Reverse Engineering is the process of redesigning or reconstructing existing parts or components.
T3DMC have over 25 years experience in utilising 3D scan data for reverse engineering projects. We pride ourselves on producing highly accurate and reliable data for our customers.
It all starts with 3D scanning: We capture accurate full field 3D data – parts can either be sent to us or a member of our team can come to a location convenient for your project. This 3D data is then used by our engineers as a high detail guide to produce CAD surfaces.
We work across a range of software packages and can deliver parametric models with full design history, giving your team complete control over your own CAD with access to design parameters if there are redesigns required in the future. With our comprehensive range of 3D scanners and other measurement equipment, no part is too large or small and we have completed many projects across aerospace, automotive, military and medical, delivering CAD models accurately and quickly to keep project downtime to a minimum.
Reverse engineering is the process of extracting data or design information from a physical object and then reproducing said object from the extracted data. The process often involves disassembling the object into different components which can be further analysed in detail. We do this because each constituting component is designed to perform a particular function, whether individually, or with a combination of other parts (called assemblies).
When we are asked to reverse engineer something, this means that we have to estimate a variety of features: geometry, material, function, manufacturability, and whether it fits with other parts of the assembly.
In order to understand these parameters, we do a small portion of reverse engineering, which focuses on recreating the geometry of a part. This is the first step in reverse engineering and arguably the most important one. At this stage we normally SCAN TO CAD or Re-Engineer the CAD model of a part.
Using traditional measurement techniques such as callipers for complex surfaces is time consuming and can lead to preventable errors within the design process. Our team will work with you to understand the exact type of model that you need which will always start with high quality 3D scan data captured by our 3D measurement systems.
Initial Benchmarking
We analyse competitor components to help guide product development strategy.
Redesign of outdated CAD
Achieve a highly accurate CAD, developed and redesigned further through Reverse Engineering.
Repairs and Replacements
Take back control of your own parts through 3D models created from real part 3D scan data.
Digitally Archive Data
Digitally store design data of your legacy components for future reference and reconstruction.
Our team of engineers will work with you to achieve the desired result.
Whether improving an existing component through the use of 3D scan data and ultimately Reverse Engineering or measuring how effective your parts compare in your industry with Competitive Benchmarking, our Reverse Engineering service is here to help.
3D scanning for competitive benchmarking is a time-efficient and cost-effective way of keeping up with rapid advancements being made across an industry. The technology allows customers to gain a deeper understanding of why some competitor parts fail to help to avoid making the same mistakes themselves.
It is common place that a component will be developed and adjusted over time without the time taken to update the digital version from its original design intent. In these instances where a component has matured it is vital to update the CAD model to reflect the current as manufactured state of the component so that any future design decisions can be based on up to date CAD rather than historic models.
Now more than ever our customers have the requirement to source multiple suppliers of spare parts, either locally or internationally. T3DMC combine 3D scanning and data processing expertise to accurately capture the digital form of a component and create accurate parametric 3D CAD models and manufacturing drawings.
Historically, parts or tools no longer in use; prototypes, old model variants, crash test bodies etc were put into storage, taking up valuable operating space and adding significant cost to businesses. Digital archiving is the process of capturing accurate 3D surface data and reverse engineering that data in working, up-to-date as-manufactured CAD files which are then stored digitally and the original part or tool scrapped, bringing about huge cost savings through reuse of storage space and the improved work flows of having data stored digitally where it is easy to access and work from.
