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4 Steps to Reverse Engineering Services with 3D Printing Technology

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Yamunanagar Engineering Cluster
4 Steps to Reverse Engineering Services with 3D Printing Technology

Reverse engineering is a technique that allows people to utilize 3D printing to duplicate an object or part. With the help of this technology, a user may scan a three-dimensional object and turn it into a CAD file that can subsequently be printed using a three-dimensional printer to produce a replica of the object or spare part.

 

Determine The Units

To begin the process of reverse engineering, it is crucial to determine the units of measurement used in the design of the part. This information can be obtained by researching the origin of the part and where it was manufactured. Once a general idea of the unit system is established, measurements can be taken from the existing part. It is recommended to start by measuring key features such as the length, width, and diameter of the main body of the part.


 

Solutions: There are various CMM software solutions available in the market, including Polyworks, Geomagic Control, and Metrology X4. These solutions can help in taking accurate measurements of the part.

 

Make A Design Plan and Fully Comprehend The Object

Once the unit system and part dimensions are determined during the reverse engineering services process, the next step is to plan out the design for 3D metal printing. Complex-shaped products require a complete understanding of the object, especially if it is part of an assembly. Critical areas of the part application must be checked to ensure that the functionality of the part does not disrupt the interrelationship between the various parts. During disassembly, it is essential to pay attention to the fit and feel of the parts. A strong understanding of the object at the outset will simplify the planning and design process of the product.

 

Solutions: You will get numerous CAD software solutions available, including SolidWorks, AutoCAD, and CATIA. These solutions can help in planning out the design of the part.

 

Start Your Cad Design After Laser Scanning

In the next stage of reverse engineering, the physical object or part is scanned using advanced 3D scanning technologies like laser scanners, structured light digitizers, or industrial CT scanning. The captured data in the form of a point cloud or mesh is then processed by CAD software programs to create a polygonal model. The resulting mesh is cleaned up, smoothed, and sculpted to achieve the required shape and accuracy.

 

Solutions: Different types of 3D scanning solutions are available in the market, including Artec Eva, Faro Focus, and ZEISS Comet. These solutions can help in scanning the part accurately.

 

Print The CAD File In 3D.

The final stage of reverse engineering is the simplest one, as it involves 3D printing the STL file and waiting for the replicated 3D object to be produced. Once the file and material are loaded into the printer, the printer's parameters are set up for printing. The 3D printer then builds the model by depositing the material layer by layer. The process involves building a layer of powder on top of the first layer once the previous layer is completed and repeating it until the object is finished. The completed object then undergoes post-processing for finishing before being dispatched.

 

Solutions: Formlabs, Ultimaker, and Markforged are different types of 3D printing solutions. These solutions can help in 3D printing the object accurately.

 

The advancements in 3D technologies are not just about creating new products but also about the ability to reverse engineer existing ones. Reverse engineering enables design improvement, the reuse of old objects, and increased productivity at a lower cost. This makes it an essential tool for various industries looking to enhance their design capabilities and optimize their production processes.

 

Still, have a doubt or question about Reverse Engineering, talk to us at Yamunanagar Engineering Cluster Pvt. Ltd.


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