Making a buck from 3d file

[wacibaci]

Hi,

I have a 3d cad (3ds or dxf format) drawing which I want to produce a mould from to make body panels. I have purchased the drawing from a 3d artist, so I have no knowledge of 3d cad, but i am willing to learn.

Does anyone know how to produce cross section slices from 3d files. I then intend to print these sections out and cut modeling foam sections, glue together and shape. This appears to be a standard method for producing bucks to pull a mould from.

I want to practice doing this first buy scaling down and building a soap box version for the kids.

Any help or pointers would be appreciative.

Cheers

J

[LotusNova]

Depends what your budget is.

1. Easiest (= quickest/most expensive) way is to take the CAD file to someone who can CNC machine a full-size buck directly.

2. Could get full-size outlines of the formers printed from the software (Catia? Autocad?)

3. I got 1:1 tape drawings done manually for mine (front, side, & rear only). Cheapest solution, but I'm putting a bunch of hours in to finish it. :icon_biggrin:

[DeSouza]

Hi

I had my cad files cnc milled by a friend. Cost me 300 per part. But 2 day turn around they look perfect

Example below of my panel

http://i497.photobucket.com/albums/rr336/GoldieParts/DSC02209.jpg

[JG]

Thats really impressive - the wonders of modern technology. 300 a pop is pretty good value when you factor in how much labour time that has saved and how accurate it will be.

Looking forward to seeing how it progresses.

Cheers, John

[DeSouza]

Have done a post in builds. You can see the rest of the parts I have there:)

Link

http://www.madabout-kitcars.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1889

[alvin]

hey! NOW THAT'S REALLY NEAT! ALVIN