Before we can talk about reverse engineering as an application, it is important to understand how and why it has emerged as a critical metrology tool for manufacturers, and how it fits in the rapidly evolving digital workflow. Just a few years ago, the term ‘reverse engineering’ was associated more with industrial espionage, stealing designs, or product features from competitors. What has changed?
Reverse engineering has found its place in a different manufacturing world. Today’s manufacturers are engaged in trying to better manage processes, lower costs, reduce supply chains, improve quality, and realize end-to-end traceability. That is a heck of a wish list, but not farfetched; not anymore. Technology, or more appropriately, the accessibility and adoption of technology, has finally made its way to the fingers of industry, the all-import tiered supply chain, including the indispensable job shop.