What is
Reverse Modeling?
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What is Revere Modeling? Is it the same as Reverse Engineering?
Reverse Modeling vs. Reverse Engineering
What is Revere Modeling? Is it the same as Reverse Engineering?
Reverse Modeling vs. Reverse Engineering
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Marriam-Webster - Reverse Engineer - Pop Up Window
Many people confuse the term Reverse Engineering with Reverse Modeling. They are NOT the same.
Reverse Engineering, while many people use it synonymously with scanning a part and making a 3D model out of it, is not the same as Reverse Modeling. Reverse Engineering involves more than just modeling (forward or reverse); it includes fit, form, and function. This includes material properties (material type, strength properties, operating temperature range, etc), part function, interference check, FEA/CFD analysis and many other engineering related properties. Reverse Engineering also involves interoperability of a part in relation to other components of the entire system.
Usually the intent with Reverse Engineering is to reproduce a part or object to make a new one that works or functions in the same way, but is not similar enough to avoid patent or trademark issues. This process has long been used by many countries including our own government to understand and copy technologies from other countries. Many companies use it today to understand their competitor's products, in the hopes of producing a similar product or to dispel misrepresentations about the product.
Reverse Engineeing in the Software world, means decompiling and reproducing the instructions in a program to produce a program that, while may be written or behave differently, will ultimately result in the same or similar output as the original program. Many companies use software reverse engineering today to develop, 3rd party applications or plug-ins into an existing application.
Reverse Modeling is simple: creating a 3D Cad model (or mesh) in reverse. That is, from an existing part or component, re-create the existing geometry ONLY.
With today's technology, the simplest way to capture an existing model is to scan it using contact or non-contact 3D scanning methods like CMM, white light scanners, laser scanners, or CT/MRI. In some cases, parts are actually destroyed by cutting small, thin sections to capture cross sections and mapping those cross sections into a 3D model. CT scanning of mechanical parts, usually renders them useless because of radiation.
Not long ago, traditional Reverse Modeling involved using calipers, rulers, or CMM to measure points or dimensions on a part then manually creating a primitive curve or line in programs like Pro/ETM, SolidworksTM, or AutocadTM to produce a full 2D or 3D CAD model, or generally working drawings. While CMM can produce extremely accurate results, the drawback tends to be speed and density of points gathered, and measurements with calipers tend to be subjective. Additionally, CMM can cause problems when working with soft materials like clay. Most software applications today, that can read in point cloud data, usually require a dense point cloud to create useable/accurate geometry.
Reverse Modeling, using scan data today, means that users can capture very accurate representations of any geometry. This is especially important when attempting to recreate free form surfaces on an object like a statue or car body.
The reverse modeling process today, includes: scanning an object, overlaying curves on top of the scan data and using those curves to create extrudes, lofts, revolves and other cad operations. Most applications today can create curves on scan data include: RapidformTM, GeomagicTM, PolyworksTM, SolidworksTM, Pro/EngineerTM, LeiosStudioTM, GSI StudioTM, and others.
RapidformXO RedesignTM and SolidworksTM are the only software applications today, that can create a parametric cad model directly from Scan Data, without the use of 3rd party software. RapidformXO RedesignTM can model parts directly from the scan data and transfer the entire parametric history tree into SolidworksTM, UnigraphicsTM, and Pro/ETM. The uniqueness of XORTM is the ability to quickly make changes in the software and then pass the changes parametrically into SolidworksTM. In many cases a Cad application is not actually required with XORTM, unless drawings are required.
SolidworksTM has implemented Scan-to-3DTM into Solidworks2007TM. Scan-to-3DTM enables users to use and manipulate scan data (point clouds or meshes) and allow the user to create surfaces or curves on the scan data to create parametric solids. It works in much the same way as many of the mesh editing software today.
Whether you want to re-create an existing part, or create a new one based on an old design, Reverse Modeling is the process that users implement. Call it Reverse Model, Reverse Modelling, or Reverse Modeling, the process is the same, and no engineering is involved in the process, in spite of the fact that engineers often do the work.
Advancements in technology have made it possible for manufacturers to create a digital parts library. Companies have reached a point where technology is now a cost effective solution to reproduce their existing designs into a useable CAD or mesh model. Reverse Modeling as a process will enable companies to produce accurate models faster to help streamline the whole engineering process.
For questions or to find out how Reverse Modeling Inc. can help your company create a digital parts library, please feel free to contact us: info@reversemodeling.com or you can call us at 626-383-0121.
Reverse
PartsTM is a trademark of Reverse Modeling Inc. All other
marks are property of their respective trademark holders. No
relationship, either direct or indirect, is stated or inferred by
reference to Pro/ETM or SolidworksTM or other
parties mentioned, unless specifically noted. Any questions can
be forwarded to info@reversemodeling.com
