Tool of the future? - F-Body Road Racing and Autocross Forums

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 View Member Profile	Apr 2 2014, 02:52 PM Post #1
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 604 Joined: 30-December 03 From: Columbus, OH Member No.: 70	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.

JimMueller View Member Profile	Apr 3 2014, 03:20 PM Post #2
Experienced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 1,698 Joined: 15-February 04 From: Casselberry FL Member No.: 206	I'm an IT fella also... I've got an Xbox360 and bought my Kinect sensor separately. I also have 1) a 8GB i5-2520M laptop and 2) a 16GB i7-3770K desktop that I'd be willing to play on. Is there a way to separate the scanning and processing functions, so perhaps I could scan with the slower mobile i5 and process on the faster i7? Or someone could scan remotely and send the files to someone else to process faster? Can you provide links to all the software/tools?