Long time reader, first time poster...
I am currently doing a proof of concept for a client, with the end goal to create a replica of an antique ceremonial mace. The mace can't be touched, so I am modelling it (as best I can) from photos, etc. The mace is quite detailed with inscriptions, engravings, etc. I am hoping to recreate these using bump textures and/or displacment mapping of textures I am creating from photos. Detail doesn't have to be precise but it needs to look like the real thing from a distance. Can I get these textures printed in the 3d printing process?
Every time I export to an .stl file, the surfaces are 'clean' with no textures...
I have never 3d printed before so not even sure if this is possible!
Cheers