Reverse engineering
Recreating parametric CAD models and manufacturing drawings of parts, assemblies and equipment without documentation, based on 3D scans.
Reverse engineering is the process of recovering a digital model and technical documentation from an existing physical object. Industrial plants often face this situation: a part of older equipment has failed, its drawings are lost, the manufacturer has closed or importing a spare would take too long. In such cases, creating a production-ready model from the part itself is the fastest solution.
Work starts with 3D scanning: high-accuracy handheld scanners for small and medium parts, and terrestrial laser scanners (±2–6 mm) for large assemblies, pipework and equipment. From the resulting point cloud and mesh, our engineers build a parametric CAD model: planes, cylinders, holes and threads are recreated as geometrically correct features, and nominal dimensions are determined while allowing for wear and deformation.
The model is checked against the scan data with a colour deviation map. It is delivered in STEP, IGES or DWG format, with manufacturing drawings and tolerances where required. The model can be used directly for CNC machining, casting, 3D printing or improving the part.
When you need it
- Restoring spare parts with lost drawings
- Making parts for equipment whose manufacturer no longer exists
- Improving or modifying an existing part
- Fitting a new part to an existing assembly
- Creating a digital archive of older equipment
What's included
- Studying the part and its operating conditions
- 3D scanning with handheld or terrestrial scanners
- Point cloud and mesh processing
- Building a parametric CAD model
- Determining nominal dimensions and tolerances
- Quality check with a deviation map
- Preparing manufacturing drawings
How we work
- Agreeing the task and required accuracy
- Scanning the part (in our office or on site)
- Processing scan data
- Building and checking the CAD model
- Delivering the model and drawings
Deliverables
- Parametric CAD model (STEP, IGES)
- Manufacturing drawings (DWG, PDF)
- Scan-to-model deviation report
- Point cloud and mesh files (STL, E57)
