CNC related question

To those who have experience with CNC (I don't at this point), is there some kind of 3D scanning device used to map an object then convert the scanned shape to CNC code? I assume high tech CNC shops have some sort of machine for doing such things, but what would such a thing be called?

I've seen some woodworking machine at Woodcraft, the name of which I forget now that does something similar with wood where it scans an object then carves the object using the same machine. I'm wondering about some sort of process for metal though.

Chris L

Ive used CNC, but we go the other way... we design first in CAD, then mill the parts.

I've seen something similar to what you are talking about, but I can't recall the name for it...
it basically was like a stylus on an arm that you moved over the entire surface and it made CNC waypoints (for lack of a better term). I have not personally seen any 3d scanners, but they are probably out there.

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Originally Posted by ChrisL

To those who have experience with CNC (I don't at this point), is there some kind of 3D scanning device used to map an object then convert the scanned shape to CNC code? I assume high tech CNC shops have some sort of machine for doing such things, but what would such a thing be called?



Chris L

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Thanks for the info. With a few of the many ideas bouncing around in my head, I'd be thinking in theory about replicating existing objects as accurately as possible. I would think that would be much more difficult starting in a CNC design than it would if there is something out there that can assess then take the shape of objects, transfer to CNC code then CNC mill the pieces.

Chris L

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Originally Posted by Del1r1um

Ive used CNC, but we go the other way... we design first in CAD, then mill the parts.

I've seen something similar to what you are talking about, but I can't recall the name for it...
it basically was like a stylus on an arm that you moved over the entire surface and it made CNC waypoints (for lack of a better term). I have not personally seen any 3d scanners, but they are probably out there.

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You may be thinking of a coordinate measuring machine (CMM). They are typically used for inspection, though, not creating a model, but they use a stylus to probe around the part being inspected. Most bigger machine shops have them. They have some very cool functions built in for determining roundness, flatness, concentricity, etc. I don't know if they can output a model that could be used directly by a CNC machine.

If you've got $3k lying around, you might like this. That plus a 3D printer would put you right in business!

Fred