Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Coordinate Measuring Machine

cdoughty@... wrote:

> I thinking of building a small table ( 2'x 2'x 6") something to
> manually trace around a product, collecting XYZ data of the
> perimeter. This I could do, but I am not sure how
> to go about the software part.
>
> I think I would need encoders on all axis and a push switch to record
> the data. I think I would need to move a probe around the perimeter,
> operating a push switch collecting data as I progressed around the
> part.
> The data could then be imported some how into something like
> Turbocad, or Rhino so the image could be cleaned up, ready for use as
> a DXF file.
> I think a resolution of .010" would be OK.
>

For this level of accuracy, you might be able to just put the part on a
flatbed document scanner and scan it into ordinary Windows software.
That is assuming you really want only 2D digitizing, which is what
you seem to be describing.

For large documents (parts) you could digitize them at the local
copy center that has a large format digitizer.

There are programs that will take bitmaps and convert them into
vector files in standard CAD formats.

Jon