Good day.
Yes probably I will use inkscape since Affinity designer does not have image tracing option.

The heightmap seems like a good option aswell!

When I saw this technique from 3dcoat I thought this is a great time saver and Moi3d should have this aswell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4pEdxqKk9c not need to watch the whole video.. the technique is between 4:15 and 4:30min.

Thanks for the info ...awaiting the release as I have many mechanical parts to make :D