Get a Quote
Get a QuoteQuick Quotation & Design Review
- •Upload your CAD or STL files and receive an online quote within 1 business day.
- •Our engineers review wall thicknesses, overhangs and assembly fits to ensure manufacturability.
Our Reverse Engineering Process
High-Precision 3D Scan
Point-Cloud & Mesh Optimisation
Surface-and Solid-Model CAD Recreation
Dimensional Verification
Deliverables & File Formats
Optimised Mesh: .STL, .OBJ
- •Editable CAD Model: STEP, IGES
- •Inspection Report: PDF with colour-map overlays and dimensional tables
- •2D Drawings (optional): PDF, DWG
All files are delivered via secure download link within agreed turnaround times.
Typical Industries & Use Cases
Automotive & Motorsport:
Prototype components, tooling jigs, crash parts
Heritage & Conservation:
Precision-faithful CAD for restoration projects
Industrial Machinery:
Spare parts replacement, custom machine components
Medical Devices:
Reverse engineering of organic surfaces/structures
Electronics:
Battery covers, enclosures, custom components
Ready to Contact Us?
Whether you need to revive an out of production component, optimise your tooling, or create custom spares on demand, 3D Reverse's reverse engineering service leverages state of the art 3D scanning and additive manufacturing to bring your designs back to life, better, faster, and stronger.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is reverse engineering?
Reverse engineering is the process of turning a physical part into a fully editable CAD model by capturing its geometry (via 3D scan), cleaning and reconstructing the mesh. It's ideal for undocumented or obsolete components where no original CAD data exists.
Why Reverse Engineer?
- Legacy Parts Reproduction
Many critical components, especially those used in aerospace, automotive, or industrial machinery, are no longer in production. Reverse engineering lets you recreate these parts exactly, restoring functionality without needing original drawings. - Tooling & Fixture Design
By capturing an existing part's exact geometry, you can design jigs, fixtures, or molds that fit perfectly, speeding up setup times and ensuring repeatable accuracy. - Spare-Parts Manufacture
Small batches of specialized parts (e.g., custom fasteners, machined brackets) become cost-effective when you can scan and print or machine them yourself.
How does your reverse engineering service work?
- •3D Scanning: We capture your part's surface with ±0.03-0.05 mm accuracy.
- •Mesh Processing: Raw point-cloud data is cleaned, holes are filled and a watertight mesh (.STL/.OBJ) is generated.
- •CAD Recreation: Expert modelers rebuild surfaces as parametric solids in STEP, IGES.
What part sizes and geometries can you reverse engineer?
We handle everything from small precision parts (<50 mm) to large assemblies (several metres). Portable scanners let us perform in-situ capture of fixed equipment, while our desktop systems excel at fine-detail components.
What deliverables and file formats do you provide?
- •Editable CAD models: STEP, IGES
- •Optimised mesh: STL, OBJ
- •Inspection reports: PDF with deviation maps and dimensional call-outs
- •2D drawings: DWG or PDF (optional)
All outputs are delivered via secure download link.
How long does a reverse engineering project take?
- •Simple parts: 7–10 working days
- •Complex or large assemblies: 15–20 working days
Rush services can often be accommodated; just let us know your deadline.
Can you modify or optimise the design during reverse engineering?
Yes. Our CAD recreation process can incorporate design improvements, wall-thickness adjustments, weight reduction features or added mounting points, and we document any changes with revision history for full traceability.
Do you sign NDAs or confidentiality agreements?
Absolutely. We understand the sensitivity of proprietary designs. 3D Reverse will sign your NDA or work under our standard confidentiality agreement to keep your IP fully protected.
