Don't ask how I got to this point. I know....the thread is way old.
Yes.....I'm THE framerman. No applause necessary! Just a "Thank you, you are a GOD!" is suffice
I don't recall if you contacted me or not Joe. My memory isn't that great.
The laser records 3d points in space and the software on the machine connects the dots. it will give you a basic CAD file which you can use in any CAD program. CNC's are programmed with CAM, like AlphaCAM.
It's not as easy as point A to point B. There is still some manipulation in all of the measuring.....and I mean ALL. You MUST put the file into a CAD system. Is it possible to do it in the machine? Yes, but it's much, much easier to grab a laptop with a CAD program.
It was kind of fun. I talked with Norm for awhile. Really down to earth nice guy. More philanthropist than you would think. It could have been longer, but I didn't make the rules.
If it's wrong, it is most definitely the fabrication shops fault. However, the template guys always get the blame and it is never 100% the fault of the templater. It's quite far from it.
We got that attitude with some people "oh, the new fancy equipment doesn't work as good as the wood templates." It ain't the machine. It's the dude behind the wheel. I don't know of too many industries where constant training is so critical. You cannot have an idiot on the end of that machine.
The laser one you refer to is LT55. That's around $10K - $12K. We tried it, didn't care for it. Slow, had errors. Anything shiny or had a porous surface would give you bad measurements.
Then there's photogrammetry, using a calibrated camera with coded targets. Cheap, but time consuming. Don't believe the youtube video, it's not indicitive of the real world. Some programs are free, some are really cheap, like $800. The ones used in countertops mostly cost around $5K.
And if you really want to go all out, Leica puts out a 3d modeling scanner for around $80K used that I will personally guarantee is 100% accurate.
The CNC at the old shop I worked at was around $500K installed with 2 beds, laser layout system, the works. I used to send out files to the floor of Angelina Jolie. They'd turn the laser on and she'd show up on the table. Guys would be dry humping the slabs.
OK, I'm going to go back to pounding nails now. I don't template anymore, but I do have the knowledge of these systems if anyone wants to contact me.
Yes.....I'm THE framerman. No applause necessary! Just a "Thank you, you are a GOD!" is suffice
I don't recall if you contacted me or not Joe. My memory isn't that great.
Unfortunately HD is dumber than a bag of rocks. They contract with a local fab shop.
The laser records 3d points in space and the software on the machine connects the dots. it will give you a basic CAD file which you can use in any CAD program. CNC's are programmed with CAM, like AlphaCAM.
It's not as easy as point A to point B. There is still some manipulation in all of the measuring.....and I mean ALL. You MUST put the file into a CAD system. Is it possible to do it in the machine? Yes, but it's much, much easier to grab a laptop with a CAD program.
Well, golly, shucks, OK, I'll give you my autograph.
It was kind of fun. I talked with Norm for awhile. Really down to earth nice guy. More philanthropist than you would think. It could have been longer, but I didn't make the rules.We had that happen a few times. It's not as simple as you would think. We had some kitchens that if you missed 1/8", the whole top was garbage. It happens sometimes. It's never good. Customers are always right. They all want their counters now.
If it's wrong, it is most definitely the fabrication shops fault. However, the template guys always get the blame and it is never 100% the fault of the templater. It's quite far from it.
We got that attitude with some people "oh, the new fancy equipment doesn't work as good as the wood templates." It ain't the machine. It's the dude behind the wheel. I don't know of too many industries where constant training is so critical. You cannot have an idiot on the end of that machine.
The one I used was called a ProLiner. It's around $20K. It's not a laser system. It's mechanical, and IMO, it's more accurate than the laser system. Way, way faster though. I could template a whole kitchen in 2 minutes. That's the benefit of the system.
The laser one you refer to is LT55. That's around $10K - $12K. We tried it, didn't care for it. Slow, had errors. Anything shiny or had a porous surface would give you bad measurements.
Then there's photogrammetry, using a calibrated camera with coded targets. Cheap, but time consuming. Don't believe the youtube video, it's not indicitive of the real world. Some programs are free, some are really cheap, like $800. The ones used in countertops mostly cost around $5K.
And if you really want to go all out, Leica puts out a 3d modeling scanner for around $80K used that I will personally guarantee is 100% accurate.
The CNC at the old shop I worked at was around $500K installed with 2 beds, laser layout system, the works. I used to send out files to the floor of Angelina Jolie. They'd turn the laser on and she'd show up on the table. Guys would be dry humping the slabs.
OK, I'm going to go back to pounding nails now. I don't template anymore, but I do have the knowledge of these systems if anyone wants to contact me.
