Key

[Menolik]

Just curious as to what would be the best way to create a 3d key, as in a key for a lock, complete with the exact angles of the areas between the bit lands.

Any suggestions would be very helpful.

Thank you

[GhostRider]

if you can measure the peaks, angles and grooves it shouldn't be too hard, again draw the profile in 2d and extrude the thickness then you may have to subtract the slots on the sides... ( thinking of a house type key) a car key may be easier, or have to be done in 2 halves and joined..

 

I think the hardest thing to accomplish would be getting accurate measurments.... possibly scan the key and trace the profile might be one option

[Menolik]

When I extrude though, the sides are open and I need it to be solid.

[MaxwellEdison]

If you take a good picture from directly above the source key, you could blow that up and use a digitizer to accurately trace the outline. You'd also want an accurate micrometer to gauge the thicknesses. I'd imagine the most difficult part to replicate accurately would be the sweep from the "shaft" to "grip". I don't know any proper key terminology:oops:

[manhattan]

When I extrude though, the sides are open and I need it to be solid.

 

extrude a polyline & it should be solid

[GhostRider]

extrude a polyline & it should be solid

Right on ! convert the profile of the key to a closed poly line and extrude for a complete solid

[MaxwellEdison]

I just want to make sure of something...You're not planning on turning a telephoto lens and a garage CNC machine into a life of crime are you?

[GhostRider]

HAHAHA, That's the first thing I thought when I read this post, is someone's trying to learn to copy keys....LOL

[shift1313]

here is how i would do it. i just put a key on my scanner and i would import this as a raster image into cad and trace it. That way i have the right angles etc. the hard part will be the guides that are cut into the key. you will have to measure them as best you can. maybe look up some key cutting tools and see if they unclude dimensions.

[Menolik]

I just want to make sure of something...You're not planning on turning a telephoto lens and a garage CNC machine into a life of crime are you?

 

LOL Not at all. The company I work for has a patented pick-proof and bump-proof deadbolt design. Just trying to model it with the key.

[Menolik]

Thanks for the help guys I think I've got it.