Question for the savvy computer people here.

[Mike Kucaba]

I'd like to get some parts printed by the 3D method, problem is at least for the near and far future I don't see me doing this anytime soon. I was thinking along the lines of computer service for kits. Also, can this technique be used with just photographs as reference?

[Chief Joseph]

I've designed many 3D parts using just photographs and measurements as reference. With some 3D sampling methods, the photographs are used to construct the 3D model itself. This is a 3D model of a gargoyle bookend I made last year with 123D Catch from Autodesk:

About 50 or 60 photos were needed to make this model. This is a surface mesh model and needs to be edited into a watertight shell for 3D printing. This photographic method works okay for organic shapes.