topic Re: 3D scan data as split tool in Inventor Forum

3D scan data as split tool

troyD5S9A — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 10:54:08 GMT

Hey Guys,

I am working with a 3D scan which I have repaired, cleaned up, simplified using meshmixer.

I want to use this as the cutting surface in a split so that the part fits the 3D surface.

Think of making a hood scoop to suit a car bonnet.

For some reason I cant get it to select the surface as the split tool.

These are the steps I have tried,

-plain surface from mesh mixer

-extruded surface from mesh mixer

-Offset and joined surface from mesh mixer

-made these solid from meshmixer

-once imported to inventor I use mesh enabler to convert to base feature (have tried both solid and composite)

Then I attempt to use the surface as the 3D cut tool but no bueno.

Am I approching this correctly? All I am trying to create is a part that fits onto the 3D surface of a car panel, would love anyones input on what else I could try.

Thanks in advance.

Re: 3D scan data as split tool

kacper.suchomski — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 11:21:43 GMT

This is a mesh. It is not a solid or a surface.

If you want to use the mesh for anything other than reference, you need to convert the rto to a solid or a surface.

You can do it in Inventor (very manual work), Fusion (much easier) or other software (Geomagic).

Re: 3D scan data as split tool

Logos_Atum — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 15:03:13 GMT

Something with booleans in Max could work, but how precise are the tools?

Re: 3D scan data as split tool

blandb — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 13:49:42 GMT

With mesh enabler, you should be able to right click on the mesh and choose Convert to base to make it solid. If you can share users might be able to do it for you.

Re: 3D scan data as split tool

chris — Wed, 04 Sep 2024 20:54:00 GMT

@troyD5S9A Can you share the mesh, I can try and run it through a couple of software to see what happens

Re: 3D scan data as split tool

troyD5S9A — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 00:08:53 GMT

OK guys I made some progress last night.

I read an old post by @johnsonshiue he said to use the copy object command from my imported mesh.

I have no idea why it worked but it did.

I assume by running this command inventor is sort of recreating the file in a different way that will work with the cut tool.

Ill attach some pics for anyone attempting this.

Steps are

- Manage/import surface

- Using meshenabler - convert to base feature

- 3D Model/Modify/Copy Object

-Select Composite as body - Create object as a surface - delete or keep original

A new surface should appear in your tree.

Draw the part you want to cut using the tool.

-3D Model/Modify/split - Select surface from the tree as the tool and change to solid select to select the part to be cut. I keep both sides and hide the body I don't want.

My mesh is relatively reduced using mesh mixer but still very messy, ideally I would smooth it out alot more but this is fine for my PC to handle.

Re: 3D scan data as split tool

chris — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 02:50:46 GMT

@troyD5S9A If you can share the mesh, I can run it through Quad Remesher in C4D or MODO and try and clean it up, but be aware, that cleaning it up means averaging out some of the poly's which to an extent reduces detail, so it's a give and take

Re: 3D scan data as split tool

johnsonshiue — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 18:19:38 GMT

Hi Troy,

I honestly don't remember what I said in the old posting. If you can share the link, it may help me recall the issue.

Mesh model is an approximation of the precise model. It really depends on what you want to achieve. Inventor is a traditional precise modeler. There aren't many workflows helping convert or process mesh objects.

When you convert a mesh model to a Brep model face by face and edge by edge, the resultant body contains unnecessary detail with less precision. Mesh should be used as a reference to recreate the precise model. Except 3D printing, the mesh geometry should not be used as a replacement to the precise geometry.

Many thanks!