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3D modeling.. What's required?

Posted: Mon Feb 06, 2017 9:14 pm
by hworth18
I want a larger scale model of a space destroyer model but no one makes it. What's required besides a 3D cad model? Can the parts from the original kit be scanned with a 3D scanner?

Re: 3D modeling.. What's required?

Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 7:07 pm
by grunt1
If you want to learn how to do this for fun and no cash:
You can scan the existing model with the xBox connect camera or your iPhone/Samsung if you have one or know some one that does. The results of the scan vary a lot based on the subject but it should get you a basic cad model. As for CAD software, if you have Windows 8 or 10, Microsoft offers a program called Builder for free that you can use to play with your new CAD file. Once it works for you, upload it to Shapeways and off you go.

If you just want to "get er done":
The other option would be to hit Google and see if there's a local 3D printing shop. They typically have everything in house to scan, enlarge and print. There are even some Kinko's that do this now.

Re: 3D modeling.. What's required?

Posted: Mon Feb 20, 2017 9:54 pm
by Jesse James
I'm nowhere near as good at this as Grunt is, just to get that out of the way, but Google offers a free program and tutorials as well... If you want to just learn some basics anyway.

It's called Google Sketch-up and it's where I started tinkering.

My gf worked with design/CAD software professionally till moving out of the drafting department at her job (anymore they have engineers do their own drawing, but when she started the drafters were a whole separate department and they still sort of are if they want the job done properly, haha). She was able to show some more advanced stuff on Sketchup and basically how it works to make more complex shapes to me, but it was still difficult to learn quickly.

I've seen a 3D scanner for apple products and wanted to get one for her iPad... looked cool as hell. I got a new phone recently and it's kind of renewing my interest in scanning software and attachments.