Surface Mapping Tool

thingiverse

To bypass 3D scanning, I opted for basic surface mapping, leading to this template tool with grid holes spaced at 5mm x 10mm and measuring 1.1mm x 4.1mm for a tight fit with the depth gauge shaft of my digital caliper. Although time-consuming, this method ensures reasonable effectiveness. I utilized it to map my HTC Desire HD phone's contour for a tri-pod mount, as showcased on Thingiverse (http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:8039). For mapping, I only needed one half of the tool, mirroring measurements for the other side. Upon printing, stand the tool upright with feet flat on the print bed to minimize warping. Discard the support feet as they serve solely for stability during printing. Secure M4 screws in the round holes to function as leveling feet. Place the tool flat on your desired surface and adjust the feet to achieve the desired angle. Measure the thickness with a caliper, then zero it before sticking the depth gauge through each hole and measuring down to the surface. Record these measurements and transfer them to your design software to create a 3D surface map.