3D scanners are not always cheap, but here's why they might still be worth your money.

3D scanning is changing the game for motorsport and custom fabrication, and tools like the Peel 3 scanner are bringing that capability to a more affordable level. In this interview from SEMA, we speak with Gabrielle Williams from Peel 3D/Creaform about how this tech works, where it's most useful, and what enthusiasts need to know before diving in.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

The Peel 3 offers an impressive 1.25 million measurements per second (try doing that with your tape measure!), with around 1mm of accuracy loss over 4m, plenty for reverse engineering and CAD work in automotive applications. For more precision, positioning targets (tracking dots) and scanning sprays like Magnaflux and AESUB supply help solve the usual problems with reflective or transparent surfaces.

The Peel.CAD software acts as the bridge between scan data and usable CAD models, allowing users to extract entities and create features like cones, planes, and shells for use in software like Fusion 360 or Solidworks. While traditional CAD can't work directly with scan meshes, Peel.CAD simplifies this post-processing step.

If you’re wondering whether your system can handle it, Peel recommends a Windows 10/11 PC with at least an Intel i7, RTX 3070 GPU, and 32GB of RAM. Pricing starts around $12,300 USD including the software, putting it within reach for serious workshops and dedicated enthusiasts.

Anyone who knows modified cars will have heard of the Ring Brothers, builders of some of the greatest custom machines ever conceived. With huge scope and an equally impressive price tag, these incredible vehicles take every single piece of a build to the next level. This week, we’re sitting down with the fabricator responsible for bringing these works of art to life.

👉 Use code ‘RING100’ to get $100 off HPA’s Fabrication Starter Package:https://hpcdmy.co/fpackageb

When it comes to fabrication, Ring Brothers’ Ryan Fielding is all about the finer details, and that makes him the perfect person to head up the creation of this Wisconsin-based shop’s incredibly impressive builds that somehow perfectly mix subtle with insane.

Ryan kicks off the conversation by telling us how he got involved in fabrication and eventually made his way into the Ring Brothers shop. That naturally takes us to the company itself, and Ryan spends time discussing Ring Brothers’ ethos in building its unique resto-mod machines. This involves thinking outside the box, unmatched craftsmanship, and a whole lot of attention to detail.

With build budgets starting at around $600,000, we had to ask — how is that kind of money justified, how do they find the type of enthusiasts who want to spend the big bucks, and what do these customers get for their money?

Ryan also discusses his likes and dislikes in the fabrication game, Ring Brothers’ latest Aston Martin build, as well as what improvements in 3D printing and scanning technologies have done for his work.

With some great chats on TIG welding, and a dive into what separates an average fabricator from a great one, this episode is perfect for anyone interested in the fabrication game.

Instagram: @fabguy_ryan, @ringbrothers
Facebook: Ringbrothers
Youtube: Ringbrothers
WWW: ringbrothers.com

👉 Don’t forget, you can use ‘‘RING100’ to get $100 off HPA’s Fabrication Starter Package: https://hpcdmy.co/fpackageb

Timestamps:

0:00 Fabricating the BEST Custom Cars on Earth.
4:20 How did you get interested in cars?
6:53 Do you have any formal qualifications?
9:27 What do you think separates a high-level fabricator from an average fabricator?
13:42 What is it that keeps you passionate about fabrication?
17:14 Give us an overview of Ring Brothers?
23:54 When did Ring Bros become a big name in the custom car scene?
29:59 What does your typical build process look like?
34:26 How do you find the clients for these SEMA-level builds?
39:49 What does a Ring Brothers build cost?
41:26 How much input does the customer have in these builds?
48:55 How long does one of your big-end builds take?
52:41 How do you keep price expectations updated with your clients?
56:20 Why are Roadster Shop chassis so good?
1:02:34 Do you do wiring in-house?
1:05:05 How long have Ring Brothers been using CAD, 3D scanning & modelling?
1:09:24 Why did you decide to bring CNC machining in-house?
1:13:21 Give us the rundown on the Aston Martin DBS
1:17:36 How do you decide to use carbon fibre or steel? Pros and cons?
1:23:49 Is there still a place for a MIG welder in Motorsport Fabrication?
1:26:57 Top 3 TIG Welding tips?
1:33:53 What to look for when buying a MIG or TIG?
1:38:39 What fabrication equipment are you using on a daily basis?
1:44:29 Final 3 questions

You might love the look and sound of your flame-tune, but is it killing your catalytic converter (CAT)?

In this interview, Matt Latino from G-Sport by GESi explains the limitations of factory catalytic converters and why performance builds often require something more capable.

Use ‘PODCAST75’ for $75 off your first HPA course here: https://hpcdmy.co/hpa-tuned-in

G-Sport’s aftermarket catalytic converters are EPA-compliant, stainless steel, and designed for high horsepower, but they’re not indestructible. Matt dives into the real-world causes of CAT failures, including improper sizing, rich tuning, and aggressive launch control or anti-lag strategies. Burble, flame, and pop tunes might be fun, but they push unburnt fuel through your exhaust and straight into your catalytic converter — which can result in thermal overload or even complete failure.

Like tyres on a track day, pushing your CATS too far too often will shorten their lifespan dramatically. Matt shares practical advice on how to make power in a street car while keeping your CAT alive, and what makes GESi’s designs different from cheaper OEM-style ceramic core converters.

Many exhaust specialists already include the likes of G-Sport CATS in their complete systems, so it's possible you might even have one and be benefiting from the performance gains.
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TIME STAMPS:
0:00 - G-Sport by GESi
0:22 - Limitation of Factory Catalytic Converter
0:53 - Exhaust Backpressure
1:06 - Aftermarket Options
2:10 - Aftermarket Vs OEM Construction
2:29- Why OEMs Use Ceramic
2:39 - Stainless Steel Construction
2:50 - Not Bulletproof
3:20 - Tuning Mistakes
4:00 - Everything In Moderation
4:45 - Tyre Analogy
5:00 - Thanks Matt!
5:30 - BUILD.TUNE.DRIVE