Converting Photographs into CAD models

Some basics and how it works in conventional CAD

1. Reverse engineer from scanned photo tracings. Sometimes, I wanted to reverse engineer a part where I didn’t need precise measurements for most of its geometry. Remodeling from a photo, along with calipers when I needed more resolution, has proven to be a very efficient approach. One particularly compelling trick is to put flanges and other flat interfaces directly on the glass of the office scanner. Sketching over those images easily achieves similar resolution to most 3D printers. Years ago, I modeled most of the castings on this ‘78 Beetle Transmission in SpaceClaim by tracing carefully taken photographs and scans of its flanges. 2. 3D sketch on top of images. The next step is to try actual 3D sketching on top of images. Below are some examples I did by 3D sketching on MC Escher lithographs using a technique substantially similar to the basic approach used in the video. 3D models from photos Now let’s take a look on how to to accomplish this basic tric...

AUTO CAD shortcuts

Boost your productivity in AutoCAD! Take advantage of the150+ AutoCAD Keyboard Shortcuts showcased below. For a printable version of all shortcuts and a template for keyboard stickers, click here . Are you on a Mac? Check out the AutoCAD for Mac Shortcuts Guide Jump to a Section One Key Shortcuts | Toggles and Screen Management A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z One Key Shortcuts Let’s start with the basics—shortcuts involving just one key. Click here or on the graphic below to view it larger. Toggles and Screen Management Toggle General Features Ctrl+d Toggle coord...

Altair Solid Thinking: Conceptual Design Inspired by Bone Growth

The concept of a part taking shape as it reacts to its environment may be new to engineers, but nature has been doing this for a long time. Take for instance the evolution of bones—long skeletal bones will grow and change shape as they are subjected to loads and boundary conditions. Altair’s solidThinking has programmed this bone-like behaviour into Inspire, a concept modeling application for mechanical design. Essentially, Inspire uses a bone growth algorithm to create the shape of a part from little more than loads, boundary conditions and a space that represents a maximum build volume. Inspire is an interesting example of early concept CAE design. Instead of bringing simulation into the initial CAD design, Inspire works backwards. It will “grow” a near optimal concept using FEA simulations. “Inspire is based on human bone growth algorithms developed at the University of Michigan in the mid ‘80s,” said Kroeger. “We mimic what nature would do. We took this high-end engineering...

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