Reverse Engineering Service
Reverse Engineering and 3D Scan-to-CAD Services
Have a part with no drawings or CAD? We 3D scan it and rebuild it as an editable CAD model you can change, manufacture or print. Scanning happens at our Cypress, CA studio or on-site at your location.
- ZEISS ATOS blue-light scanning
- On-site handheld scanning
- STEP and IGES CAD deliverables
- Since 2008 in Southern California
How it works
From physical part to editable CAD in four steps
1. Review
Send photos, rough dimensions and what you need the CAD for. We tell you which features matter, which scanner fits and what it will cost.
2. Scan
We capture the full surface with a ZEISS ATOS structured-light scanner in our studio, or a portable 3DeVOK MT handheld scanner at your site.
3. Model
We turn the scan into usable CAD with QuickSurface, rebuilding real planes, holes and fillets instead of a bumpy mesh. For organic shapes, we use SubD modeling in Rhino to get clean surfaces you can edit in CAD.
4. Check and deliver
We compare the finished CAD to the scan data with a color deviation map, so you see where and by how much they differ. Then we deliver files ready for your team or your machine shop.
What you get
Scan data or full CAD, your choice
Not every project needs a full CAD rebuild. Pick the level that fits what you're doing next.
| Deliverable | What it is | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Scan mesh (STL, OBJ) | The cleaned, watertight 3D scan | 3D printing a copy, visualization, archiving, design reference |
| Surface model (STEP, IGES) | Clean, smooth surfaces built over the scan with Rhino SubD | Organic and sculpted shapes, tooling and mold work |
| Parametric CAD (STEP, SolidWorks, Fusion) | Fully editable solid model with design intent | Changing the design, machining, injection molding, drawings |
| Deviation report | Color map and report comparing the CAD model to the scan data | Checking fit, wear, warpage or a new part against the original |
Applications
When reverse engineering pays off
Legacy and obsolete parts
Rebuild parts that are no longer made, or that came with no drawings, so you can remake them.
Redesign and improvement
Start from the part you already have, then change it, lighten it or fix what keeps breaking.
Mating and aftermarket parts
Design brackets, covers and accessories that fit an existing product or vehicle exactly.
Hand-made to production
Turn a clay model, sculpt or hand-built prototype into CAD for tooling or 3D printing. See our 3D modeling and sculpting.
Repair and restoration
Rebuild missing or damaged sections from the surviving geometry.
Inspection
Compare a produced part to its CAD or to a golden sample and see exactly where it differs.
From our shop
Scan projects
Get an accurate quote
What to send us
- Photos of the part from several sides, with a ruler or tape in frame.
- Rough size and material, and whether the part can be shipped or needs on-site scanning.
- Critical features: holes, mating faces and dimensions that must be exact.
- The deliverable you need: scan mesh, surface model or editable CAD, and your CAD software.
- What happens next: machining, molding or 3D printing. It changes how we build the model.
FAQ
Reverse engineering questions
What is reverse engineering?+
It's the process of measuring an existing physical part and recreating it as a digital CAD model. We 3D scan the part, then model it so it can be edited, manufactured or printed.
Is a 3D scan the same as a CAD model?+
No. A scan is a mesh of millions of triangles that shows the shape, but it can't be easily edited. Scan-to-CAD rebuilds that shape as real CAD features, like planes, holes and fillets, that you can change.
What file formats do you deliver?+
Scan meshes as STL or OBJ, and CAD as STEP or IGES, ready to open in SolidWorks, Fusion or any other CAD program.
Can you scan parts at my location?+
Yes. Our portable 3DeVOK MT handheld scanner lets us scan large or fixed objects on-site. Smaller parts can be shipped or dropped off at our Cypress, CA studio.
Can you scan shiny, black or chrome parts?+
Yes. Shiny, black and chrome-plated parts need a diffuser spray so the scanner can see the surface. We use a self-dissolving spray that evaporates completely on its own, or a heavier spray when the part needs it. We'll tell you before we use either.
How accurate is the CAD model?+
There is always some deviation between a CAD model and the scan, so we measure it. Tell us your critical dimensions and we'll model to them, then give you a color map and report showing exactly how the CAD compares to the scan data.
How long does 3D scanning take?+
It depends on the shape and size. A small part we can scan by hand often takes about a third of a day, more complex parts about half a day, and large pieces up to a full day. CAD modeling time depends on what you need, so ask our team for an estimate.
Can you make the part after reverse engineering it?+
Yes. We can 3D print it in SLS nylon, SLA resin and more, or send the CAD to your machine shop or molder.
How much does reverse engineering cost?+
It depends on part size, complexity and the deliverable. A scan mesh costs less than a full parametric CAD model. Email photos and dimensions to orders@snlcreative.com for a quote.
Turn your part into CAD
Email photos, dimensions and what you need the model for, and we'll reply with a plan and price.
