Contacting BMW about my project?

[Syncro325is]

I am working on my senior thesis, and my professor wants me to contact BMW to get 3d models of some body panels that I will be remaking with my new material. I've been on BMW's website and in the student section, but have not seen anything that looks like it would be a good place to submit my request. Anyone have any ideas?

In case anyones interested I am working with biodegradable materials to make body panels similar to fiberglass.

Thanks for the help,
-Adam

[sharky]

Call BMW NA, they will either help or not.

[kway]

Most likely not, but it's worth a try.

[Massive Lee]

These days it is very easy to scan an object in 3D and remodel it. Don't bother asking anything frm BMW NA or Germany at this step. Do your own stuff and present them with a finished product along with media clips.

BTW Please explain us the principle behind biodegradable body panels. If my e30 M3 was made from your parts, most likely it would have vanished in the air a few decades ago. BTW Isn't rust biodegradable? ;-)

[jasonsnoddy]

Yeah I don't want my car disintegrating while I'm driving it...

[Syncro325is]

Haha yes, rust is biodegradable, and yes no one wants their cars to biodegrade on them while they are in use. However, biodegradable does not strictly mean that it is meant to degrade in a few days, nor while on a vehicle for that matter. Most biodegradable products can and will only degrade if they are broken down or in compost, where the conditions are right.

I am slightly familiar with the 3d scanning, and was suggested to a place somewhat local, but have yet to actually find the place. I figured that if I didn't ask BMW, I'd never know, so it was worth a shot.

Edit: By the by, here's an article about what is already being done in the industry.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/15923317/ns/business-autos/

[pfahls1]

I dont think BMW will release any CAD models without a lot of paper work such as Confidentiality Agreements and etc. Like a poster above stated, do you have access to a 3D scanner at your school? What CAD package do you use? It may be easier for you to create a reverse mold of your fender.

[Syncro325is]

I dont think BMW will release any CAD models without a lot of paper work such as Confidentiality Agreements and etc. Like a poster above stated, do you have access to a 3D scanner at your school? What CAD package do you use? It may be easier for you to create a reverse mold of your fender.

We do not have access to a 3d scanner at my school, unfortunately. We were lucky to get the 3d printer when we got our new shop and floor. I am most familiar with Rhino for mac.

It would be loads easier to just make a mold, but with the age of digital tech my professor wants me to use the model to make an inverse model, and then cut out a mold on the CNC using foam. This way I'd be able to adjust for flares and so on very easily, with minimal "skill" or effort of cleaning edges and feathering and so on.

[slammin.e28]

Contact BMW and give your professor the letter/e-mail they sent you declining your request. Done.

Then do your project your way and get on with your life. :up:

[Massive Lee]

As it is a University project, many high tech enterprises will be happy to give a hand. Find a local company that has a 3D scanner. Borrow a fender or door (or whatever part you want to reproduce) and use as many free services as you can. Offer every single supplier/helper to have their name in the credential list. That's how it works.

Your teacher wants you to make a mold by hand? Tell him this is the 21st century and that unless you are doing a style study and looking for a specific shape, there is no clay involved. Just computer models. In the real world, big companies will use clay to develop a tactile sense to a body shape. Then, the shape will be digitalized thru a 3D scanner.

[SimplyDope]

Contact BMW and give your professor the letter/e-mail they sent you declining your request. Done.

Then do your project your way and get on with your life. :up:

I like you.

[Syncro325is]

Your teacher wants you to make a mold by hand? Tell him this is the 21st century and that unless you are doing a style study and looking for a specific shape, there is no clay involved. Just computer models. In the real world, big companies will use clay to develop a tactile sense to a body shape. Then, the shape will be digitalized thru a 3D scanner.

No, sorry if that was confusing. He does not want me to do it by hand, he wants me to scan the original and then adapt it digitally. If I decide to flare out the fenders.