Reverse Engineering Arcade Game Handles for Barcade

A recent project with Barcade illustrates how specialized manufacturing supports real-world operational needs.
Barcade required replacement user-facing handles for arcade machines where original components were worn or no longer available. The challenge wasn’t simply fabrication — it was ensuring the new parts would:

Match the original geometry
Maintain proper fit and function
Withstand repeated public use
Integrate seamlessly with existing machines

Our approach included:

Capturing the existing component geometry
Reverse engineering the part into production-ready CAD
Optimizing the design for durability
Fabricating and finishing replacement handles

The result: fully functional replacement components that extended the life of critical equipment without requiring full machine replacement.
This is the type of problem specialized manufacturing is built to solve.
Read the full case study →

Our Specialized Manufacturing Pipeline

Every custom project follows a structured, decision-driven pipeline designed to reduce risk and ensure manufacturability. Below is a sample of what to expect.

Problem Definition & Application Context

We begin by understanding how the component is used, where tolerances matter, and what success looks like in the real-world environment.

Barcade Gun Handle Mechanism

Barcade-Gun-Handle-Mechanism.webp

Barcade Gun Handle Mechanism

barcade-gun-handle-mechanism

3D Scanning or Data Capture (When Needed)

For legacy parts or undocumented components, we capture high-resolution geometry using professional-grade structured light or laser scanning.
→ Learn more about our 3D Scanning Services

Specialized Manufacturing 3D Scan

Specialized-Manufacturing-3D-Scan-e1772065405745.webp

3D Scanning for Specialized Manufacturing

specialized-manufacturing-3d-scan

Digital Reconstruction & CAD Modeling

Scan data or reference materials are converted into clean, production-ready CAD models suitable for engineering review and fabrication.
→ Explore our Reverse Engineering Services

CAD-automotive-part-02.webp

CAD automotive part design

Engineering Review & Design for Manufacturing

We evaluate material selection, tolerances, and production methods to ensure the part performs reliably in use. This can include Design for Manufacturing (DFM).

First-Article-Inspection-of-a-Casting-for-a-Coffee-Roasting-Machine

First-Article-Inspection-of-a-Casting-for-a-Coffee-Roasting-Machine.webp

Metrology and Inspection Kemperle Industries

first-article-inspection-of-a-casting-for-a-coffee-roasting-machine-2

When appropriate, we produce test parts to confirm fit, function, and durability before final production.

custom-audio-enclosure.jpg

Depending on project needs, we deploy the most appropriate process:

CNC machining
Advanced 3D printing
Molding and casting
Hybrid fabrication workflows

→ View our 3D Printing Services→ See our Molding & Casting Capabilities

Specialized Manufacturing Parts

Specialized-Manufacturing-Parts.webp

Specialized Manufacturing Parts Fabrication

specialized-manufacturing-parts

Parts are delivered ready for installation, with finishing processes tailored to functional and aesthetic requirements.

Barcade-Gunblade-Handle.jpeg

Specialized Manufacturing Barcade Gunblade handle small batch

Specialized Manufacturing Capabilities

Reverse Engineering & Part Recreation
We recreate components that lack usable drawings, including worn, damaged, or discontinued parts. Our workflow ensures accurate geometry and production-ready data.
Common use cases:

Legacy equipment components
Arcade and entertainment hardware
Aftermarket automotive parts
Marine and specialty equipment
Heritage restoration elements

Low-Volume Production
Not every project requires mass manufacturing. We support short runs, pilot batches, and one-off parts where flexibility and quality matter more than scale.
Ideal for:

Replacement components
Pilot production
Custom mechanical assemblies
Limited-run hardware

Custom Mechanical Components
We produce fit-critical parts that must perform reliably within existing systems and assemblies.
Typical applications:

Mounting hardware
Functional housings
Interface components
Precision brackets and fixtures

Heritage & Restoration Fabrication
We help cultural institutions, collectors, and restoration teams reproduce historically significant or architecturally detailed components.
Applications:

Ornamental plaster elements
Historic fixtures
Decorative hardware
Museum restoration components

 
We support specialized manufacturing projects for clients across the East Coast, including those seeking specialized manufacturing in West Virginia and specialized manufacturing in South Carolina.

Curated manufacturing services specializing in low production volumes.

Specialized manufacturing services for low production volumes.

Barcade Namco Silicone Mold

Barcade-Namco-Silicone-Mold.webp

Barcade Namco Silicone Mold

barcade-namco-silicone-mold

Silicone Mold Barade Gun Handle Red

Silicone-Mold-Barade-Gun-Handle-Red-e1771459268909.webp

Silicone Mold Barcade Gun Handle Red

silicone-mold-barade-gun-handle-red

customautomotiveaudiopart01

customautomotiveaudiopart01.jpg

customautomotiveaudiopart01

Specialized Manuufacturing Parts Kemperle Industries

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Specialized Manufacturing Parts

specialized-manuufacturing-parts-kemperle-industries

Projects We Support
Our specialized manufacturing services are most valuable in projects where standard production pathways fall short. We support teams working on:

Legacy Equipment & Component ReplacementReproducing worn, discontinued, or undocumented parts to keep critical systems operational
Arcade, Entertainment & Public-Facing HardwareDurable replacement components and custom mechanical elements designed for high-use environments.
Experiential Installations & Interactive BuildsCustom-fabricated hardware for exhibits, branded environments, and retail activations where off-the-shelf solutions don’t exist.
Aftermarket Automotive & Specialty VehiclesPrecision recreation and low-volume production of fit-critical components for customization projects.
Maritime & Specialty EquipmentCustom components for vessels
Restoration & Decorative Replication ProjectsDigitally driven reproduction of ornamental, architectural, or historically informed components that must match existing physical context

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you manufacture a part without drawings?
Yes. Many of our projects begin with little or no documentation. Using high-resolution 3D scanning and reverse engineering, we can recreate production-ready CAD models from existing physical parts or reference materials.
What is the difference between reverse engineering and standard manufacturing?
Standard manufacturing typically begins with complete CAD and engineering documentation. Reverse engineering involves capturing and reconstructing geometry when that documentation is missing, incomplete, or outdated.
How accurate are reverse engineered parts?
Our workflows are designed to achieve sub-millimeter accuracy when required. Final tolerances depend on the application, material, and manufacturing process, which we review during project scoping.
When should a company choose specialized manufacturing instead of traditional production?
Specialized manufacturing is the right choice when projects involve legacy parts, missing documentation, complex geometries, or low production volumes that fall outside standard manufacturing pipelines.

Case Study

Reverse Engineering Arcade Game Handles for Barcade

Barcade gun handle mold specialized manufacturing

A recent project with Barcade illustrates how specialized manufacturing supports real-world operational needs.

Barcade required replacement user-facing handles for arcade machines where original components were worn or no longer available. The challenge wasn’t simply fabrication — it was ensuring the new parts would:

  • Match the original geometry
  • Maintain proper fit and function
  • Withstand repeated public use
  • Integrate seamlessly with existing machines

Our approach included:

  • Capturing the existing component geometry
  • Reverse engineering the part into production-ready CAD
  • Optimizing the design for durability
  • Fabricating and finishing replacement handles

The result: fully functional replacement components that extended the life of critical equipment without requiring full machine replacement.

This is the type of problem specialized manufacturing is built to solve.

Read the full case study →

If you’re a small business trying to navigate your manufacturing options, our guide to low-volume manufacturing for small businesses covers the tradeoffs between 3D printing, CNC routing, molding, and specialized production runs — and how to choose the right fit for your part.

Not sure whether specialized manufacturing is the right call for your project? Our guide to whether specialized manufacturing is right for your project walks through the key factors — quantity, complexity, and process fit — to help you decide.

Request a quote

Our Specialized Manufacturing Pipeline

Every custom project follows a structured, decision-driven pipeline designed to reduce risk and ensure manufacturability. Below is a sample of what to expect.

Barcade Gun Handle Mechanism
Timeline

Problem Definition & Application Context

We begin by understanding how the component is used, where tolerances matter, and what success looks like in the real-world environment.

3D Scanning or Data Capture (When Needed)

For legacy parts or undocumented components, we capture high-resolution geometry using professional-grade structured light or laser scanning.

Learn more about our 3D Scanning Services

3D Scanning for Specialized Manufacturing
Timeline
CAD automotive part design
Timeline

Digital Reconstruction & CAD Modeling

Scan data or reference materials are converted into clean, production-ready CAD models suitable for engineering review and fabrication.

Explore our Reverse Engineering Services

Engineering Review & Design for Manufacturing

We evaluate material selection, tolerances, and production methods to ensure the part performs reliably in use. This can include Design for Manufacturing (DFM).

Metrology and Inspection Kemperle Industries
Timeline
Custom Audio Enclosure
Timeline

Prototype Validation

When appropriate, we produce test parts to confirm fit, function, and durability before final production.

Production Fabrication

Depending on project needs, we deploy the most appropriate process:

  • CNC machining
  • Advanced 3D printing
  • Molding and casting
  • Hybrid fabrication workflows

View our 3D Printing Services
See our Molding & Casting Capabilities

Specialized Manufacturing Parts Fabrication
Timeline
Specialized Manufacturing Barcade Gunblade handle small batch
Timeline

Finishing & Assembly

Parts are delivered ready for installation, with finishing processes tailored to functional and aesthetic requirements.

Specialized Manufacturing Capabilities

Reverse Engineering & Part Recreation

We recreate components that lack usable drawings, including worn, damaged, or discontinued parts. Our workflow ensures accurate geometry and production-ready data.

Common use cases:

  • Legacy equipment components
  • Arcade and entertainment hardware
  • Aftermarket automotive parts
  • Marine and specialty equipment
  • Heritage restoration elements

Low-Volume Production

Not every project requires mass manufacturing. We support short runs, pilot batches, and one-off parts where flexibility and quality matter more than scale.

Ideal for:

  • Replacement components
  • Pilot production
  • Custom mechanical assemblies
  • Limited-run hardware

Custom Mechanical Components

We produce fit-critical parts that must perform reliably within existing systems and assemblies.

Typical applications:

  • Mounting hardware
  • Functional housings
  • Interface components
  • Precision brackets and fixtures

Heritage & Restoration Fabrication

We help cultural institutions, collectors, and restoration teams reproduce historically significant or architecturally detailed components.

Applications:

  • Ornamental plaster elements
  • Historic fixtures
  • Decorative hardware
  • Museum restoration components

 

We support specialized manufacturing projects for clients across the East Coast, including those seeking specialized manufacturing in West Virginia and specialized manufacturing in South Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions


Can you manufacture a part without drawings?

Yes. Many of our projects begin with little or no documentation. Using high-resolution 3D scanning and reverse engineering, we can recreate production-ready CAD models from existing physical parts or reference materials.

What is the difference between reverse engineering and standard manufacturing?

Standard manufacturing typically begins with complete CAD and engineering documentation. Reverse engineering involves capturing and reconstructing geometry when that documentation is missing, incomplete, or outdated.

How accurate are reverse engineered parts?

Our workflows are designed to achieve sub-millimeter accuracy when required. Final tolerances depend on the application, material, and manufacturing process, which we review during project scoping.

When should a company choose specialized manufacturing instead of traditional production?

Specialized manufacturing is the right choice when projects involve legacy parts, missing documentation, complex geometries, or low production volumes that fall outside standard manufacturing pipelines.

Designed To Perfection

Take The Next Step, And Start Your Project With Us.

Request a Quote
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