My Scanner project

[troybilt]

Some of you engineers might appreciate this. This is a 3D Scanner project I've been working on (off and on) for a year or so. This allows me to scan objects, anything really, into CAD so I can modify the designs or create new designs etc... makes life a lot easier. This is my first test scan I was doing an OEM hood for shyts and giggles. The results are on another computer I'll screenshot those and show you. Right now I have to use the background calibration panels, but I'm working on one that can scan any object in free space.. I didn't design the software, ...that you can get online. ...So its not that "cool"... but its still not easy to do.

Nerd ALERT!!!
http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/robltc/DSCN0999.jpg

http://i74.photobucket.com/albums/i260/robltc/DSCN1009.jpg

[rablack21]

Troy.

That is pretty cool. The 3D scanner we have at work can actually scan anything in free space. It has a bunch of red lights and looks like The Starship Enterprise. lol.

[rustyATV]

Can you create a SolidWorks compatible file?

[troybilt]

Originally posted by rustyATV
Can you create a SolidWorks compatible file?

Not directly, the models that come from the scanner are faceted models, (basically point clouds), but I can convert them manually in ProE, with a freeform surfacing tool called "style" feature. There are programs out there like Rhino, or Next Engine, that can convert faceted models to nurbs, (what ProE and Solidworks use).

Commercial based scanners can cost big bucks $50,000+, the cheapest hobbyist scanner that is ready made is Next Engine, for about $3k. I can do the same thing as all of those, but its a little more ghetto setup... however, I've got about 100 bucks in materials to build this. For a free space scanner, (i.e. no calibration panels) its a little more involved cause you need to build a stepper motor controller to control the laser sweeping motion. I'm using a kitchen timer to sweep the laser in uniform now, cheap and it works. I'm also using a "trial" version of the downloadable software, the real version is about 300 bucks. I wanted to make sure it all works like its supposed to before I spent the money.

[troybilt]

I forgot I did have to buy a web camera, Logitech Pro9000, which is about 100 bucks, so I've probably got little over 200 into it. I also burned up a $100 laser, cause I didn't verify that my power source was 3V exactly. I later switched to a 3V batter power, and a smaller Amazon.com Laser... my other laser was much better, but its too expensive to buy another one. its been a learning project. If anyone wants to give it a try I'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

[8686]

Geez, you guys ARE nerds. :p

Impressive stuff, though.

[troybilt]

NERDS!!!!!!!

[TLR-Online]

Originally posted by troybilt
NERDS!!!!!!!

I was gonna post something from that movie!! I just watched it this weekend on netflix lmao!

[honda400ex2003]

that is very cool! good work! steve

[CorvetteZ06]

sweeeet!

[Conant19]

nerd or not still cool as **** imo

[jcs003]

now interpolate it...turn it into G-code and make some hood molds.:D anyways, very clever way to take an expensive industry instrument and make it DIY.