Reverse Engineering

Converting Raw Point Clouds into CAD Formats:

FILES BROUGHT INTO PARAMETRIC MODELERS

Processing 3D data into polygonal models and dumb solids adds a simple mesh file for geometry features that enables to redesign process. It categorised the processing of collected data into two main categories: reverse engineering and Digital Modelling. Digital Modelling uses these simpler model formats that we call Reverse Engineering.

• Reverse Engineering:It’s the process of measuring and creating a CAD model of an object that reflects how the object designed initially been.
• Design Intent:The intended design comes with an in-built physical object where the manufactured part varies from its original intended design. The imperfections can be identified, well-analysed, and corrected using reverse engineering.
• As-Built:The modelling captures the physical shape of an object that actually comes with its imperfections.

WHEN SHOULD ONE REQUEST A PARAMETRIC MODEL VS. THE SIMPLER RAPID NURBS OR POLYGONAL MESH MODEL?

When any project falls into the category of Reverse Engineering, is it opposed to Digital Modelling? Why one should opt for Reverse Engineering, which sounds time-consuming, requires additional processing, and is probably more expensive?

Our recommendation depends on many factors that include shapes such as organic vs. geo metrics to get desired file output. If you’re seeking to make a Rapid Prototype of a hand-carved chair seat, then doing digital modelling can be an excellent option for you. If you scan an aeroplane that creates an accurate model for CFD analysis, you need a model for flow analysis. It comes with an engine casing to redesign and spend the time and effort required to create a fully reversed engineered model.

The desired file output is the main difference between Digital Modelling and Reverse Engineering. People select Digital Modelling for using the file, Rapid Prototyping or visualisation purposes. One needs to redesign purposes for importing models into analysis programs that choose Reverse Engineer, which brings files into parametric modelling software. It essentially adds four types of models.

A Rapid NURBS starts with adding a polygonal model. The NURBS surfaces can be wrapped over the polygonal mesh. The wrapped surface model works more smoothly than a polygonal model with no regular geometric features. This type of NURBS model brought into parametric modellers, which we call dumb.

The bridge between Digital Modelling and Reverse Engineering is called Hybrid Model. Where a hybrid model and polygonal model convert into a rapid NURBS surface model that uses traditional solid modelling techniques. It’s used to add basic geometric features to cover holes & edges, adding complex organic contours.

The Hybrid model steps up fully Rapid NURBS for both time and effort. It is not as time-consuming and comes with an entirely reverse engineered parametric model. Unlike the Rapid NURBS, which wraps around a polygonal frame, the hybrid dumb solid contains geometric features, including holes, planes, and radii, adding features with no parametric history. While an entirely reverse engineered Parametric Model offer fully functional features that allow complete redesign. The models are built from scratch, making them perfect for the reverse engineering of legacy parts and redesigns.

DESIGN INTENT OR AS-BUILT?

When choosing a reverse engineer part, deciding if the part is reverse engineered as-built with its design intent is essential. It comes with physical production parts that are fractions of millimetres and worn down a bit from the original fabrication. It’s necessary to clarify the end use of the data by discussing your project with a reverse engineering firm.

THE REVERSE ENGINEERING ADVANTAGE

It comes with the fine line between Digital Modelling and Reverse Engineering. Both methods come with a valid solution to 3D problems. Few advantages of Reverse Engineering include:

Parametric Modelling Packages covering solid modelling CAD software

Parametric Models feature tree that can editable.

Few other Rapid NURBS dumb solids, reverse engineered models contain geometric features covering planes and radii that make the models a better fit to measure and design.

Reverse engineered models come with excellent analysis software for CFD and FEA.

GETTING STARTED

Direct Dimensions include:

• Geomagic
• Imageware
• Innovmetric PolyWorks
• Rapidform

The CAD packages frequently cover AutoCAD, CATIA, SolidWorks, Siemens NX, ProEngineer, and Rhino3D.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO WITH A MODEL?

Now that you know about Digital Modelling and Reverse Engineering, you may feel like you don’t need anything else to create 3D models. If you want to make use of the 3D model, Contact Australian Design & Drafting Services to resolve your query.