Create parametric object from mesh surface (3D scan)

[jarrett_tj]

Hi all, I'm trying to create a duct for a bumper (350Z) and I figured the best way to replicate the surface would be to 3D scan it and build a model from there.

I'd consider myself a novice in Fusion, having designed a printed several components already, but working with scanning and meshes is very new to me.

Excuse the ordinary mesh in the example below. It was my first attempt with Polycam (on a Pixel 7 Pro) and I intend to go back and play around with lighting, surface prep etc.. to see if I can get a better result. The subsequent workflows are more important.

I read a few posts and watched a few videos and got as far as attempting to use 'create mesh section sketch' which has done a good job at outlining the section I want to replicate, but I thought I'd stop there and ask the pros. Ideally I want to create a parametric surface that mimics the mesh area and from there I can build the model no problems.

Thanks ahead 🙂

[stiller.design]

the quality of the scan is very rough. I recommend get a better scan this will make the design process easier down the road.

[jarrett_tj]

That's the plan; just looking for some guidance on workflows after I import a decent scan.

[stiller.design]

here is a great video about that: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-mu8vnzonc

that said there is no real workflow for parametric surface designs, you will have to try out a few different approaches

[jarrett_tj]

Thanks mate. I didn't expect there to be a one size fits all. "A few different approaches" is what I'm here for.

That video looks to be pretty helpful so far, particularly around the mesh sketches. Cheers.

[jarrett_tj]

So I had a crack at the first method in that video, which was roughly what I was thinking to begin with (mesh section sketches). I also have a better scan.

I've created an object (sheet) that roughly follows the curvature of the surface, but, I can't seem to convert it to anything useful that I can extrude or start to shape.

 

Can someone advise what my next step is here? f3d file is attached.

[laughingcreek]

1-do you have any photos of the object?

2-do you know how to model something with this level of complexity with out the use of a reference model? i.e.-not a replica of this, but something with similar design features.

my general approach for re-creating things like this is to just straight model it, and only use the mesh file as a visual reference. rarely do i try to use a mesh section taken off the mesh.

[stiller.design]

true....and if you want to use a 3d scan make sure you have good quality 3d data.

[laughingcreek]

another note.  this object looks like it probably symmetrical around a centerline. but the area where the centerline is isn't captured by the scan-

it's very hard to get good lofts where all the edges are free.  modeling up to the center line will give you a place to create a helper body that you can use to control the curvature of the loft. (this is partially why I asked if you have the ability to model an object like this from scratch.  this type of thing becomes immediately obvious once you've done a few models like this.)  

[jarrett_tj]

1. Sorry, are you asking me to upload photos, or just whether I can get them for my own reference? If the former- happy to. If the latter, yes.

2. No, this is what I'm using to learn. All my modeling to date has been using more traditional solids (at least in Fusion- I'm familiar in Maya). This is my first foray into irregular surfaces and mesh.

I will most likely end up straight modelling this as well, but I wanted to see this mesh option through for now. As stiller.design suggested earlier, I'm trying a few different approaches.

Surely there is a way to convert this object into a solid? Or have a missed a step?

[jarrett_tj]

I appreciate what you're saying about 'good quality' 3D scans, but that's going to differ quite broadly depending on application, right? This isn't for a client.

I'm not going for absolute accuracy right now, so I can't see how the scan I've got isn't good enough for my purpose? Given it looks like it's captured the curvature pretty well, I wouldn't be surprised if I could prototype something that's quite close in shape.

[jarrett_tj]

I'm not following sorry. I'm not looking to recreate the whole bumper, just the section I've turned into a surface (screenshot/f3d file). Apologies if that wasn't clear. That's why I'm asking how to convert that surface that I've created into a solid or whatever else is need for me to use that as the starting point.

I'm basically trying to create something like this (excuse the slap job photoshop)