3D Scanning: From Mesh to Model

Course details

Interested in learning the basics of reverse engineering? In this course, instructor Nick Kloski helps you get up to speed, covering the fundamentals of reverse engineering using 3D scan data as a basis. As he details key concepts, Nick steps through how to go from a 3D scan to an optimized model that fits into nearly any product design workflow. He reviews the technologies available for 3D scanning, including photogrammetry and structured light. Using Artec structured light scanners as an example of capture technology, Nick goes into a workflow using inexpensive or free software to perform a complete reverse engineering workflow. See how to convert the scan (a mesh) into an optimized form, and bring it through Fusion 360 to create a solid model that can be flexibly incorporated into product design workflows.

Concepts

0. Introduction

01 - Go from 3D scan to CAD model
02 - Tools and cost discussion

1. What Is 3D Scanning

03 - What is 3D scanning
04 - Resolution vs. accuracy
05 - Hobbyist vs. professional scanners
06 - Uses for 3D scanning - Reverse engineer
07 - Uses for 3D scanning - Organic
08 - 3D scanning can blend both uses

2. What Is Reverse Engineering

09 - What is reverse engineering
10 - Case study - Automotive
11 - Case study - Consumer product
12 - Case study - Medical prosthetics
13 - Tools for reverse engineering
14 - Accuracy addendum

3. How to Approach Reverse Engineering Projects

15 - What is your role and goal for RE
16 - Don't forget there are professionals
17 - Metrology and Micro-CT awareness

4. Acquiring 3D Scans - Inexpensively

18 - Scans using photogrammetry
19 - Photogrammetry products
20 - Photogrammetry tips for success
21 - Photogrammetry issues may not be bad
22 - Leveling up your photogrammetry game

5. Acquiring 3D Scans - Professional Tools

23 - Scans with Artec structured light
24 - Artec scanning workflow
25 - Cleaning up and aligning scans
26 - Meshing and evaluation of mesh
27 - Artec techniques

6. Post-Processing Scans

28 - Introduction to the free tool Meshmixer
29 - Smoothing
30 - Hole filling
31 - Advanced mesh repair
32 - Aligning for RE, part 1
33 - Aligning for RE, part 2
34 - Mesh reduction for CAD import

7. Reverse Engineering Done Inexpensively

35 - Introduction to Instant Meshes
36 - Processing OBJ files with Instant Meshes
37 - Reverse engineering workflow guidelines
38 - From Instant Meshes to Fusion 360
39 - Importing quad models into Fusion 360
40 - Convert and repair for solidity
41 - What the resulting model looks like

8. Reverse Engineering Using Fusion 360 - Mesh Sections

42 - Fusion 360 for reverse engineering
43 - Importing STL files and aligning
44 - Creating mesh sections
45 - Fitting curves to mesh sections
46 - Evaluating curve tolerances
47 - Reverse engineering - Example

9. Reverse Engineering Using Fusion 360 - Sculpt Objects

48 - Importing STL models and aligning
49 - Sculpt face snapping introduction
50 - Choices for retopology - Lines or full
51 - Converting to solid model

Conclusion

52 - Comparing to the original scan
53 - Conclusion and next steps