Is this possible

[changrudy]

Hi, I'm new to this forum but have been viewing quietly all the posts here on the bot. I am looking to start a side business making duplicates of antiques, patterns and eventually broaden my horizons.

I would like to know if this dragon emblem can be duplicated? Would the probe scanner be able to scan this item sufficiently?

Thanks a heap,

Rudy


2650

[robtown]

yes and yes.

It will take a good bit of skill on your part as well since the machine only does what you tell it to.

[joecnc2006]

I would scan it in 3D and duplicate it, Use the David-Laserscanner software, I would think a touch probe would take to long.

I have scanned and finished objects less than an hour start to finish.

Here is just one post I made just for reference, 9th one down is mine the jesus face, scanned from a brass plaque.

http://www.vectric.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=28&t=5831

[rcnewcomb]

Yes it can be scanned and duplicated. You will need to decide how closely you want to match the original. The smaller the bit, the better the detail, but the longer the cut time.

One of the challenges with the piece you have shown will be how to hold the material while machining. If you use vacuum I would suggest leaving a thin skin of material rather than cutting completely through. Then you can easliy sand the back of the piece to remove the skin.

If you use mechanical hold down such as clamps or screws then you will want to machine with tabs to hold the piece in place during the final cutout.

[joecnc2006]

I would use tabs when machining, and cut them after.

[changrudy]

Wow, thank you all for the advice. I may try the scan method and one in CAD just to see what the results will be. I'll let the end user decide how much detail is needed.

[ky_trikes]

Rudy,

Just because one method can be used, doesn't mean it is the best choice for reproduction of the item. How big is this emblem? What is the quantity needed? What is the application (indoors, outdoors, wear and tear, etc.)?

[mitch_prest]

you could just make your own
2651

[changrudy]

Kevin,

I need to make a pattern for a aluminum cast mold for a potential client. So there will be some manual editing to do to allow the mold to release. With the probe, I believe I can edit the 3d file it produces. It will be one copy only, so I'm willing to allow the extra time for the probe to do it's job. Item will be around 12"OD.

Any feedback if the point of the probe would can get into those small crevices?

Thanks again,

Rudy

[changrudy]

Joe,

I saw that plaque you did and I must say the quality is amazing! Which laser did you use? What is the limit in size that you can scan? I assume you have to move the camera back which reduces resolution?

[zeykr]

There are some laser scanning services available also which might be more practicle for this one item. Brady Watson on this forum provides the service as well as other companies that can be found with a google search.

[Brady Watson]

Thanks for the plug, Ken.

This part can be professionally laser scanned in high definition, picking up the smallest detail for a reasonable fee. It can also be digitized using a fine touch probe, such as a Roland Picza, if you have access to one of those. Guessing by the scale of this, you wouldn't get the kind of detail you were after from the ShopBot probe, a NextEngine or David setup.

On the back end, you'll want to make sure that you are going to be able to machine every little detail in the part as well. It looks to me like a 1/16" ball, or smaller, may be required, as well as a thoughtfully created toolpath to make sure that the 1/16" tool doesn't go deeper than it was designed to, in the areas that lack detail (the holes etc). It's all doable.

-B

[changrudy]

Thank you Brady for your input. I will definately look at all the options but it seems like I will get it done by a more experienced botter than myself.

[ky_trikes]

Rudy,
So this is going to be cast in a foundry? Seems like you are holding your pattern in your hands already, why replicate it with the 'bot? Maybe I am missing something.

[changrudy]

yes in a foundry but I believe they want to scale it up.