Nine Things to Consider When Purchasing Reverse Engineering Equipment

If you have decided that purchasing your own reverse engineering equipment is the most cost-effective solution for your project, the next step is determining what to buy. Countless types of equipment are available, with a range of features and from several manufacturers.

So how will you know what to buy? Follow these tips:

Nine Factors for Purchasing Reverse Engineering Equipment

1. Sensor type – The object’s surface characteristics and other factors will determine what type of sensor will be best for your application. If you’re not sure, work with a trained professional before you make an investment to ensure that the equipment you buy will produce the desired results.
2. Sizes of objects – Reverse engineering a car door handle requires different equipment than for a much larger object, such as an airplane propeller. When it comes to purchasing reverse engineering equipment, sometimes size does matter.
3. Shapes of objects – The shape of the objects you intend to measure will play a role in your purchasing decision. For example, you may need to add a bore probe if the object has cavities or holes.
4. Tolerance levels – Make sure you know the required tolerances in order to ensure that your equipment can achieve them.
5. Budget – When you buy equipment, the budget encompasses much more than just the sticker price. Consider other factors such as the costs to operate, calibrate, and maintain the equipment in the long run.
6. In-house skills – Make sure that your staffers have the skills to operate any new equipment you buy. If they do not, you may need to invest in training.
7. Maintenance requirements – Find out what regular maintenance is required before you buy so there are no surprises down the road.
8. In-house capacity – Determine whether the equipment you are purchasing will be able to meet your reverse engineering needs in a timely manner. 3D scanning an object can take several hours; if you need fast turnaround time for multiple projects, consider purchasing multiple devices or partially outsourcing as needed.
9. Purchasing method – Look for a provider that gives you the option to buy or lease equipment, especially if you’re uncertain how long you will need it.

If you’re not sure what equipment to buy, work with a qualified provider that offers devices from multiple manufacturers.

IIA is an authorized reseller for many different manufacturers. We offer the option to buy or lease, and we can often provide refurbished equipment to help you save money. We also use the equipment in our own labs, so we are uniquely qualified to help you make an informed decision. Contact us today with your questions or for assistance with buying reverse engineering equipment. What type of reverse engineering equipment are you considering purchasing?