BMW M3 2016 Measurements of the Trunk 2

[EuroImpulse]

Hi, My name is Ebrahim and I am a student. I have been given the task of designing a trunk spoiler on a BMW m3 2016 model. I don't know how to get the exact measurements of the trunk is the only problem. I need to first create a 3D solid Model of the trunk in Solidworks and then design a spoiler. I have the stock 2016 trunk already on the way and have a concept in mind. I just don't know how to measure the curves on the trunk.

If someone would give me some advice on making a Solidworks model of the trunk so that I can create a spoiler. I have attached a picture of what the trunk looks like because I am still awaiting the trunk to come in the mail for measurements. This will just give you an example of the type of angles and curves on the trunk. Is there any tool that I can buy to measure the curves and geometries on the trunk? A tool that is like calipers or something for angles and curves. Please someone let me know how this can be done or point me to a tutorial of some sort.

Trunk image

 

[GregLocock]

Got some really bad news for you there. The real tool that is used costs a fortune. So, the best bet would be to lay out a grid on the trunk, in the area of interest, and cut out card templates that fit on the grid. The trunk is probably symmetrical, so you'd probably get away with about 10 templates. Obviously you'll need to keep them aligned vertically and longitudinally as well. I dare say that is roughly how it used to be done back in the day as well.

Then spend a boring evening measuring the templates up with a ruler and generating a point cloud. That's where your process starts to resemble the real one, the job in SW is then to turn the point cloud into surfaces.

Bear in mind that you only /need/ to model the locality where your spoiler attaches. However I have a horrible feeling you are going to want to do the whole trunk. That'll keep you busy.

Using a less sophisticated tool i have drawn two of the templates on here

Cheers

Greg Locock


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[EuroImpulse]

Without a doubt you have been the most useful man on the internet. I am going to start off by attempting to use grid paper and making a point cloud. I have been doing some research and have been searching for diagrams from the manufacturer. I would assume they would release diagrams to help aftermarket manufacturers to create different body kits and customizations but for now I will make an attempt at this. Thank you very much Greg

 

[dgallup]

You could probably find someone near you that can digitize the trunk lid for a reasonable fee. Working with the point cloud data can be quite challenging if you don't have the right software tools.

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The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.

 

[SwinnyGG]

Greg's method is definitely the right 'analog' way to get it done- but I would also echo dgallup's comment- if you have the budget to buy a brand new OEM trunklid from BMW that I can only guess was a thousand bucks or more, paying a local firm to digitize it would be very quick and likely only cost you a couple hundred dollars for a part that size, especially since you only need the A surface and likely don't care much about the internal bracing on the underside.

 

[GregLocock]

As a side issue, no, OEMs generally don't release geometrical data for class A surfaces. Some do release some data for aftermarket use, typically mounting points on the ladder frame etc.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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[EuroImpulse]

what kind of firm would I look for to great the 3D model of the trunk. I have an oem coming in.

 

[Dave K]

You can check with SEMA and their Tech Transfer program, but I don't think BMW is participating.

https://www.semagarage.com/techtransfer/Index

Gary Pis should be able to tell you if they have scanned that BMW trunk.

-Dave

NX 9, Teamcenter 10

 

[dgallup]

EuroImpulse - Just goggle "rapid prototyping 3d scanner".

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The Help for this program was created in Windows Help format, which depends on a feature that isn't included in this version of Windows.

 

[moon161]

If you're going to cut templates, it seems to me a natural next step is to make a plane in swx for each one and enter each template as a sketch. You could then use them to define a loft.

Either that or I've outed myself and naive in the the world of auto body surfacing.

 

[GregLocock]

Yes, that seems sensible.

Cheers

Greg Locock


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