[axoid]

I've just started playing with a new technology and I wanted to share and get some thoughts and ideas.

I hooked a Kinect sensor to a PC and started 3D scanning objects, namely my Camaro. I'm thinking that this could be useful when it comes to further modifying the car.

I've been wanting to flair the fenders and if I can get a good model of the fender I could then model a flare to it and then 3D print the flair and then just flip the model and print it again for the other side, and do it as many time as I want.

Scanning parts could also lead to engineering better replacements parts in CAD software in the future. Anything from front 3rd gen spindles to a IRS for 3rd and 4th gens. I've seen articles about using 3D printing to create molds for casting parts or of course models for CNC machines.

This is one of my first test scans that I did of the engine bay.
(IMG:http://www.incom-racing.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/engine-test.jpg)

I need to work on the software's settings and I used a i3 laptop to do the processing. I think things would go smoother with more horsepower in the PC. The software uses the graphics chip to do some of the heavy lifting.

I looking at getting a 3d printer this summer, though it won't be big enough to print a fender, but it is a start. I would love to build a 40" Reprap printer.

Keep in mind, I'm an IT guy, not a mechanical engineer.

[axoid]

The software that I'm using outputs in three formats: STL, OBJ and PLY. All are common 3D formats. The processing is close to realtime, the more CPU and GPU you have, the faster you can scan.

You still need to pull it into some other app to work with post scan. Currently I'm using Meshlab and Blender.

Cost depends on what you already have. If you have a high end gaming PC all you need to scan is a $100 Kinect for Xbox (or $250 for Kinect for Windows) and free software from Microsoft. You can't use a Kinect that came bundled with an Xbox because you need a additional power supply that is included with the standalone version and the Kinect for Windows.

As for a PC, this is a little less clear. I think any i3 or i5 level processor will do, but for Microsoft's tool you need a good graphics card that fully supports DirectX 11 (a lot of the 3D processing is off loaded to the GPU). You can find a base card for $50, but the ones Microsoft recommends are in the $150-$200 range. There is other software that can scan with out the DirectX 11 requirement, but they are not as good or have $300+ price tags. I don't know how much memory is optimal, but I bet more is better. I currently scanning with 4GB of Ram, a i3 CPU and low power mobile class GPU.