3D printing and 3D scanning: a strong team in reverse engineering - 3D Scanning

Modern technology 3D scanning a 3D printing are increasingly applied in the field of reverse engineering. They are very often used when creating documentation of already existing damaged parts that must be replaced with new ones. However, production data or drawings from the original production have not been preserved, or it is not clear where they are stored.

Can we measure the part with a caliper or a tape measure? Is this measurement accuracy enough for us? Why not.

However, many parts cannot simply be manually measured and reliably plotted with all the necessary data. This is where manual comes in 3D scanners. You simply scan the part into your computer and recreate the ideal CAD model for production based on the scanned data. In the case of parts that do not require modification (sculptures, ...), the scanned data can be directly used for 3D printing.

You can see for yourself the various uses of 3D scanning technology:

Once we have 3D data in the computer, we can produce new parts using conventional methods (such as milling, turning, ...) or use modern 3D printing technology. 3D printing finds its application mostly in prototyping and small series production. Of course also in other areas, but that would be a long read. Developers of 3D printers are not idle and are constantly expanding their portfolio of materials from which final products can be printed. On the website about 3D printing https://www.3d-tiskarna.cz/ you can read about technologies and materials from Markforged.

For subsequent 3D printing, we offer and use 3D printers from the American company Markforged. The company Markforged brought a new dimension to the world of additive manufacturing thanks to the possibility of reinforcing the plastic model with continuous fiber. Such a part can then gain strength up to the level of an aluminum part at a significantly lower weight.

In addition to plastic parts, Markforged also offers a tool for the small-scale production of metal parts. Metal 3D printing is an already available technology that brings savings and expands production possibilities. Especially in the case of reverse engineering, where it is necessary to produce a corresponding component relatively quickly at low cost.

An example would be the scanning, digital repair and 3D printing of a carburetor of a historic vehicle.

First print from Onyx plastic for proof of concept. Cheaper 3D printing of the part for the initial verification of the functionality of the part.
After verification of the correctness and functionality of the concept, 3D printing follows for the more expensive material Stainless Steel 17-4PH for the final product.