Reverse Engineering
Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering in the context of 3D scanning refers to the process of creating a digital model of an existing physical object or component with the 3D scan mesh file as reference. The result is an editable and usable CAD solid model which can easily be used in down the line processes such as design, assemblies and manufacturing.
Limitations of 3D scanning often result in incomplete scans in areas where the scanner is unable to collect data, such as deep holes and slots. The data exported from a 3D scan is normally in a mesh file format which is not easily manipulated by standard CAD systems.
Using advanced and specialized reverse engineering software we are able to professionally reproduce a CAD model in STP or Parasolid file formats which can be easily used by other CAE software.

Applications of Reverse Engineering

Reverse engineering using 3D scanning has a wide range of applications across various industries. Here are some of the key applications:
Manufacturing and Production:
- Component Replication: Replicate physical components for which no digital models exist, allowing for the reproduction of legacy parts.
- Tooling and Mold Design: Create digital models for the design and production of molds, dies, and other manufacturing tools.
Automotive Industry:
- Aftermarket Parts Production: Replicate and manufacture aftermarket parts for older vehicles or vehicles without available CAD models.
- Design Improvement: Analyze and modify existing components for performance improvement or customization.
Aerospace Industry:
- Maintenance and Repair: Assess the condition of aircraft components, identify areas of damage, and facilitate repairs or replacements.
- Upgrades and Modifications: Modify existing aerospace systems to meet new requirements without starting the design process from scratch.
Healthcare:
- Orthopedics: Customize medical implants to fit the unique anatomy of individual patients based on 3D scans of bones or body parts.
- Prosthetics: Design and manufacture customized prosthetic limbs based on the patient’s specific anatomy.
Consumer Electronics:
- Product Design: Reverse engineer competitor products to understand their design and functionality for product improvement.
- Obsolescence Management: Replicate electronic components that are no longer in production for the maintenance of older devices.
Archaeology and Cultural Heritage:
- Artifact Replication: Create replicas of historical artifacts for preservation, study, or public display.
- Digital Archiving: Document and preserve cultural heritage sites and artifacts in a digital format.
Energy Sector:
- Plant and Equipment Maintenance: Assess the condition of equipment in power plants, refineries, and other energy facilities for maintenance and repair purposes.
- Custom Parts Manufacturing: Produce custom components for specific energy infrastructure needs.
Consumer Goods and Design:
- Product Redesign: Analyze and redesign existing products for aesthetic or functional improvements.
- Customization: Customize consumer goods based on individual preferences and requirements.
Art and Design:
- Sculpture Replication: Replicate sculptures and artworks for restoration or reproduction purposes.
- Design Inspiration: Use 3D scans of natural forms for creative inspiration in artistic and design endeavors.
Education and Research:
- Learning Aids: Create physical models for educational purposes, allowing students to interact with real-world objects.
- Research and Analysis: Study the structure and composition of objects for scientific research.
Construction and Architecture:
- Site Documentation: Document existing structures and sites for renovation or historical preservation.
- As-Built Models: Create accurate as-built models for construction projects based on scanned data.
These applications highlight the versatility of 3D scanning and reverse engineering across various industries, providing solutions for tasks ranging from replication and customization to maintenance and innovation.