What is the role of 3d scanning reverse engineering?

In the world of high-tech machinery, it often happens that purchasing a replacement part or component from an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is not an option.

Moreso, amidst the persisting Covid-19 pandemic situation, many customers are hesitating to order materials from overseas. This is due to the components imported. They may have exorbitant prices and the customer often keeps searching for the indigenous source.

This is where reverse engineering, which is sometimes referred to as back engineering, comes into the picture. 

The process often involves disassembling a whole and analysing its components and workings in detail.

 

How does reverse engineering work?

To further understand reverse engineering, we have listed how 3D2GO processes them generally:

1. Determine units & take part dimensions

Gather some information on where the part was made. This will help you to understand whether the part is in a Metric or Imperial unit. 

Once you have a hunch about the units being used, capture the data from the existing part. 

Start with taking measurements on some key features like the length, width, and diameter of the main body.

2. Plan for your Design & Understand the object thoroughly

Then start planning out your design for 3D metal printing. 

If the part is of assembly, you need to check the critical areas of the part application so that the functionality of the part doesn’t disturb the interrelationship between the various parts. 

When disassembling the object, be sure to keep an eye on the fit and feel of the parts. If you have a strong understanding at the start, it will make the planning and design of your product much easier.

3. Laser-Scan & Start CAD designing

Now physical parts or objects have to be scanned using 3D scanning technologies.

Then you need to identify the design flaws in the CAD model and also work on the design modifications if required. Detect the areas where some modifications for the purpose of printing are required. 

The CAD model is then converted to an STL file and the object is sliced into 2D layers stacked on top of one another. The STL file is then transferred to the printer using custom machine software.

4. 3D Print the CAD file

The last step is the simplest step as you just have to 3D print the STL file and wait for the output. 

After the file and material are loaded into the printer, the printer is set up with printing parameters. 

 

Quality control with reverse engineering 3d scanning 

Incorporating 3D scanning into the quality control process also opens up the opportunity for reverse engineering. 

There are multiple reasons a manufacturer would need to reverse engineer an existing object. One is recreating an original item to enhancing designs to creating entirely new products. 

The process of reverse engineering can help manufacturers. 

Reverse engineering improves production processes and enhances product effectiveness. In fact, the ability to break down an object to see how it was created can often be a capability that an entire business or specific service is based around. This empowers manufacturers to not just find the problem but fix it as well. 

Design, engineering, and quality used to be in siloed departments that barely worked together. This is quickly changing.

Quality is now everyone’s responsibility, from engineer to inspector to business manager. 

During the quality control process, when an issue is found with a manufactured part, it’s important that the feedback loop goes all the way back to the design of the part. This means making sure the 3D CAD model of that part is updated to match the reality of the part as manufactured or updated to compensate for process-induced manufacturing errors. 

With the hybridization of reverse engineering and inspection, it’s easier to make these updates and keep an open feedback loop across departments.

 

3D2GO is the best laser scanner 3D services option

3D2GO uses high definition scanning technology. As a result, we offer the best quality of scanning services. We offer these to anyone in need, especially project managers, engineers, and architects. They will be able to better visualize the 360 conditions of any facility or site.

Our 3D  scanning professionals guarantee suggestions for better decisions.

We are able to offer our scanning services even off our site. Our scanner is portable and gives us the freedom to expand our offer to almost anywhere in the country. 

At 3D2GO, we offer end-to-end services. Worried after the scanning? Don’t bother looking anywhere else because we can cover other services. 3D modelling? 3D printing? 3D scaling? We’ve got it all covered. You can save time contacting others. Instead, use that time to work on other projects as we take our next steps with you. 

Too large or sensitive of a project to bring to us? We’re one click away. 

Get in touch with us by sending us files in .obj or .stil format in our email address management@my3d.com.ph.  You can also reach us through our Facebook and Instagram pages today!