Do you need professionally created 3D data for your project? We scan products, tools, and components; production machines and vehicles; as well as entire buildings and facilities—and generate precise 3D data from them!
We scan your objects in our in-house sigma3D measurement room or on-site at your production facility or quality control department—and deliver fast, accurate 3D digital data to you. Depending on the complexity, reverse engineering requires customized data, which we generate using high-precision scans to meet your specific requirements for dimensions, shape, and continuity. For example, for the parametric creation of 3D CAD models, 3D surface reconstruction, or simulation models for computer-aided engineering (CAE). We reproduce your design 100 percent in line with the original design intent and functionality!
The result: highly accurate geometric capture for 3D reverse engineering with fast and cost-effective results. Potential applications include inspecting, replicating, or documenting products; creating data for 3D printing; or planning design modifications to products.
Consistent 3D data, faster processes, lower costs—we support you with our 3D scanning and reverse engineering services so that you can gain the key elements needed for more efficient production and manufacturing and secure a competitive edge!
Do you have questions about the process and technology, or about 3D scanning and reverse engineering in general? Contact us!
Your benefits at a glance
ADVANTAGE OF 3D SCANNING: FULLY DIGITAL REVERSE ENGINEERING
The goal of reverse engineering is to recreate the original “blueprint” from an existing object or an entire system.
However, while small objects can still be cast in plaster using conventional methods, objects larger than 3 meters must be laboriously measured by hand by several people. And in the case of buildings or large, complex machines, this task is often impossible.
Our professional 3D scanning service, followed by reverse engineering, handles all of this digitally—with a straightforward process and significantly less labor and time required. Through the successful reverse engineering of your products and components, we reconstruct all original data regarding shape, structure, and function—in the form of a virtual 3D model.
The scanning process generates complete and highly precise data on a 1:1 scale and, depending on the object, with an accuracy of at least 1/10 millimeter—often even within the range of a few hundredths of a millimeter. You’ll receive the scan data from us immediately after the scanning process, either in our metrology lab or via download at your location. We provide all 3D reverse engineering data in your desired CAD format. This allows you to integrate it directly into your processes and analyze and further process it in your in-house CAD software!
Digitization, Including 3D Surface Reconstruction
As part of the digitization process using our 3D scanner, we can perform surface reconstruction immediately afterward using professional software solutions.
In the case of free-form surfaces, we first convert the point cloud generated by our 3D scan into polygonal surfaces and then into Non-Uniform Rational B-Spline surfaces (NURBS surfaces for short). We then provide you with the finished NURBS surface model in the desired data format for your CAD system. However, if you require 3D models based on solid geometry rather than NURBS surfaces—for example, to design suitable casting cores or casting tools in a subsequent step—we will tailor the reverse engineering process accordingly. With successful 3D surface reconstruction, you’ll have the ideal data foundation for all technical applications!
POSSIBLE APPLICATIONS OF 3D REVERSE ENGINEERING
Automotive, aviation, industry, skilled trades, and the arts—for many years, we have been creating 3D scans followed by reverse engineering for clients across a wide range of industries and sectors. The tasks undertaken by our measurement team range from scanning simple objects to complex structures that require a high level of engineering expertise.
There are a number of application areas for 3D reverse engineering where you can benefit from our experience and expertise and count on fast and reliable results:
Product Inspection
If you want to verify the quality and serviceability of your products and components, a 3D scan is the way to go. Actual and target geometries can be easily compared for quality control, the current condition of products and tools can be efficiently documented, and even the continued suitability for production of a “crashed” machine can be reliably determined.
Modifying product designs
If you want to modify or expand the design of your product or machine, we can significantly simplify and accelerate your work with a 3D scan. Subsequent reverse engineering using complete 3D data provides an optimal foundation for your planned design in this case.
Obtaining Data for 3D Printing and Replicas
3D printing is a versatile manufacturing method used in industry, research, model making, and the arts. Here, we support you in the area of 3D reverse engineering by creating 3D data for the production or replication of your prototypes, samples, tools, and models. Using the same data set, products can also be easily replicated as often as needed using other manufacturing methods.
Tapping into New Customer Segments
Depending on your business sector, 3D reverse engineering can be a way for you to attract new customers. For large parts that cannot be measured by hand, our 3D scanning service allows you to obtain a data foundation for the first time: You can use this to develop, for example, casting molds for larger parts for your end customers, for which there is demand—such as for modifications or reproductions.
3D Data for Documentation
Products, machines, structures, or entire buildings—there’s a simple solution for all types of documentation: 3D scanning. The use of precise 3D data and customized measurement reports is the ideal solution for comprehensive and timeless documentation.
Beyond the field of reverse engineering, we advise you on all matters related to 3D CAD design. The sigma3D team consists of engineers and specialized technicians who work hand in hand with experienced professionals to ensure you receive the best results every time. You’ll benefit from our extensive experience, particularly when it comes to the custom development of specialized metrology accessories such as measurement adapters. Our approach is simple: Whether it’s a completely new design, rough sketches, CAD drawings, or just a physical component—we adapt flexibly to your project!
Our software expertise:
Catia V5 / V6 | Creo (ProE) | Siemens NX | SolidWorks | AutoCAD | Faro Scene
There is often no 3D design data available for older coolant pumps. This was precisely the problem faced by one of our customers, who wanted to make improvements to his machine, including a new build.
There is often no 3D design data available for older cooling water pumps. This was precisely the problem faced by one of our customers, who wanted to make improvements to the pump, including the construction of new components:
Sometimes we at sigma3D receive unusual requests from customers.
Our customer owns a glider and wants to convert it into a powered aircraft.
"Our requirements for manufacturing a hair dryer call for a precise 3D model based on scan data. Sigma3D was our partner of choice."