So I mentioned I was interested in scanning - I had tried scanning this

[ThantiK]

So I mentioned I was interested in scanning - I had tried scanning this tail light before with terrible results. I tried again this evening, but I decided to tear up paper strips, and paper mache the tail light of my Honda Del-Sol (Custom tail lights I’m working on designing). Turns out, paper mache REALLY does the trick! It even got the minor details on the outer rim of the tail light where I pushed the paper in a little so I could distinguish the outline.

The output mesh can be found here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0ByxvvRr2A-puYXZlNHQxMHN2SE0/edit?usp=sharing in OBJ format with texture in the zip file. Now I’ve gotta learn how to edit meshes a little better than I currently can, and grab just the tail light and then make it manifold so I can print a copy and get the size right.

Then, onto vacuum forming…

[ThantiK]

@Nick_Kloski2 123d catch

[Mauro_Manco]

Why no use recap? I prefer it in preview too.

[Temujin_Kuechle]

Most 3d digitizer a I have seen or read about need opaque surfaces to create a surface mesh. So, I think it would be difficult to scan a translucent material.
Also, there are apps available that can very accurately convert a mesh to a mathematically precise surface, such as a NURBS surface that can be utilized by mechanical design apps, but they cost actual money to use. Good luck with your custom tail light, sounds fun!

[Mike_Creuzer]

I like the paper mache idea. For laser scanners to do clear or reflective surfaces, I’ve seen a spray of white powder to make it so the part can be ‘seen’ by the laser. I like the paper for photogammetry as it gives texture for the algorithms to chew on.