Scan a shape from an image - is this possible?

[julianthegypsy]

can't you just use a scanner?

I'm getting a shadow on one side of the scanned image, probably because the component is 3mm thick so big enough to cast a shadow. I haven't tried yet, but I suspect it'll cause a problem...

 

[Agroshield]

I'm getting a shadow on one side of the scanned image, probably because the component is 3mm thick

Put it on a piece of dark paper and cut around it with a scalpel. Scan the cut out. Plasma cut the part. Realise you put the paper on the scanner upside down so you have a mirror image. Curse loudly.

If it is a bent item, you can roll it on the paper to get a development of the flat shape. For a thick item, you might need to do that on the inside as well and take an average.

 

[julianthegypsy]

Put it on a piece of dark paper and cut around it with a scalpel. Scan the cut out. Plasma cut the part. Realise you put the paper on the scanner upside down so you have a mirror image. Curse loudly.

If it is a bent item, you can roll it on the paper to get a development of the flat shape. For a thick item, you might need to do that on the inside as well and take an average.

Actually, its 2D and it doesn't matter which way up it is but it has some holes which need to be exactly in the right place so will need to be cut out very carefully. Nice idea though and I will give it a go.