Fusion 360 and using 3D scans

[erikmelton47]

Hello, I need some help with starting the editing process on a 3d model I did from a scan. What I would like to do is cut sections out of this gun slide. I've added a picture just to give an idea of what I am trying to do. I'm very new to fusion and am learning just through online videos, this is my 1st week using the software. 

1st I imported the mesh into fusion, then reduced the mesh's density from over 1million to 50,000. next I went and went under mesh to "generate face groups", I did "Accurate" at 0.001. Once this finished processing I went to "convert mesh" and put the settings to "Parametric" and set the method to "Prismatic". The pictures attached are the results. What am I doing wrong?

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@erikmelton47 wrote:

I'm very new to fusion and am learning just through online videos, this is my 1st week using the software. 

1st I imported the mesh into fusion, then reduced the mesh's density

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@erikmelton47 

New to Fusion and importing mesh (especially your mesh) send shudders down the spines of experienced users. Mesh is the worst possible starting point for a beginner.

Reducing the mesh density just made it worse.

Get out your calipers and start measuring.

Use the scan only as reference in creating native geometry from scratch.

Can you File>Export your *.f3d file to your local drive and then Attach it here to a Reply if you can't figure it out.  One of the experts here will get you started.

Edit: And while I am here, you can use the Window commands Shift Win S and Ctrl v to grab screen captures and paste here.

[erikmelton47]

Do you mean use the 3d scan as a template and the model the slide myself? I purchased the 3d scanner so I would not need to model from scratch. As I do.not have years to learn modeling. I want to.be able to scan in the firearm slides, add some windows and slide cuts like the image I just attached and be done. Is this not possible?

 

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@erikmelton47 wrote:

Do you mean use the 3d scan as a template and the model the slide myself? 

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Yes.

What are you going to do with the model after editing as you describe?

There might be an "easy" technique, but without any scan file and full description of Design Intent - not possible to make comment on techniques.

And the geometry looks pretty basic - should only take a few weeks to learn the modeling tools.

[erikmelton47]

I purchased a desktop cnc machine, once the window cuts are put into the slide I'll want to send it over to the CAM side of Fusion and generate the G-Code. This is just the first test model. My goal will be to do all kinds of different firearm slides. My thought was to scan them into the computer, import the scan into fusion, make my modifications, us fusion to generate the G-code, run simulation, verify tool paths and then send the file to the cnc. Is there something I am missing on why the scan model is not feasible to use? I even have a very high end 3d scanner at my work that could be used if necessary.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

No matter how high-quality the scanner is, processing mesh bodies requires not only different tools* but also significantly more know-how and effort than designing the element from scratch.

günther

* Fusion does not (currently) offer these tools.

[erikmelton47]

So would it be better to do the modifications in another program such as blender, 3d studio max, solidworks?

[TheCADWhisperer]

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@erikmelton47 wrote:

... once the window cuts are put into the slide 

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@erikmelton47 

Are you merely modifying existing slides, or are you manufacturing them from scratch?  These are two entirely different Design Intents.

BTW - for what you describe - SolidWorks is identical to Fusion.

[g-andresen]

Hi,

In terms of programs, I would also consider Mesh Mixer.
But none of them do the job at the touch of a button.

günther

[erikmelton47]

I am modifying existing slides.

[TheCADWhisperer]

@erikmelton47 

That could make the job a lot easier.

Can you Attach an example scan here?

[erikmelton47]

Yes, here you go. I've attached the stl

[TheCADWhisperer]

@erikmelton47 

I will post video tomorrow on how to use this geometry.

[erikmelton47]

Thank you so much, you guys are awesome

[TheCADWhisperer]

@erikmelton47 

Something went wrong while I was recording the video.

Check back later.

[erikmelton47]

No problem, I appreciate the help

[bwalker145]

We use Design X to turn scanned components into solids models, but that may be cost prohibitive for your use.

If your plan is to just add cosmetic details like porting or serrations, you could get by with just modeling a simplified version of the slide.

I.e. no need to model areas like firing pin channel, slide rails, etc. May not even need to model the main barrel/recoil spring pocket depending on the modification. Would result in a simple model that's much easier to create, and plays well with CAM.

[erikmelton47]

Looks like that software is around $21,000. Which is way out of my price range. 

[TheCADWhisperer]

@erikmelton47 

[erikmelton47]

Thank you so much for this video, So are you saying that the "block" that you did the actual cuts too that block could then be used to create the g-code for the cnc? the cuts do not need to be on the actual model?