watch the 2:47 Coin Designer tutorial: 3D Relief Challenge Coins: 16-bit Depth Maps + STL with a step-by-step PDF guide and the tool one click away.

In this tutorial

• Choose 3D Relief Depth. The AI sculpts your coin first, then carves a true height map from it. White is high, black is low.
• The Design tab works just like a 2D coin. We'll reuse the compass rose from the 2D tutorial: the subject, a two-inch diameter, a reeded edge and a decorative border.
• On the Text tab, add the rim lettering. Reticle Red on top, Est. 2026 underneath.
• Next, pick a depth quality. Fast takes about a minute, which is great for drafts. HD Relief takes five to eleven minutes: a sculpting model carves a cleaner height field, so use it before you cut.
• Then pick an engine. With Unbound, HD Relief costs the same nine credits as Fast. The mint button always shows the live price.
• Already have a depth map? Import a 16-bit grayscale PNG here to skip the mint and go straight to the relief settings.
• Then mint. New accounts start with twelve free credits, and the page shows its progress while the relief is carved.
• Here's a finished 3D relief from the account's history, a team commemorative coin. Reopening it from history spends no credits.
• Drag to orbit the relief and check it from every angle, or turn on Auto-Orbit. Reset View puts it back.
• Depth View shows the height map itself. White is the peak, black is the floor.
• Relief Settings fine-tune the map, in order: smoothing, contrast and the edge bezel, then the preview's elevation and coin thickness. Regen applies them to the 16-bit file, free with an account.
• Invert Depth flips high and low, for a machine that needs the opposite orientation.

Find the Right Laser Tool for Your Job See Real Results →

Privacy Policy| Terms of Service| Refund Policy| Contact and Support