Tracing an object....

[varcarme]

I have a number of large (2m x 2m) objects that have been machined, and various shapes and circles cut out. Is there any device that will let me trace around this object, giving me a drawing (dxf / jpg etc) that can then be imported into Autocad?

 

Thanks,

 

Martin.

[lpseifert]

Try Googleing (sp?) 3D Digitizers and/or 3d Scanners, you'll get lots of hits... nothing very cheap though.

[varcarme]

I didn't want to be given the output file in 3d - just 2d to keep things nice and simple.

 

Thanks,

 

Martin.

[ReMark]

You would still need a 3D scanner.

[BIGAL]

I own a 2m steel ruler if your accuracy is only in mm that would be cheap way to go.

 

Looked at 3d scanners as per Remark big dollars search also "laser cutting" "CNC" companies maybe they can reverse engineer. if you go to a 3d digitising company expect a high bill but if you want down to 0.001 then that will be the only way.

 

Google "3d digitising" got a huge list of answers

[JD Mather]

Take a photograph.

Insert image in to CAD.

Quickly sketch lines and circles at approximate locations and sizes.

Hide picture layer.

Add geometry constraints.

Add parametric dimensions and change to actual dimensions measured from parts.

Some of your measurements might not be exact and there is some tolerance - but keep in mind that designers usually use nice even numbers so you should be able to reverse-engineer.

 

Keep in mind the the picture is for quick reference only - parallax error and resolution only gets your features approximate size and location in a quick manner.

[greg culjan]

1. make a grid in auto cad to whatever accuracy you desire

 

2. plot grid preferable on mylar

 

3. place part on plotter mylar

 

4. trace the part

 

5. transfer points to autocad manually

 

6. draw part based on points

 

7. plot the part

 

8. overlay mylar onto the plotted part

 

9. note the variances and make corrections

 

10. repeact steps 8 & 9 until you are satisfied

 

best regards

greg