Reverse engineering: From old parts to digital CAD models
Why reverse engineering is becoming increasingly important for companies
Many industrial companies today lack CAD data for components, tools or entire machines. Either because the documentation has been lost or never existed – or because the components are decades old. The solution: reverse engineering with 3D scanning.
This allows real objects to be digitized, analyzed and reconstructed as CAD models. This saves time and money – and makes valuable old parts usable again.
What is Reverse Engineering?
Reverse engineering is the process of systematically analyzing an existing physical object in order to create a digital model – usually as a STEP, IGES or STL file. In combination with a precise 3D scan, this is particularly efficient, as all geometric data is captured quickly and without contact.
Typical areas of application
| Field of application | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Spare part reproduction | Production of components without original data |
| Digitization of old machines | Create CAD data for maintenance or new production |
| Quality assurance & comparison | Compare actual status with original CAD |
| Product optimization | Analyze and improve existing geometries |
| Design & development | Competitive analysis and replication of existing solutions |
🔧 “Do you need CAD data from a real object? Send a non-binding request now.”
The process: How reverse engineering with 3D scanning works
1. 3D scan of the component
The object is fully captured using high-precision scanners (e.g. strip light or laser scanners). Even complex free-form surfaces or undercuts can be mapped in this way.
→ Result: An exact digital image as a polygon mesh (mesh / STL file)
2. data preparation
The mesh is cleaned, smoothed, scaled and segmented if necessary. Depending on the application, it can already be used for 3D printing or simulation.
→ Optional: Comparison with existing CAD data for quality assurance (target/actual comparison)
3. CAD reconstruction
The geometry is converted into a parametric CAD model (e.g. STEP or IGES) based on the scan – manually or semi-automatically.
→ Result: A fully reconstructable, editable model for CAM, CNC or documentation
Which formats are possible?
| Format | Intended use |
|---|---|
| STL | 3D printing, visualization |
| STEP / IGES | CAD/CAM, manufacturing, machining |
| OBJ / FBX | Rendering, visualization, animation |
| DXF / DWG | 2D derivation for drawings or milling data |
The table is not exhaustive. We offer almost all required formats on request.
Which objects are suitable?
Basically any physical object. But very often from the following areas:
✅ Machine components
✅ Tools & molds
✅ Cast or plastic parts
✅ Vintage car or spare parts
✅ Sculptures, prototypes, housings
✅ Unique items without drawing
Advantages for your company with 3D Scan to CAD
✅ Time-saving: no long manual remeasurement
✅ Cost-efficient: fewer errors thanks to precise geometry capture
✅ Competitive: Analyze and improve your own or third-party components
✅ Future-proof: CAD data as the basis for additive or conventional manufacturing
✅ Modular & scalable: even large series or complex machines can be digitally recorded
Example from practice
Left: 3D scan of a defective component – Right: Reconstructed STEP model for CNC production
In a recent project, a 30-year-old spare part was recorded without a drawing and delivered as a production-ready STEP file within a few days. The component could be milled without any detours – machine downtime was avoided.
Frequently Asked Questions
We supply CAD data in standard formats such as STEP, IGES or STL – and in other formats on request.
Especially for manufacturers without CAD data, companies in mechanical and plant engineering and the automotive industry.
3D scan reverse engineering is the digital reconstruction of an existing component. Using a high-precision 3D scan, we capture the geometry without contact and use it to create a CAD model.
The cost of reverse engineering depends on the effort involved. Initially, a 3D scan is required, which we offer starting from 100 Euros. The best way is to contact us, and we will provide you with a non-binding quote. If you already have 3D data, we are also happy to prepare a quote exclusively for reverse engineering.
Request now: Reverse engineering from Scanmotion-3D
Do you have a part without a drawing or do you need a production-ready CAD model? Then you’ve come to the right place.
🎯 S hort delivery times
📐 Highest precision
📁 Production-ready CAD data
🏆 Many years of experience ( since 2013 )
👉 Use our contact form or call us directly. We will be happy to advise you – even on complex challenges.
🎯 “Ready for your reverse engineering project? We support you from the initial analysis to the finished CAD file.”