2D/3D Digitizing probe

UglySign said:

What about using it for existing molds where it could be scanned
and then afterwards changes could be made, then recasted?
Does it sound "probable"

Also, if placed on the table, would it tell where it is X,Y ?

Click to expand...

Either probing or 3D scanning may be suitable for capturing an existing mold, but if the mold was originally routed, it would likely be faster to start with the original CAD file and make changes there.

The way probing works is that you would place your mold on the cnc bed. In the probing software you would manually set up a volume to be probed by defining the min and max coordinates on the X,Y and Z axis. Then you would define the resolution (how far apart in X and Y) for the probing to occur

The machine would start at one corner of the space you defined with the probe at its highest point. The probe would then lower until it “touched”. As it goes along, a file is written that contains the X And Y coordinates that was probed, along with the Z coordinates of the touch at that X,Y location. The machine would then move in X by whatever increment you defined and capture the next data point. When it gets to the end of the X range you defined, it increments once in Y and starts scanning along X again.

Obviously, the time it takes depends on how far apart the probe points are. Let’s say you are scanning a model shiip hull, you might probe every .25 or even every .5 inch in X and Y and have relatively few data points, since the surface is relatively smooth. On the other hand, if @JOAT hired you to capture @Scottart “Violin and grapes” piece http://www.routerforums.com/cnc-routing/124898-questions-cnc-guys.html#post1755498, so he could secretly make a copy, you would have to probe every .03 or even .01 inches in both X and Y to capture much more detail. Given that the piece is 2 feet by 4 feet, this would obviously be millions of data points and will probably take many hours.

Once the probing is done, what you end up with is a files with tons of x,y,z data points. This will need to be converted into a cad file. At first cut, what you get might look like one of those toys that have a grid of pins, and it might take a lot of work to get the CAD model edited and smoothed out.
http://www.routerforums.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=326217&thumb=1

A pretty good youtube video showing the process is here

it is very possible to do. You will need to decide whether the expense and time is worth it.

Well if @JOAT was to be scanning, it would never happen
unless he bumped up his savings and scottart would piss him off
chainsawing one of the funky head statues out of a giant tree log
pointed in his direction.

Wait... @Scottart in alaska doing the chainsaw stuff?

Well after all the neat info, i've decided to hold off for now.
Just an extra thing that I too probably wont find use for.
I just thought of existing mold as in the item would be casted then scanned.
The mold stuff has no digital file.

Thanks for the info Richard