SOLUTIONS / REVERSE ENGINEERING

From a physical part to a CAD model.

Reverse engineering links capturing an existing object, processing the data and reconstructing geometry for further development.

Discuss a solution Explore the workflow
Reverse engineering / in useSCANOLOGY manufacturer material.

01 / REPLACEMENT PARTS

When the part exists but the documentation does not.

Capturing older or undocumented components creates a basis for reconstruction. The scan preserves the existing shape; design work defines the dimensions and features of the new model.

Scanned and reconstructed geometry of a machine part
Scanned and reconstructed geometry of a machine part.

FROM OBJECT TO USABLE DATA

From capture to design geometry.

Full workflow
3D mesh model of a mechanical assembly
3D mesh model of a mechanical assembly.

02 / FROM CAPTURE TO MESH

Usable 3D data first.

Scanning the part and collecting data is followed by cleaning, alignment and preparation of the mesh model. We check the capture is complete where it matters for further design.

Reconstructed CAD model of a mechanical assembly
Reconstructed CAD model of a mechanical assembly.

03 / CAD RECONSTRUCTION

Rebuild surfaces and design features.

The mesh is the starting point for rebuilding surfaces, holes and other geometric features in CAD. STL, OBJ and PLY are formats for further processing; a mesh export by itself is not a parametric CAD model.

04 / DEVELOPMENT AND VERIFICATION

Adapt the model to your product.

Change dimensions, shape or functional elements and check the reconstructed geometry against the original part. This creates a basis for prototyping or the next design step.

Analysis and further design of the reconstructed model
Analysis and further design of the reconstructed model. Manufacturer demonstration.

EXAMPLE TASKS

What do you want to achieve?

01

Replacement parts

Capturing older or undocumented components for reconstruction and further design work.

02

Product adaptations

Capturing existing surfaces to design mating parts and modifications.

03

Development and verification

Comparing reconstructed geometry with the original and preparing a basis for prototyping.

WORKFLOW / BASIS FOR CHOICE

Define the result.

Requirements first, then equipment. Possible starting points are MT Gen2, MT and MQ with suitable software. The final choice depends on the specific task.

Enquiry checklist
  1. 01

    Capture

    Scanning the part and collecting 3D data.

  2. 02

    Processing

    Cleaning, alignment and mesh preparation.

  3. 03

    Reconstruction

    Rebuilding surfaces and design features in CAD.

  4. 04

    Adaptation

    Changes to dimensions, shapes and functional elements.

  5. 05

    Verification

    Comparison with the part and validation for the intended use.

EXPLORE RELATED EQUIPMENT

Tools for your next step.

Full catalogue

3D ING / TALK ABOUT YOUR PROJECT

Show us the task.
Let's find the right solution.

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN YOUR ENQUIRY

Include the part's dimensions, material, smallest relevant features, required tolerance, purpose of the final model and the desired output format.

What do you want to scan and what result do you need?

Describe the object, its size, material and the intended use of the data. Together we can clarify the basis for choosing equipment.