REVERSE ENGINEERING

IIA IS A PIONEER IN THE USE OF 3D SCANNING FOR REVERSE ENGINEERING

IIA is one of the original pioneers in using 3D scanning for reverse engineering, geometry recreation and 3D modeling. Our process is highly refined and optimized around many industry-specific challenges. Industries that use IIA reverse engineering include medical device, heavy equipment, firearms, as well as tooling and plastic companies.

Tips to Help Us Provide an Accurate Quote


Before you start your next modeling or reverse engineering project, here are some things to consider:


  • Have an idea of how this file will be used. What are the “next steps” for this model once returned to you? (This is very helpful to us when quoting.)
  • Provide photos of all different sides of the part. We need a good understanding of the size, shapes, and features involved.
  • Your requirements for detail/accuracy to the physical part.

Documentation for Legacy Parts


A primary customer of this service is one looking to re-manufacture or document a legacy part or tool. Reverse engineering and geometry re-creation is useful and necessary when the use of a tool or part has outlived its documentation, or, as in production environment, edits and adjustments have been made to a physical tool in order to achieve results. When it comes time to replace this customized tool, its print or CAD no longer matches reality.

Accessories & Retrofitting


Designers do not design within a vacuum. Parts and systems have to fit within existing spaces and pair with other parts. Reverse engineering with 3D scanning can aid in your design process by assessing the environment where your part will be created or installed.

For example, a designer of a smartphone case needs to know where all the buttons, cameras and audio jacks are, as well as the organic shape of the phone. They are not likely going to obtain this data from Apple or Samsung directly, but it needs to be right.

A retrofitter of service vehicles needs to know the exact geometry of a door or dashboard. In these cases, a simple neutral model showing exact surface characteristics to be built around can be the perfect tool - readily available, quickly produced, and highly accurate.

Modeling Platforms (Software)


IIA can build files for use in any modern software, as well as many legacy platforms. Our primary platforms are SolidWorks and Creo/Pro-E, each fully up-to-date with the latest versions (we often retain legacy licenses for those customers who need it). If we do not have your cad software of choice, we can output neutral file formats such as .igs, .stp, .x_t, and many more.

Verification & Project Handoff


Accuracy is paramount to the quality and the success of any reverse engineering project. IIA utilizes our own Deviation Analysis process to ensure that each feature and each characteristic is accurate to the scanned part. It’s used throughout the reverse engineering process as the model tree grows with every additional feature and every iteration.

Every project ends with a conference call or screen share to ensure that the results are understood and meet your requirements. Deviation Analysis is used here as a final proof-of-work at the end of every RE project to demonstrate a precise point-by-point comparison that what we have created matches your physical part as scanned. This level of precision in verification is virtually impossible with manual methods. A Deviation Analysis makes full verification cost-effective and is critical to assure the accuracy of the resulting model.

Resources


When You Need to Get from Point B to Point A - Unlike the traditional engineering process of designing a part, product or component from the ground up, many times in life we need to start with an… Read More
CSA Z151 Concrete Pump Review Document Now Available - The CSA Group has publicly released the review draft for the new CSA Z151 standard for Concrete Pumps and Placing Booms. You can read the review… Read More
Construction Regulations Webinar - On February 8th, 2017 we hosted our first webinar review of the new Ontario Construction Regulations. Read More

Certifications and Guidelines


  • AS9100 Compliant
  • AS9102 Compliant
  • AS9110 Compliant
  • AS9120 Compliant
  • ISO/IEC 17025: 2005
  • ISO/IEC 17065: 2012
  • ITAR Registered
    • FAR Part 145 Certification
    • Federal Firearms License (FLL)
    • NADCAP Accredited
    • ASNT Certified Level II & III
    • We Can Issue Your Approvals for USA, CANADA and EU Scopes
    • Our Facilities Meet a Variety of MIL-SPEC, ANSI, ASTM, and ASME Specifications