Object Outline Capturing/Tracing Techniques for CAM/CAD?

pmap93 · Feb 15, 2017

Hello experienced Machinists!

This is my first post here and im eager to learn!

I started to learn CNC manufacturing for my small company that does Foam inserts for protection of products.

Usually measure the object parameters and make an outline in Vectric Aspire. Then I pocket the Foam according to the object size, and sometimes a little smaller, so that the object will fit snug.

Now, lately I've been getting more difficult shaped objects such as antique items that has a lot of curves, or curvy metallic art prices.

I need its outline or I draw my own. But my second option is to trace the object (Sitting on paper) with a pencil and Image Trace it in Illustrator, and fix the size accordingly in Aspire to generate a toolpath. This proved to be Real difficult and inaccurate. (z-tapered objects cannot be traced, and prevents me to do so)

So I ask the forum,
Why techniques would you use to obtain an object outline for CAM or CAD?

Please Let me know your feedback!

len_1962 · Feb 16, 2017

Try this Autodesk 123D Catch | Generate 3d model from photos

you can use a camera to get the 3D shape of the part then create stl ,you'll have to get a CAM software that can cut STL files or a CAD that can turn stl into solids.

sophtayl · Feb 16, 2017

I recently downloaded the app "dxf camera" to do just what you are after. I havent used it in anger but looks to be pretty cool. It takes an outline photo of your object and exports to dxf.

Sent from my SM-T355Y using Tapatalk

HuFlungDung · Feb 16, 2017

sophtayl said:
I recently downloaded the app "dxf camera" to do just what you are after. I havent used it in anger but looks to be pretty cool. It takes an outline photo of your object and exports to dxf.

Sent from my SM-T355Y using Tapatalk

There is a lot of perspective distortion in that type of an image. What you really need to do is project a shadow image onto a surface (with some sort of parallel light source) and then photograph the surface image.

sophtayl · Feb 16, 2017

True. I guess for foam inserts and artwork engraving of images should be reasonable as long as the distance from the camera to the piece is much larger than distance from the piece to background. Eg sit object (say a spanner) on sheet of paper. Take photo from a distance of 500mm or greater away. I have done it with a photocopier scanner with varying accuracy. Also traced object with a pen onto paper then scanned it. Import to cad and trace. Then scale accordingly based on original piece.

All depends on accuracy one is looking for i guess

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

dcsipo · Feb 16, 2017

pmap93 said:
Hello experienced Machinists!

This is my first post here and im eager to learn!

I started to learn CNC manufacturing for my small company that does Foam inserts for protection of products.

Usually measure the object parameters and make an outline in Vectric Aspire. Then I pocket the Foam according to the object size, and sometimes a little smaller, so that the object will fit snug.

Now, lately I've been getting more difficult shaped objects such as antique items that has a lot of curves, or curvy metallic art prices.

I need its outline or I draw my own. But my second option is to trace the object (Sitting on paper) with a pencil and Image Trace it in Illustrator, and fix the size accordingly in Aspire to generate a toolpath. This proved to be Real difficult and inaccurate. (z-tapered objects cannot be traced, and prevents me to do so)

So I ask the forum,
Why techniques would you use to obtain an object outline for CAM or CAD?

Please Let me know your feedback!

Splines are your friend

....

dee
;-D

mountie · Feb 22, 2017

I've had good results using Inkscape, a free open source vector drawing program, to vectorize bitmaps. See Inkscape tutorial: Tracing bitmaps | Inkscape for an example or search Google for something like "Inkscape vectorize"

SeaMoss · Mar 18, 2017

pmap93 said:
... Now, lately I've been getting more difficult shaped objects such as antique items that has a lot of curves, or curvy metallic art prices.

I need its outline or I draw my own. But my second option is to trace the object (Sitting on paper) with a pencil and Image Trace it in Illustrator, and fix the size accordingly in Aspire to generate a toolpath. This proved to be Real difficult and inaccurate. (z-tapered objects cannot be traced, and prevents me to do so)

Here's a sort of off-the-wall suggestion but may work for you. There's a program on sourceforge called Free!ship. It's meant for designing boat hulls but it is surprisingly easy to use, creates excellent curves in all three dimensions, is easy to manipulate the curves to get what you want, and exports in a variety of common formats. I knocked out a canoe as a first experiment and it was easy, quick, and the iges output went clean into pro/e. Beautiful ! I was impressed.

Maybe worth a few moments to look at ...

(Only works in Windows, by the way. But ran fine on XP)

Search

Largest Manufacturing Technology Community on the Web

Search

Object Outline Capturing/Tracing Techniques for CAM/CAD?

pmap93

Plastic

len_1962

Stainless

sophtayl

Cast Iron

HuFlungDung

Diamond

sophtayl

Cast Iron

dcsipo

Diamond

mountie

Aluminum

SeaMoss

Banned

Similar threads