Mike Simard

I sometimes get asked for copies of the CAD files I use during various projects including parts I sell. That can lead to frustration so I'd like to clear it up and offer a way for you to get CAD files if you have a project.
In the past I've been asked to email CAD files by those I don't personally know, I've never been thanked for doing so or even acknowledged and feel like it's expected of me. It takes considerable time to measure parts and build a CAD file and this is my line of work. I hope you can understand why I'm not going to send them off to anyone that asks for them anymore.
Not to worry you can pay me and everyone will be happy! If you need some measurements ask me and I'll see what I have handy in a .dxf file. A reasonable fee, parts swap or Rennwish donation can help CAD files get emailed

BC

Do you have a cad file of an entire 928 block so we can have one made out of steel? Just Kidding.

I mean Titanium.

BC

Thanks for your help Mike.

piccardo

Mike. I know how much work this is. I do AutoCad and Inventor so I know the last thing you feel like doing when you get home is more drafting... I could convert cad files to inventor solids. This would make an interesting suspention assembly file. Has anyone done sheetmetal drawings for the s4?
I would like to model the body. I would gladly pay for accurately drawn components.

Mike Simard

The work for me is taking the mess I use as a CAD file and making it presentable, I can't just click on it and email it but have to clean it up first.

BTW, I don't know about body models but vaguely remember some kind of new process using digital cameras for generating a solid model. I would guess a few reference marks on the car, pics taken at various positions and some software to sort it out, beats me. Do you know anything about that piccardo?

piccardo

currious . No i don't but it's worth looking in to. I will check it out.

ew928

Who's got access to one of those 3-D printers that can lay down clear acrylic type models?

That would make a great desktop piece. Engine or the 928 itself.

SMTCapeCod

photogrammetry

Jadz928

I don't own a 3D object printer or Stereolithography machine, but have close connection to vendors who do. Parts are pricey to have made.

To have models of the 928 made would require someone to generate CAD surface data of the 928 exterior. This would be labor intensive. I've thought about doing it in my spare time, but spare time has become a hot commodity.

I have a good profile of the 928 (preS4), and would need a good top view (plan view). The rest of the work would be surface shaping using my 928 as a visual. I would estimate 40 hours to lay out the basic exterior surfaces.
If you were looking for a very realistic 928 3D model, It would take much longer than that. The time is in the details.

There is the opion of 3D scanning, and I've used it before. It is expensive and doesn't generate clean 3D surface data. It is better used as a template and guide for proper surface tracing.

This is the kind of project I could run through my job. SPARK Engineering
If it was "filler work", I could propose half-rate at $50/hour. I would need help prior to develop clear project definition.

The details: fog lamps, chin spoiler, wheels and tires, mirrors, wipers, tail lights, body panel witness lines... etc.
Now if we could get all 928 CAD jockeys on board for "little projects" and details, we could make something happen.
I've always wanted to created a 3D animation of the 928 in a showroom. To do a fly through animation with the interior all done up would be an even moreso tremendous effort .

Jadz928

Mike,
Not trying to hijack you thread. I understand where you are coming from. It takes A LOT of time to do what you have done. Sometimes a "thanks" isn't good enough. Sometimes it is.

Mike Simard

Jim, no problem. I said what I wanted to say and it's great to have other discussion.
If I had a son graduating college right now I would say: "photogammetry son". Actually I wouldn't be able to think of the word and wold say something like: " son, you know that fancy photo thingy for 3D models? that's where it's at!"

BTW, as far as strangers asking me for CAD files and not saying thanks, that's mostly happened in other communities, not Rennlist. I've gotten all lower case emails from complete strangers that simply ask me to send off my work. That's almost as good as one or two emails I've gotten when running a help wanted ad. I had one email that said only: "what's the pay?", all lower case, no name.

Jadz928

Here's some spare time CAD/Rendering efforts of mine...

Jadz928

I had no idea. Based on the definition of photogrammetry, I'm not sure if that is what I do. I gues part of my job is 3D modelling based on industrial design sketches. I did that semi truck with out anything but a few dimensions and photos. My primary is design and engineering, and my work pet project is 3D rendering and animation. I've made good money for the company with it, much to everyone's suprise. I know it is important for clients to "see" what they are creating prior to the big bucks "point of know return". Sometime it just helps them "sell" their idea before getting in too deep.
I think it's interesting to see the look on some of our potential clients faces when we explain how much $ and time it takes to develop their ideas.

JEC_31

Beautiful work, Jim!



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Mike, good post. It's important to maintain the "trade in goodwill" aspect of this community.


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At my workplace we have a 3D printer that builds prototypes out of rugged ABS plastic from CAD files. The results are high quality, but the process is slow - and worse yet, awhile back the mandate came down from on high: NO NON-WORK-RELATED STUFF EVER.

However, we do use an outsource shop for overflow work (and when our machine breaks down) with excellent service, super quality, fast shipping, and rather high prices:
http://www.redeyerpm.com/


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And finally, if anyone wants anything measured with a CMM: PM me. We haven't got a laser scanner yet but I can do a lot with what I have.

ew928

My site engineering company looked into getting a 3D printer. Not as pricey as the units used to be. Media (looks like sand in some gluey base), the "ink", was priced per lbs and I'm sure those inkjet type nozzles wear out fast with the gritty media.
Don't even know if they offer maintenance contracts that would be cost-effective so I'd forbid all non-work related runs on the 3D printer too.
The 3D Rapid Prototype printers created what looked like sand sculptures hald by blue.
Not detailed at all.

JEC_31's printer sounds cool. ABS plastic would be presentation quality instead of just roughing out the 3D forms.

I tried teaching AutoCAD to do complex bevels and curves and the program just don't understand.

928. Beautiful form with great curves. Same curves that make sythesizing the form in 3D such a challenge.