Golden Gate Bridge Replica: Crafted with 3D Scanning and Geomagic Design X
San Francisco’s landmark captivates people. “Everyone who visits San Francisco goes to see the Golden Gate Bridge. They want to see it from all sides and always to be close,” says 3D scanning specialist Marcio Adamy.
He’s also enchanted by it. “Every time I go back to the bridge, which is often, I learn more about it. I’ve learned about the people who work there and their love for it. They call it ‘Goldie’. And that rubbed off on me too. I love the bridge. I think it’s an amazing place. This is why I decided to scan the monument,” he says.
Adamy refers to an art piece near one of the bridge’s foundations, shaped like a slightly squished pillar. Built in 2013, it uses original material and is painted the same color.
Reverse Engineering Challenge
Most see the object as an artistic tribute. Adamy saw a reverse engineering challenge and created a miniature 3D-printed memento of the bridge.
He used an Artec Leo scanner, stored in a backpack he loves. “I could not reach certain areas with the scanner due to the angle and field of view. If I put the scanner inside the monument, I wouldn’t get the right distance to capture information,” he says.
To print the sculpture, he needed a complete 3D model. He used Geomagic Design X to recreate missing portions. “I wanted to create a CAD. I knew it would require a lot of work because it’s a very organic part. But it also isn’t a part that needs to be very accurate. We’re not looking for sub-millimeter accuracy,” Adamy explains.
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Instant success at IMTS
Adamy enjoyed the modeling process. “It was a nice experience that allowed me to demonstrate the software capabilities. While reverse engineering a monument is not a common use case for 3D reverse engineering, the undertaking is a good way of showing the value of the scanner and Geomagic Design X.”
The miniature model, printed in red, debuted at IMTS 2024 to much praise. The compliments spurred Adamy to make the mesh model available for free on Sketchfab. “Anyone can use it and print the monument or create their own CAD file from it. It’s a nice reminder to have. I’m happy with the result, I’m proud of it and I would like more people to see it,” he says.
Scanning for bridge maintenance
Adamy had previously combined his interests in scanning and the Golden Gate Bridge, scanning several sections both personally and professionally.
A few years ago, the bridge’s management hired Adamy and Indicate Technologies to scan its structure for maintenance, as original drawings were lost in a fire. They later bought an Artec Leo and Geomagic Design X for in-house use.
The mini monument holds personal memories for Adamy. “The Golden Gate Bridge is one of the first things we visited when I came to the US,” he reminisces. “It’s where we dropped the ashes of my father when he died in 2020. Whenever I get the chance, I walk there to say hi to him.”
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