DIY 3D Scanning used to make AK grip
Normally Strike Industries' design with produces with CAD software and rapid prototypers (3D printers) but decided to take a different approach for an AK grip they wanted to produce. They handmade a number of grips and asked people to try them. They picked the most popular grip and then used free 3D scanning software and a digital camera to convert the grip to a 3D model.
They used Autodesk 123D Catch to create the model. 123D Catch takes a number of static photographs of an object or scene and uses them to create a 3D model. It is free and no special equipment, other than a standard digital camera, is needed to use it. If anyone tries modeling a gun with it, please let me know.
Yes, this will not provide a model with acceptable dimensions and tolerances for mechanical components.
Generally the scanned image isn’t used for direct manufacture, but rather as a basis to compare a proper model to. I can’t say that that will be the situation here, but that has been my personal experience with 3D scanners.
I can say from experience that you will not get accurate enough models to make parts that need accuracy in the thousandths, but I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for grips and stocks and other roughing work.
I’d like to see a how hard it is to do a firearm. Maybe I’ll give it a try.
Interesting