doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com whizz bang technology

Plunked down the cash last year for a laser scanner. More ways than one to skin a cat but this thing has big potential. I have an amazing amount of time in this project so far, much of it learning how to use the technology. I expect future projects to go faster. It has a place for sure but not for every project. The last pic shows a plastic model which is a mirror image of the original I used as a model. More pics to follow as the project progresses.

This should be an asset to hammer doubles and other special parts,
Thank you for sharing

Mike

Keep us posted. Looks like the way to make some of the really hard to make bits and pieces for one-off guns Way to go!!!

DDA

Most interesting. So can you obtain a complete modell in one scan or multiple scans? Also, did you print it w/ a 3 D printer?

Cheers,

Raimey
rse

Raimey,
a small item can be placed on a turntable that is tied to the scanner and multiple scans can be done in one session creating the complete model. To create a model that is a dumb solid, or not editable, it is a relatively easy task. I had several working surfaces that I wanted to be able to edit and that becomes a substantial amount of computer time. I did not 3d print the part but am considering buying a 3d printer as I think one could be a valuable tool when prototyping.

Steve

That's also similar to a scanner that is now used as a survey tool like say a Faro 3D scanner. So what is the individual file size & how do you stitch the scans together. Do you utilize a program like Pix4D?


Cheers,

Raimey
rse

Steve, how did you "print" the part?

Justin,
The plastic model was cut on a CNC mill, it was not printed. I do not currently have a 3d printer.
Steve

Good stuff Steve. I've always wondered when some firearm knowledgable machine shop will accept electronic files so that all the gunsmith or hobbyist would need is the scanner to have a part roughed out and dropped in the mail. I'd think someone could easily modify a scan to add back worn or broken surfaces before the new piece is machined. I've also wondered if a 3D printing or plastic model could be invested to make a casting if that was a preferred route. I'd think a program could add predicatble compensation for shrinkage. I'll watch for your updates.

Craig,
Small edits to the scan data are easy to do. It is adding editable features to a CAD program that really takes time. You certainly can scale items up once you have an editable feature in order to compensate for shrinkage if you wanted to make a mold. Options are endless. The trick will be cranking out a usable product at a reasonable price.
Steve