3D Laser Scan Utilization in Reverse Engineering – How it Works?

Robotic Imaging has been providing 3D laser scan services for several years now and catering the needs of so many different industries. However, regardless of the industry the main query during a reverse engineering project is about the required CAD model.

We have mainly two options i.e., design intent CAD model or as-built CAD model. And our team of experts exactly know how to make a project successful but understanding its applications and exploring the deliverables options.

Steps to Formulate An Automated CAD Model

These days measuring 3D geometry and formulating a CAD model using 3D laser scan services isn’t difficult and even reverse engineering has oversimplified over the years. But the real question is that fully automated? Here are the two main steps that you need to understand and follow for a perfect CAD model that meets your expectations.

1. 3D Laser Scan Services for 3D Measurements

Our experts at Robotic Imaging will determine the best suited Measurements system by analysing the geometry, accuracy requirements, part size, and application goals of your project. So that it can measure the physical part geometry using modern 3D laser scanning technology.

The 3D laser scans will be collected in point clouds or mesh format to digitally represent (visualization) the part shape in XYZ coordinates. The raw data (calculated through 3D laser scanning) will include all the physical deformations such as shrinkage, twist, etc. However, if you don’t want the deformation data we can move to the second step, i.e., creating a practical and usable 3D format.

2. Utilization of 3D Measurements in Reverse Engineering

When we capture the 3D laser scan data and completely process the mesh or point cloud data, Robotic Imaging experts are ready to measure and extract 2D and 3D geometry from the raw scan. And that can assist in the creation of the perfect CAD features and surfaces which we achieve using CAD creation tools and finally the 3D model is built using the raw 3D scan data as the guide.

How to Differentiate As Built and Design Intent CAD Models?

Do you require a CAD model that can mirror the raw scans in representation? Usually, as-built CAD model is required for the analysis because it reflects the “as-built” conditions. In simple words, it represents where the physical geometry is measured, what are the manufacturing variations like physical deformities, etc.

However, the time we will require to create the as-built CAD model will depend on as-built condition of the accuracy and part size requirement of our clients. The design-intent CAD model takes less time than as-built model and the file formats available are limited to STEP and IGES depending on the tool’s requirement for highly accurate CAD model creation.

At Robotic Imaging our team of professionals is always there to help you with understanding your project requirements and offer you LiDAR services and other affordable solutions to keep up with your expectations. So, give us a call when you’re getting into a project that includes reverse engineering and let us do the job.