Reverse Engineering

Reverse Engineering by scanning could be used to reproduce apart without the aid of drawings or design data in a very short time. The surface data of the model is captured using scanning devices and the data so collected is used to build a model for generating machining programs. In case the part has to be molded, the model data could be used to manufacture the mold cavity directly The captured data could also be converted into an STL file for Rapid Prototyping. Digitizing is a very useful method because:

• Very complex mold shapes that cannot be produced cost-effectively by CAD /CAM can be digitized and directly machined on CNC machine by creating CNC program on the digitizing system.
• Die modification made during die try out can be captured and read into the database. 
• In some cases, the physical model (old part/die/mold) may be available for which the CAD model would be costly to develop.
• Digitizing can be done unattended through auto scan softw are feature. 
• Digitized data can be transferred, modified, converted (from core to cavity mirrored or scaled), and used for accurate and high-speed NC machining, as well as for geometric quality control on a CMM. 
• In some cases, design/drawing of the part or mold is not available and required to generate the same using CAD/CAM.

The most accurate and widely used method o f digitizing is contact tracing, in that the probe operates with constant against the model. The probe movement or scanning methods are decided by the software.

There are noncontact type scanning systems available for some specific applications. This scanning process can be conducted unattended, with typical feed rates of 1000 mm/min to 5000 mm/min. Laser digitizing with a multi-axis laser head is a relatively new technique that can obtain geometric data more quickly and with sufficient accuracy for application.