Reverse engineering is the process of restoring partial or non-existent CAD data, legacy parts, and part modification. It is one of the many tools engineers utilize in the fast-paced engineering industry. Reverse engineering for product design involves analyzing and evaluating parts to determine their functionality and use case. Once these parts are analyzed, they can be improved according to one’s requirements. Reverse engineering can also diagnose issues that exist in a product by deconstructing the product and redesigning faulty areas. This type of engineering is frequently used to recreate or alter an existing design information. If you have an old part that no longer has CAD data, reverse engineering is a good way to create new CAD data to reproduce or modify it.
The Role of Reverse Engineering in Product Design?
Reverse engineering in product design is implemented during the creation, production, and product development processes. This form of engineering can help document the details of a current device or technology and evaluate the technical aspects of a product. This provides technicians a roadmap in case they want to upgrade or revisit the product. Below are several popular reverse engineering applications:
- Boost product performance
- Revalidate or meet compliance requirements
- Discover missing data due to IT errors or data corruption
- Alter existing parts with no CAD information
- Recreate lost CAD data
Boosting Product Performance
Boosting product performance is one of the key reasons of reverse engineering for product design. In a fast-paced, competitive industry, manufacturers need to constantly innovate to stand out from the competition.
How to Reverse Engineer in Product Design Processes
The first step is to define and measure the parts via traditional, digital methods. Next, the components are modeled through 3D CAD software. After the components are manufactured and a 3D assembly is made, proofing and testing models begin. Precision is important in reverse engineering procedures. Understanding the design, however, will show areas where there is a margin of tolerance permissible in less crucial areas. This may help save money during the manufacturing process.
Precise Measurement CAD Tools
Accurate measurement tools are required for CAD. Some of them include:
- Draft Analysis Tool: Ensuring molded part surfaces are drafted in the precise direction and supports the split lines of the product.
- Surface Analysis Tool: Utilizing “zebra striping” to visualize smooth surface curvatures and analyze the quality of surfaces.
- Interface Checking Tool: Ensuring components can operate with enough clearance and prevent obvious interference, such as self-tapping screws and plastic snap features.
Ensuring Precise Accuracy
3D scanning is widely used in reverse engineering processes. It ensures extreme accuracy and obtains dimensions down to the micron. This is crucial for large, organic shapes found on the original object or part.
3D scanning involves capturing as much of the original object as is reasonably possible. This data allows technicians to create an accurate digital 3D model. In addition, designers can obtain preliminary 3D geometry measurements of parts. Measuring and inspecting parts; acquiring data for editing or digital modeling; and data archiving are many of the popular reasons a 3D Scanner is used for reverse engineering.
At Kemperle Industries, we offer a variety of 3D Scanning and Reverse Engineering services. Contact us to find out more!
