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.

axoid View Member Profile	Apr 6 2014, 12:35 PM Post #2
Advanced Member Group: Advanced Members Posts: 604 Joined: 30-December 03 From: Columbus, OH Member No.: 70	Microsoft had a second generation Kinect coming out this summer that is promising to be more accurate. From what I've seen from people that have the preview versions of the Kinect 2, it have much better depth resolution and HD cameras vs. the SD cameras in the Kinect 1. I'm also going to try to test laser scanning, but it looks like it will require more manual processing.