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| Reverse Engineering |
Reverse Engineering, is a process that is used to create
3D CAD models directly from physical parts with little or no
additional design documentation. By scanning (digitizing) items
that have insufficient design documentation or require CAD data
for modern manufacturing methods, a component can be quickly
and accurately reverse engineered. Similarly, Re-Engineering
is usually undertaken in order to redesign a product for better
manufacturability, or to take advantage of modern materials
and manufacturing practices -
see also: Legacy Product Modernization.
 
» How is Reverse Engineering useful? 
In many cases it is extremely difficult (if not impossible) to clearly define physical part geometry using traditional measurement techniques. It is easy to see why Digitizing
has become an essential tool in the Reverse Engineering process. Reverse Engineering quickly and accurately bridges the gap between poorly or un-documented tooling and fully modifiable 3D CAD models useful for modern manufacturing methods.
» What can be expected?
The scanned data is used as a visual reference to create surfaces that are recognized by industry standard design packages. These surfaces can be further re-created in a fully parametric format. Once a solid model has been created, a limitless number of editing / modifying tasks can be performed for anything as simple as prototyping, to tooling for full scale production.
» How are Business Goals Affected?
3D CAD models are the industry standard communication tool for manufacturing and design. By converting physical parts to CAD format, efficiencies can be realized in areas such as product development, manufacturing technology, enterprise communication, market evaluation, and, time to market. The incorporation of concept and market trend designs is greatly simplified by this process.
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The Process:
- Sample parts and drawings (if available) are provided.
- The part or object is digitized.
- The data is refined and used as a foundation for creating one of the various 3D file types available.
- Prototype models are made for design confirmation.
- Additional models can be painted and decorated for market evaluation purposes.
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» Guide to "Organic Shape" vs. "Geometric Shape" modeling:
The following Table shows the strengths and weaknesses of "Surface Wraps" and "Modeled Surfaces"
Property |
Surface Wrap |
Modeled Surfaces |
Symmetry |
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Consistent draft, rounds |
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Used for Prototyping |
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Can be created as a Solid |
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Best for Organic Shapes |
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Best for Geometric Shapes |
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Can be Modified |
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Cost for Organic Shapes |
Lower |
Higher |
Cost for Geometric Shapes |
Higher |
Lower |
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