Author Topic: 3d models  (Read 4446 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

428 GALAXIE

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 164
    • View Profile
3d models
« on: December 31, 2025, 04:21:15 PM »
This is kinda long project but no one happens to have 3d models from: 8-71 blower, fe timing cover and fe block. I totally understand if someone dont want share their work.
Friend has a scan device, if i go that route is there demand for factory block scan. I can make basic 3d model but details are kind of pain so scanned model would be easier.
Mikko

FrozenMerc

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 210
    • View Profile
Re: 3d models
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2026, 03:08:44 PM »
Scanners do not create a 3D model.  Typically they just create point clouds that can be used to generate a 3D CAD model, which can still be a ton of work.  That said, I would love to have an accurate 3D CAD model of an FE block, and an MEL, and a Y-Block....

428 GALAXIE

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 164
    • View Profile
Re: 3d models
« Reply #2 on: January 06, 2026, 12:21:54 AM »
Thanks for the clarifixation, havent messed with scanned models. Scanned something just dor fun couple years back. I'll have to chat with my friend, but I'll probably just make very simplified model for my needs.
Mikko

FrozenMerc

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 210
    • View Profile
Re: 3d models
« Reply #3 on: January 06, 2026, 01:27:46 PM »
Yeah, it is a common misconception.  There are software packages that can take the scanned data and create a non-parametric 3D CAD models of fairly simple geometries, but they are very expensive, require a very clean scan, and still only produce a model that is difficult to manipulate any further.  The industry is getting better, but there is still a long way to go.  I have been playing with 3D scanners for about the past 10 years at various jobs.  Normally get a phone call once or twice a year from a sales rep for Keyence, Faro, or someone else promising me that their latest gadget is the greatest thing since sliced bread, I will have 3D CAD models in 2 minutes, blah, blah, blah.  I invite them in for a demo, and typically I set a compressor housing off a turbo on the table and ask them to generate a model of the involute volume.  Of course they can't because the scanners require line-of-sight and I would have to section the housing along multiple planes, take multiple scans of each section, stitch the scans together, and then import the scan geometry into CAD and use it as a guide to build a proper parametric CAD model.  If the rep gets snotty, I ask them to scan the DT-466 display model we have in the lobby.  "Well you have to disassemble it first..." In the end, the 6 figure price tag just doesn't justify the results.  They are good for resolving simple external geometries, mounting faces, and hole patterns. Complex castings and assemblies, the technology just isn't there yet. 

RustyCrankshaft

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 507
    • View Profile
Re: 3d models
« Reply #4 on: January 08, 2026, 10:38:20 PM »
No help for the 8-71 or the other castings, but I did just recently scan and build a surface model for the quarter panels on 65 Comet's (hardtop). So if anyone needs re-pop quarters or patch panels I have the data for them. Currently having some patches made for my project. The 3d scanning and surface modeling works pretty decent for this type of use, but it is time consuming depending on the shapes involved. The body lines on the quarter that gradually taper out to flat were a bit tuff to build the model for.

CDXXVII

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 163
    • View Profile
Re: 3d models
« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2026, 08:52:43 AM »
Looks good. How do you get from scan to metal? Are you making wood bucks?

428 GALAXIE

  • Full Member
  • ***
  • Posts: 164
    • View Profile
Re: 3d models
« Reply #6 on: January 13, 2026, 02:11:09 PM »
Looks good. How do you get from scan to metal? Are you making wood bucks?

Definitely cool.

I talked with my friend about scanning and what I can do with them. He will send me couple of samples so I can test how to handle those 3d scans.

If i can handle those scan models we most likely do scans from block, (cylinder head), timing cover and blower manifold. This may take a while.
Mikko