Reverse Engineering Parts for Creating New Products
Reverse engineering is a method that has revolutionized the way products or parts are used to create newer and superior products. It’s assisted by the new technology where 3D printed parts can be produced by reverse engineering an existing product. It is a way to provide rapid prototyping services to people. Manufacturers are now relying on the new 3D technology to create superior designs.
The technology of reverse engineering involves creating digital designs from a part of machine. It involves many steps and the end results are the superior quality parts re-designed from the previous part.
Here is how reverse engineering of the parts that works:
- Scanning the Object
For this purpose 3D scanner is used to scan the object to capture its essential parts. First, the object is coated with matte powder for more accuracy. Glossy, reflective and transparent surface are not easy to scan. The matte powder used for coating makes it easier to scan the object thoroughly.
- Refining the Mesh
After the scanner has scanned the object, it creates a mesh, or design. Sometimes the scanner can produce large mesh files with too many gaps in them. The software of the scanner repairs the gaps and makes it more manageable.
- Mesh to CAD
The mesh is then imported to CAD for creating the shapes and designs. The CAD software used for this purpose must be equipped with reverse engineering tools. Important surfaces are then extracted from the mesh. Using the methods like semi-automatic surfacing, automatic surfacing and manual redrawing, shape of the scan mesh is extracted to create a solid model.
- 3D printed Parts
After the scan has been prepared it is then printed using the 3D printing machine. The new designs are more accurate and of high quality. Using the high quality 3D scanner and printer is essential for getting the best results.
The Bottom-Line
To get the best 3D printed parts through reverse engineering the parts you need to the right tools for it. You need to have high quality scanner, and 3D printer to get the best results.