Creating a 3D model from a scaled blueprint without specific dimensions

ronald_schenck

Hello Community,

I'm tackling an interesting project and could really use some insights. I want to buy a blueprint of a vehicle, complete with proportional views from different angles and a scale, but it lacks specific dimensions. My goal is to create an accurate 3D model from this blueprint. Here's the blueprint I'm aiming to work with: https://3dmodels.org/blueprints/blueprint-of-lamborghini-aventador-2012/

The blueprint provides front, side, and back views. My initial plan is to import these views into Onshape, place them onto corresponding planes, and start modeling by tracing and extruding. But I'm a bit unsure about how to accurately handle areas with complex curves and shapes, considering the lack of specific dimensions.

I'm reaching out to the Onshape experts here: How would you go about converting a scaled but dimensionless drawing into a 3D model in Onshape? Are there any specific features or tools within Onshape that you'd recommend for maintaining the correct proportions and details from the blueprint?

Any tips would be incredibly helpful.

Thanks,
Ron

robert_scott_jr_

Hello Ronald. I think that If you are not an experienced user of modelling software, you've chosen a daunting task that will be filled with frustration and will be no fun at all. Onshape has great capabilities; I'd hate to see a new user blame the software for it being so difficult to attain success in your attempt to model the car. There is a plethora of documentation about Onshape's abilities as well as a knowledgeable, friendly and 'willing to help' community for resources. I suggest you start at the beginning to enjoy success and satisfaction. - Scotty

GWS50

Hello Ronald, I think Scotty makes a good point that this is not a novice project. However if I was to approach this I would buy a 3D model, probably STL, import that into Onshape and then you would at least have a 3D shape to model around/over.
Surface modelling can be a little tricky to get your head around but Onshape does have excellent tutorials to get you started......Good Luck

_anton

To be a bit more blunt, you'll hate your CAD experience if you try to faithfully model a Lamborghini from the start. Cars are a notorious for being hard to surface. For example, it took me days to model a facsimile of a Ford Model A, and the thing's basically a box.

Is your goal to render it or print it? You can certainly find free STL files of cars on the internet, which will get you there much more easily. If it's to learn CAD, we have great tutorials. If you can provide more details, we can help further.

armandoRR

I'm going to answer this in two stages.

Q: "How to model without specific blueprints"
A: Find a dimension you do know, scale to that. For example, your chosen car was the 2012 Lamborghini Aventador. Looking up wheelbase for that car, it is 106.3" from center of front wheel to center of back wheel. I believe that will get you close enough for your needs. Insert image, draw a line from center of front wheel to center of back wheel. Using the dimension tool (not the quick dimension) dimension the line to 106.3 in. The picture will scale accordingly if there are no other dimensions in the sketch.

Q: "Should I use OnShape for this"
A: Probably not. OnShape is a parametric solid modeling tool with some surfacing features. It will be time consuming and require lots of effort. I would recommend a direct modeling tool for this such as Blender. It is completely free, has tons of tutorials on YouTube and would make this project feasible. (Example Tutorial)