What Is Reverse Engineering? How It Works

Reverse engineering means taking an existing part and recreating it as a CAD model or drawing, so you can make more of them.

Methods

• Measuring the part and remodelling it in CAD
• Working from photos, for organic or free-form shapes
• Checking fit against the part it mates with
• 3D scanning, where it suits the part

What you get

A 3D CAD model, and a technical drawing if you need one. From there the part can be 3D printed or machined.

When it helps

When a part is broken or obsolete, or when there is no drawing and you need a replacement or an improved version.

What to send

The part, or clear photos with a ruler or known dimension in the frame. Tell us what you need: a model, a drawing or a replacement.

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