Like many other areas of manufacturing, it is easy to be dazzled by the “latest and greatest” technology and so overlook simpler, cheaper options that might be more suitable for a particular need. Many people think reverse engineering means high-accuracy scanning using expensive laser-based measuring devices and specialist software to convert the scanned data into 3-D CAD models. Such sophisticated equipment is not always needed, with much depending on the complexity of the geometry involved, on the level of accuracy required and on the intended use of the finished model.

A key consideration when comparing both equipment and software is often the number of data points that can be handled. However, this mass of data may be more of a hindrance than a help when recreating parts that are largely made up of prismatic geometry, such as cubes, spheres, bosses and slots. In these cases, a more practical solution may be a simple measuring arm equipped with a point probe and some standard CAD software. By collecting discrete points from the main features of the design, plus key curves or lines, the user can very quickly acquire sufficient data to be able to re-build the part.