Turning Images in realistic 3D Files for CNC, Laser Engravers, or for making Sand Casting Patterns has always been hard.
Today, I use VistaSculpt to turn an AI Generated Image into a 3D STL that I use as a pattern to sand cast a Pewter Wine Bottle Coaster. I think the results looks great, and the process to create the 3D STL using Vista Sculpt was the best I've come across.
https://vistasculpt.com/
VistaSculpt is currently in Beta and under active development. In chatting with the developer of VistaSculpt, I understand that future versions will include:
Ability to export a Depth Map Image (as well as an STL)
More options to finalize the STL (make solid)
A "per conversion" pricing option for home and hobbyists.
Disclosure: I was provided a 3mth license for testing of VistaSculpt and so I could make these videos. No money changed hands. VistaSculpt are free to use some or all of this Video for their own marketing (if it is of any use that is!).