Rendering 2D vectors to 3D

Hi all,

I have searched till I am blue, and I can't even find a starting point.

I need to take a 2D vector diagram, add some thickness (or extrude it) which ever you prefer, and convert it to a 3D impression (or rendering). For a perfect example click the "Try our Demo File" button on this web site:

bigbluesaw.com/saw/component/option ...

It appears the PHP script is generating the 3D images, but granted it could just be passing the data on from a background app. I have to start asking somewhere I suppose.

If you like I need a 3D GD library. I would of thought a 3D text generating library would of been a good starting point but I can't find one of them either. Please tell me I can't see the wood for the trees ?

Any suggestions appreciated.

Cam.