NewB: Multiple Pictures to 3D geometry w/dimensions (don't need CAD)

[curious aardvark]

you best bet is to ignore scanning and just make it in openscad. Which is designed to work by building up basic shapes into a final model.

Put it this way - a week with openscad and you'll have a parametric model that works.

A month with photo based 'scanning' and you'll have a patchy model, the wrong size with lots and lots of post processing to do before you get anywhere close to a printable object.
You will also have to learn how to use a number of very different pieces of software - rather than one easy to learn modeller.

So despite the tile of this thread - yeah you do need cad :-)
Because even if you manage to get a photo generated model - you'll neeed to learn a cad package or three to tidy it up, hollow it out, make any bolt holes etc.

Whereas a short openscad script will generate it all in a convenient ready-to-print and easily alterable model.

have a look at this tutorial: http://edutechwiki.unige.ch/en/OpenS...l#Introduction

It really is as easy as measuring things and then saying what shape you want and where you want it :-)

This probably a better starter tutorial: https://peak5390.wordpress.com/2013/...enscad-basics/

The thing about openscad that really appeals to me is that no drawing is necessary and with a few basic commands it's surprising just how complex a model you can produce.

[JSenior]

An intake manifold is unlikely to be a simple thing to measure (the ports especially.)

Yes they would need to use CAD after, but using 3D Scanning is a very beneficial tool to use as a template to model around. As long as the scanning method is up to par, you'll get a much better result quicker.


Post some pictures MrCreosote if possible