I have a miraco scanner and I have successfully scanned a couple of objects that have been utilized to print on a 3d printer.
Now I have a need to scan to replace an object that is missing. I have a plate on my boat that is missing. It is approximately 12in x 14in x 3/8". It is not a perfect rectangle. I want to scan the space where the plate fits.
I am guessing since the space is all white that I might need to outline it with some colored tape to give it some contrast.
My big question is how can I use the data from the scan to create a pattern that I can use to cut out the shape.
Any ideas are greatly appreciated.
You will need to create CAD model from it and send to your cutting machine .
I know @Johnathan doing this kind of stuff , maybe he have a moment to reply to you with more detailed reply on this subject .
You are going to scan the “hole” that you have. Then in a cad software you need to bring the point cloud or mesh model in and build a solid that fills that space. In Quicksurface it is very easy to create a block solid and then create surfaces that are the edges of your hole. Then you just cut your block with those surfaces and you have a part that would fit perfectly.
Honestly if its basically a rectangle, by the time you scan, clean up your scan, load into cad, make a model…you could have just measured with a tape measure and made a quick model.
If you still want to go the scanning route, upload a picture of what you are trying to fill and we can give you a bit more help
Hi, thanks for the tips. I wish I had paid more attention in geometry, then I would know the exact shape. It is rectangular. It is wider at the top than the bottom and has some not quite-so-perfect rounded corners. I may just end up trying to make a template with paper or cardboard. I just thought this expensive piece of equipment I bought would make it easier and more precise. I am heading down today. I will snap a pic.
Hi there!
Sounds like you’ve already had some great success with your Miraco scanner and 3D printing—nice work!
For scanning the space where the plate fits, you’re absolutely right about the white-on-white issue. Adding high-contrast tape or markers (like blue painter’s tape or black dots around the edges) is a great idea. That will help the scanner pick up the shape more accurately and avoid losing edge definition.
Once you have your scan:
- Import the scan into a 3D software like Meshmixer, Fusion 360, or even Blender.
- From there, you can clean up the mesh and trace the outline of the recessed area.
- If you just need a 2D pattern for cutting (e.g., for wood, metal, or acrylic), you can project the outline onto a flat plane and export it as a DXF or SVG file.
- That file can then be used with a CNC cutter, laser cutter, or even printed full-scale on paper as a physical template.
Let us know what tools you’re most comfortable with, and I or others can walk you through the steps in more detail!
Good luck with the boat repair—sounds like a really fun and useful project!
Cheer’s,
Reetie
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I’m maybe a bit late replying to this, its been a busy week!
In Fusion 360 you can import the meshed STL and use 3 points to make a plane across the surface of the hole, then using mesh sketch function you select the mesh and the plane you created then you can pull the sketch down into the hole a little to get a section through the hole,
Then edit the scratch that the mesh scratch function makes, this allows you to select the lines created from the mesh and make a perfect profile of the hole, you can adjust the tolerance if needed.
You don’t need to do a full CAD model for this
It sounds complicated but its easy once you have used it a couple of times, if you want a more detailed description and some pictures of the steps let me know and I’ll get the computer fired up