Reverse Engineering - An Important Capability in State-of-the-Art Manufacturing

The dictionary defines reverse engineering as "the process of
studying or analyzing the principles of a device, object or
system to further document its structure, function and
operation."



In state-of-the-art manufacturing, the process of reverse
engineering involves analyzing a part down to the smallest
detail, in order to make a solid model and/or 2-D drawing to aid
in re-manufacturing. Parameters and features of a part are
established through the use of a CMM (coordinate measuring
machine) and wide array of manual inspection equipment. Once
this is complete, the information is transferred to a CAD
engineer who recreates the recorded geometry into an electronic
file format via SolidWorks 2009. The measurements take form as
an electronic solid model mimicking all aspects of the original
part. This model can be easily converted to a 2-D drawing, then
fully dimensioned and toleranced for use on the manufacturing
floor.



Reverse engineering is used in these common situations:

• A particular part is needed by our customer; however
  documentation has been lost or was never written.





• An old or obsolete machine can be re-engineered in an
  electronic format prior to a re-build, upgrade or repair.

Reverse engineering is not only about bringing an old part back
to life, but about using this technology as a launch pad for the
future. Not only are manufacturers able to document an existing
part for manufacture, but with planning and forethought, are
able to evaluate and re-design complex machines and assemblies
for fit, functionality, proposed improvements and cost
reduction.

About the author:
Plouse Precision Manufacturing

PlouseManufacturing.com

4510 Paxton Street

Harrisburg, PA 17111

717-558-8530

888-473-3606

by Dale Seitz