Sanning and Scaling projects to create best fit

[Anonymous]

I apologize if this has already been covered, I looked around and didn't see anything specific to this. If anyone can help, it would be greatly appreciated. I am newer to fusion but have been learning quickly.

What I want to do is take a drone frame, and preferable take a photo down on it with a ruler or something in the picture to show scale. Than isolate the edge of the frame (probably through just sketching over a canvas I understand?) so that I can then create a scale based on the ruler (for size referencing), to create an accurately scaled relatively perfect sketch of the piece, to be able to shell it out and make it a 3D printable part.

I understand that I can take an image and insert/import? as a canvas, and then do a "sketch" on the same plane and just "draw" out what I want to trace from the frame, correct? Secondly, how would I then be able to use the ruler or scale reference item to set the scale of the image properly, so that the piece will be the correct size? Can I do this with taking a photo looking straight down on my project? Or would I have to scan it?

Thank you!

[PhilProcarioJr · Accepted solution]

@Anonymous

"Can I do this with taking a photo looking straight down on my project? Or would I have to scan it?"

Neither both will give you lens distortion and your model will not match the original. You can use a photo to lay down the basic sketch lines but you will need calipers or some other form of measuring device to make it accurately.

If you want to minimize lens distortion get as far away from the object as possible and zoom in on it. The problem here is when you zoom in from a distance it's hard to take a clear picture.

To scale an image just import a picture to canvas, then after it is created right click on the canvas in the the tree and select calibrate. Then you will be able to select two know points and set the size. I can make a video if you need it.

[Anonymous]

I have digital calipers, so that isn't an issue. Does it matter than in that case if I use a photo or scanner? Photo would definitely be easier for me. Thank you for your help!

[davebYYPCU]

Take the photo, won't need a ruler in it, Fusion uses its own ruler, when calibrating the photo.

Sketch over the photo as you were going to do, 

with the object in hand and calipers make the shape and dimension accurately.

[Anonymous]

​How would I sketch over the top accurately though, if I don't have the
photo accurately scaled to begin with? Sorry you kinda lost me on this!​

[davebYYPCU]

Exactly as Phil said, in his last paragraph, above

Insert Canvass

Calibrate Canvas with your known size for something in the photo.

[laughingcreek]

For calibrating the canvas, the rulers actually a good way to go.  you just need to have a known distance between 2 points, and the ruler works for that.  so do 2 point on the model (if you can measure them).  after that the ruler won't help any further.

but heed @PhilProcarioJr warning, the picture will only get you a general shape and measurements.  You need to take measurements to get things right.

I've seen this process work best when using a concept drawing from an artisit, takes the camera out of the equation.

when you say "scan", are you talking about a 3d scan?  I would say it's not necessary for what your doing.  In the hands of someone with some experience, it can be a part of the total work flow in reverse engineering an object.   But there is a lot more that goes into doing it that way than most realize, and often unnessesary

[PhilProcarioJr]

@Anonymous

[SaeedHamza]

Hi,

Calibrating the canvas is a good way to start, but if you want it to be 100% accurate, you will have to apply dimensions to the sketch you made using that canvas, that's how every design should be approached if it needs to be fully accurate

Regards

[Anonymous]

I was referring to scan as using a paper scanner. Essentially, I need to get a 2D layout of the arm, that I can extrude out. I know how thick the arm is, but the point of this is mainly that the shapes I am trying to capture through the scanning are more ambiguous than just a few squared off lines.

[PhilProcarioJr]

@Anonymous

If you really want to do this right and fairly quickly you will need a few very cheap tools.

6" Contour Gauge for creating a base outline that will get you closer then any photograph will.

6 piece technical measuring set for checking all your measurements.

angle finder for checking all your angles.

You can get these tools anywhere you want but they are a must for this kind of work and will not break the bank either.