Reverse Engineering for creating CAD data
We offer:
Reverse Engineering of 3D Scans
Reverse Engineering of Point clouds
Reverse Engineering from STL to STEP
Reverse engineering is the manual reconstruction and the creation of CAD data based on the existing points of a 3D scan. We create CAD data that is used in toolmaking, 3D printing, and e.g. are also very valuable for FEM calculations or other simulations.
What is Reverse Engineering?
Reverse Engineering refers to the process of re-creating design drawings by taking measurements and/or scans of the part itself. It’s a simple, two-step process: 1) scan the object, 2) create a 3D model of the object.
In mechanical engineering, the term reverse engineering (often abbreviated to RE) is used to summarise the process of reconstructing an existing object.
With reverse engineering, the design engineer starts with the final product and works through the design process in the opposite direction to arrive at the product design specification.
The process of reverse engineering begins by gaining three dimensional information of the object via 3D scanning, whether it is a mechanical component or a consumer product. Reverse engineering involves acquiring three-dimensional positional data in the point cloud.
Reverse Engineering explained by Makolino!
What is the difference between Reverse Engineering CAD data and 3D Scanned 'Raw' data?
Click the arrows below and slide to see the data before and after Reverse Engineering
Scan-based files involve cleaning up the scan, optimizing the mesh quality, and ensuring that the scanned mesh is watertight. At this point we can generate the neutral file based on this processed scan data. CAD-based is bit more labor intensive.
It involves interrogating the mesh, creating CAD sketches and CAD features and fitting them to match the scanned data. Once the scanned data has been recreated as CAD data, we can then generate the neutral file based on the final CAD geometry.
The main difference between these two approaches is that a CAD-based neutral file is able to preserve the true geometric features of the scanned part. This means that a cylinder would remain a true cylinder. The same would apply for planar faces, cones, and spheres.
This would allow you to create and leverage construction geometry, such as planes, axes, and faces. Being a true CAD shape, any sharp edges on the original part would also be preserved.
In summary, if you are looking to preserve geometric features, use the file for 2-axis machining on prismatic parts, converting the Scan data into a CAD-based neutral file would be the best option.
Are you looking to convert your 3D Scan data to CAD data?
Applications for Reverse Engineering
Industrial 3D Models
2D Drawings
Part Models
3D Print Files & Parts
Who We Are
We are Mako-Technics, a leading German brand of MAKO GmbH, providing excellent Reverse engineering services to global customers since 1998. We excel in providing exemplary 3D modeling services along with precise and accurate reverse engineering.
Mako-Technics’s success is due to its outstanding employees, strong technical leadership and the strategic partnerships we have formed with customers, metrology equipment manufacturers and software developers.
With these resources, we will continue to define and provide top notch reverse engineering services and maintain a technological leadership position in this field.
With experienced engineers who have the command on using various reverse engineering softwares, we provide a model that can be easily imported into your CAD software.
What Can We Do for You?
Our Reverse engineering service is the most efficient way to obtain CAD files from physical objects. Using 3D scanning or probing, we generate a 3D model that matches the original and, if required, a parametric model ready to be modified in SolidWorks.
Having been catering to the needs of engineering clients for over 22 years now, we understand each client's requirements with ease. Some of the key reverse engineering services we offer include –
3D Scan to CAD
We specialize in Reverse Engineering of 3D scans and pointcloud data into well-structured CAD files.
STL to STEP
We can provide you with a 3D Scan of your object and then covert the STL data into STEP data.
3D Scan to CAD
Scan To CAD is a semi-automated service that converts your 3D scans into editable, design-ready, and professional-grade CAD files. These CAD files are fully editable and designed to work with a number of different CAD software according to your choice.
Our Engineers use the following CAD Software:
Autodesk
We use Autodesk to visualize, simulate, and analyze real-world performance using a digital model in the design process.
SolidWorks
We create native SolidWorks files and offer our customers native data format as *.sw files. The data can directly be opened at customer side.
Catia V6
Mako-Technics uses CATIA V6 to enhance the style and shape of the model. Coherent models are converted to their physical forms.
Design X
If you avail Mako-Technic’s services, we can effortlessly transform your STL 3D scan to STP using Design X. We can recreate complex geometry.
Creo
We generate the files in Creo and offer you native data format as *.creo files. The data can directly be opened at customer side.
Siemens NX
Our engineers can perform back-engineering and return an accurate and precise duplicate by using the robust and efficient Siemens NX.
STL to STEP
Mako-Technics can provide two types of models for you depending on your requirement. You can choose which of the following models you require:
Solid Surface Model
Lowest deviation and a high fidelity model of your part:
With Solid Modeling we will get the smallest deviation from your original part. This is a high accuracy reverse engineering process, easy to be shared with all your manufacturing areas due the small file size and neutral CAD for almost any 3D software (STEP, IGES).
With solid surface modeling you will manufacture exactly the same part you need.
Parametric Model
Modify your reverse engineered part in SolidWorks:
Parametric modeling is extremely useful for products that are driven by dimensions. With the parametric approach, engineers can quickly and easily create different configurations of their designs.
The parametric modeling can include dimensions, pattern instances, wall thicknesses, hole diameters and depths, and so on.
Reverse Engineering Methods
Reverse Engineering Services are used for following purposes
Common reasons include:
To make a part or other item cheaper
Replicate a one-of-a-kind part
Analyze a competitor’s product
Create machining drawings for a handmade prototype
Create a nominal model to be compared against for inspection
Make changes and improvements to a product’s design
Preserve and document handmade molds & obsolete parts
Blueprint parts for government certification
Create the mold for a part
Software for Reverse Engineering
We provide Reverse Engineering Services with the following CAD software
Autodesk
We use Autodesk’s digital prototyping software to visualize, simulate, and analyze real-world performance using a digital model in the design process. We use the most reliable GOM scanners to obtain the 3D raw data of the object.
You can also send us the STL or MRI data of the object and we will carry out the rest of the process.
Catia
Mako-Technics uses CATIA V6 to enhance the style and shape of the model. Coherent models are converted to their physical forms. Point clouds can be manipulated flexibly for the optimization of the digitized shapes.
Robust inspection of the scanned models can be conducted to improve the quality of the developed models.
Creo
We generate the files in Creo and offer you native data format as *.creo files. The data can directly be opened at customer side and we ensure seamless integration of the provided files into customer’s Creo software.
This leads to a very efficient process and saves loads of time and money for our customers.
Design X
If you decide on availing Mako-Technic’s services, we can effortlessly transform your STL 3D scan to STP. However, we do not provide the parametric data with the STP file. We can provide an even quicker rebuild if only STP is required.
We can help you in recreating complex geometry in the given timeframe and at very reasonable rates.
Inventor
If you want to use Inventor to create the 3D CAD of your product and obtain a perfectly working STP file in no time, contact Mako-Technics now. We will not only provide you a working 3D model but also provide you guidance and support on all related matters.
Our services are provided by specialists who excel in their fields.
SolidWorks
We create native SolidWorks files and offer our customers native data format as *.sw files. The data can directly be opened at customer side and we ensure seamless integration of the provided files into customer’s SolidWorks software.
This leads to a very efficient process and saves loads of time and money for our esteemed customers.
Siemens NX
If you provide us the STL file of the object, our professional and highly experienced engineers will perform back-engineering and return an accurate and precise duplicate by using the robust and efficient Siemens NX software.
We also offer parametric data for future use. We provide a fully parametric 3D CAD model at exciting prices and quick delivery.
Our Partners
We work with partners from all over the world, to provide ready 3D scanning support at their scanning facilities or on site at your premises.
Our partners use a wide array of scanning machines such as: 3DXpress, Shining3D, GOM, CREAFORM, Solutionix, Artec, Keyence, Leica, Faro and plenty more…
If you aren’t sure of the best scanner for your object, CONTACT US and we will help you take your pick.
Our Process
Every step of reverse engineering process begins with choosing the right CAD software to suit your specifications. The Mako-Technics team then uses the software of your choice to rebuild your source file into high quality CAD data.
We dedicate a team of highly qualified, experienced and dedicated engineers to take on your project.
The project team decides the details of the reverse engineering process and agree on the quickest and most precise way of remodelling.
Industries where Reverse Engineering is Used
Castings & Forgings
Injection Molding
CNC Machining
Die Cutting & Stamping
Sheet Metal Forming
Additive 3D Printing
Want to Schedule a Demo? Call us at 02834 46 29681
or
Click the button below to Download a Sample CAD Data
FAQ
Following are the questions frequently asked by the users
Reverse engineering is the technical term for the reconstruction of point clouds in surfaces in CAD programs.
That always depends on the individual case. The effort depends on the complexity of the component in question. In principle, reverse engineering is significantly less costly than completely redesigning an object.
Any CAD program can be used for reverse engineering. If STEP surfaces are required, our team usually works with Design X.
New areas are created to match the existing point cloud. So the entire part is redesigned.
There are many reasons why reverse engineering is helpful for industries. Roughly speaking, it can be said that remodeling enables a better understanding of a product and how it works.
Production can also be assessed and optimized using reverse engineering. It is therefore often used for process definition and optimization.
A 3D scanner casts a grid of laser lines or white light onto an object. It can use it to carry out thousands of distance measurements per second. The 3D scanner creates a reference frame using 3D target marks.
In this way, it determines where exactly it is in the room compared to the object. It combines all measurements with one another. In this way it creates a seamless surface on the scanned object.
Reverse Engineering as An Important Aid in Industry
Reverse engineering is the technical term for the reproduction of 3-dimensional point clouds that describe a component or any geometry. These point clouds are created from 3D scans or from computer simulations in different areas, but very often in tool planning and FEM calculations.
With the help of reverse engineering, we are able to make this data usable for further use in CAD systems. This results in a variety of possibilities. I would like to use a small example to show how reverse engineering is used in toolmaking to save costs and time.
Example: Reverse Engineering in Toolmaking
1. The master model is scanned and rebuilt as a parametric data record with reverse engineering. The designer can continue working with this data immediately.
2. Material flow in tool design is simulated with software. We prepare the result using reverse engineering so that it can be compared directly with the original CAD data set. Minimal deviations are immediately visible and the construction can already be optimized here.
3. Initial samples are measured using a 3D scan. The resulting data can also be used by reverse engineering to further perfect the tool.
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