3D Scanning and Scan-to-CAD Solutions for Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering is a process that involves measuring a physical object and reconstructing it as a 3D model to recover the design intent—a perfect reconstruction of the original design—in terms of simple analytical surfaces (planes, cylinders, etc.) and freeform surfaces (NURBS) in order to produce a new reference CAD model.
As CAD engineers and industrial designers, you have the critical task of adapting and maintaining parts with shapes that are frequently organic and complex. Since the CAD models are often no longer available or difficult to find, you have to reconstruct the 3D models and integrate them into the design.
The reasons for reverse engineering are multiple: to replace damaged components (for which CAD models are nonexistent), to update obsolete parts, to fit new parts into a current assembly or environment, to generate new manufacturing plans, or simply to analyze competitors’ product features. 3D scanners are generally the preferred technology for extracting dimensional information and representing it as a point cloud or an automatic and instant mesh.
As CAD engineers and industrial designers, you have the critical task of adapting and maintaining parts with shapes that are frequently organic and complex. Since the CAD models are often no longer available or difficult to find, you have to reconstruct the 3D models and integrate them into the design.
The reasons for reverse engineering are multiple: to replace damaged components (for which CAD models are nonexistent), to update obsolete parts, to fit new parts into a current assembly or environment, to generate new manufacturing plans, or simply to analyze competitors’ product features. 3D scanners are generally the preferred technology for extracting dimensional information and representing it as a point cloud or an automatic and instant mesh.
CREAFORM SOLUTION
Creaform’s handheld 3D scanners enable CAD engineers and industrial designers to create 3D models from existing physical objects. In addition, scan-to-CAD software offers you the flexibility to clean, align, and optimize the scanned data, and it allows you to extract dimensional information from the mesh before transferring it to CAD software.
High-resolution, versatile, easy-to-use, and quick 3D scanning tools and software are the solutions to fulfill your goals and overcome your challenges.
- High level of detail: With high resolution for intricate details and full color support, the scan quality is impeccable for modeling freeform surfaces and showing the smallest features.
- Versatility: With advanced laser and optical technologies and limitless scanning volumes, 3D scanners can measure any part, regardless of size, shape, material, surface finish, and complexity.
- Simplicity: With a plug-and-play device and a user-friendly interface, scanning objects without preparation has never been easier, regardless of the user’s experience.
- Speed: Unlike a point cloud, the generated mesh is already lightened and processed, ready to be integrated seamlessly into your preferred reverse engineering, CAD, or 3D printing software.