Is There Such a Tool ?

[shawnkillam]

I am looking for a tool that essentially replaces the cardboard cut-out.

What I am thinking of is something in essence an electronic version of the tick stick. Some device that could be placed on a hull and using laser distancing would measure the distances and angles for an irregular surface and store these measurements on a chip that could then be used to interface with a CAD program to either print out a template or if you happen to have a CAD cutter, cut the piece.

Has anyone heard of such a device? If so where? what is it called? how much is it? etc etc etc.

thanks SK

[2ndstar]

Try searching for 3D laser scanner.

Regards,
Carl

[Ed_Sail]

There is an engineering process called DSSP or reverse engineering that does almost exactly what you need. Its used by consumer product folks, to autoracing to NASA (scans shuttle in space to see if there are tile imperfections).

Part --> Laser Point Cloud --> CAD --> NC or Comparison

Check out http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DSSP_(imaging)

[GordMay]

Laser Modeling?

➥ AVEVA Laser Model Interface - Capture as-built design

➥ FARO International Singapore - Laser modelling of high speed hulls with FARO

[klem]

There are CMM (coordinate measuring machines) that are big enough to measure most cruising boats. In the general category, you have contact ones and non contact (optical, laser, ect). These input directly into CAD.

You could also take the lines in the traditional way and then input them into a 3D sketch in a CAD program and then loft the hull from there.

[atoll]

low tech,but very exact if you need to make a profile cut for a bulkhead or funny shape.
tape off either side of profile.
use pva release wax to coat surface for profiling
take fiberglass tape ,woven rovings.
poylester resin,make a hot mix 4-6% catalyst
coat tape against profile.
will go off in 15-20 mins
support top and bottom depending on size
will give an exact reverse profile

[tager]

Smart move atoll.

LIDAR mapping is the macroscopic version, it's pretty cool.

[Caribsailors]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggvzcGdZsTc

Wouldn't we all want one of these to replicate all out strange bits

Cheers

[DWT]

Originally Posted by Caribsailors

Wouldn't we all want one of these to replicate all out strange bits

Cheers

Just think, in another 10 years we'll be able to buy one of these for $499.00 and everyone will have one in their tool box...cool tool!

[David_Old_Jersey]

I'm still on Cardboard - usually bits of cardboard stapled / sticky taped together (I keep cutting it, and it's still not long enough ).

And not what OP was after, but a Flexible Curve:-



This one is 40 inches. Merchandise & Quilts


with 2 dimensions might be easier to get the shape into something more clever (than me )........or just trace it onto the wood

[ozskipper]

WOW,, I wonder how much Lenno cost?

Cheers
Oz

[GorillaToast]

Originally Posted by Caribsailors

Wouldn't we all want one of these to replicate all out strange bits

Cheers

Wouldn't it be nice if some enterprising person on this forum bought one of these and offered part replication services for fellow sailors at reasonable fees. Oh yeah, this is America - home of the brave and land of the greedy. Expect to pay out the wazoo when your local machine shop gets one of these.

[Shorty]

I've heard good things about this ETemplate System - Developer of ETemplate Photo > Home from guys in my industry (Architectural Woodwork).

[David M]

From there I would imagine that you could have a negative sand mold cast then have the metal poured for many of those parts.

[zeehag]

will it replicate a SAILING PARTNER???/