New to Marine Canvas Digital Workflows?

Are you brand new to digital workflows and 3D for marine canvas measurement and production?

While we cannot answer all your questions, we can provide guidance on getting started.

The Puzzle Pieces

The PhotoModeler software is just one piece of the canvas digital workflow puzzle. The various pieces are:

  • A 3D measurement method: e.g. PhotoModeler & a camera.
  • 3D CAD software: e.g. Rhino CAD.
  • Possible CAD plugins for flattening and nesting.
  • Fabric cutter with the appropriate interface to CAD.
  • The remaining pieces that are needed for canvas completion.

The first questions to ask yourself are: “How familiar am I with CAD (2D or 3D)?” and “Do I want to jump right to a 3D workflow or take an incremental step using templates and patterns?” (Note we talk here just about canvas and not other aspects such as tube bending, etc.).

An Incremental Step

Jumping into a complete 3D measurement and CAD workflow for marine canvas can be a big step. If you already use paper or plastic templates and patterns, you can digitize the patterns into your CAD files (e.g. PhotoModeler 2D template measurement) and start working with 2D CAD to produce your cut files. 2D is easier to approach than 3D, and this leverages your current method of getting canvas patterns off an existing boat. Once you are down this path successfully, you can consider the jump to 3D processes (no templating).

Getting Started with CAD

There are a few CAD packages people use in this industry. Rhino CAD is a common one. If you do not use CAD now, nor have much 3D CAD or CAD canvas design experience, we suggest you start with the following:

Once you have progressed with your CAD learning, download the PhotoModeler Trial software and review the resources below. Also, our support group (support@photomodeler.com) is excellent at helping with projects and feedback as you learn the software.

Learning Resources