What is Reverse Engineering?

Reverse Engineering is a process that measures the technological values of an object or system through analysis function, structure and operation. Usually something will need to be taken apart for its internal working to be asses and analysed. The purpose of this type of engineering is to deduce how a product works without any prior knowledge on its construction.

To quote an expert “It is going backwards through a traditional development cycle”.

Why use reverse engineering?

It has many applications one of them being document recovery. If a document has been lost and is unable to be used as it is needed then reverse engineering can be applied. Another application if it is in product analysis. If a manufacturer stops producing a product then another manufacturer may want to start selling it and use reverse engineering to ascertain how it was made initially.

If a supplier refuses to supply new parts for a product then you could use this type of engineering to have new ones made by another company. You can use it to examine how well a product works, what it is made of and estimated costs. It has a fairly military background and has been used in espionage where a enemies devices have been stolen and dismantled to discover its inner most workings.

How does reverse engineering work?

The process starts with the item in question being measured and the re-created as a 3D model. Measurements are usually gleaned using white light scanners.

Reverse engineering and the Military

As previously mentioned it is very often used by military forces of certain nations to copy other nation’s technologies and advancements. There are a couple of famous examples of reverse engineer that came out of the war.

• Jerry cans, as you may know, are petrol containers. The American and British forces noticed that the Germans had really well designed containers so they obtained one of these and reverse engineered it for their own use.
• B-29 Bombers were copied by the Russians after American Bombers were forced to land in Russia after a mission to Japan. Within a few years they had managed to develop a near perfect copy through reverse engineering.

Many industries use this form of engineering

Software engineering, automotive engineering, entertainment, microchips, chemicals, electronics, consumer products, and mechanical design are all sectors where this is used. Lead-times can be shortened by using reverse engineering which makes it an incredibly useful process.

For more information see reverse engineering

What is White Light Scanning?

White Light Scanning is a process that measures the geometrical characteristics of an object. A white Light Scanner is one of the most accurate tools for measuring 3D objects.

How does the scanner work?

The scanner sends multiple lights towards an object. As the lights hit the object something called “interference” occurs. Interference is defined as “Anything that alters, modifies or disrupts a signal as it travels along a channel between a source and a receiver”.

The differences between the lights are measured and the scanner formulates digital co-ordinates for the object that is being measured. The scanner compares all the different points of the object and the data stored acts as a 3D model which can be used with CAD (Computer Aided Design) software.

What are the benefits of White Light Scanning?

One of the first great things about it is that minimal set up is required. The system can either be worked by an operator or by pre-programing.

It is also a form of non-contact scanning which means that there is no danger of the object being damaged. Another couple of great things about White Light Scanning are that is extremely accurate and very fast. It also can be used on medium to large objects which widens the potential of what is able to be scanned.

Who uses White Light Scanning?

It is useful to many industries, one of the most successful being manufacturing. Dentistry is also another field where it is used. It has helped in surgery planning, training and constructing casts. The scanners also have a lot of applications in the Marine sector.

They can ensure that Yachts parts all fit together correctly and also help optimise a ships propeller performance.

Different Types of White Light Scanner

The Steinbichler COMET 5

The Steinbichler COMET 5 is a White Light Scanning Stystem. It provides high speed 3D Measuring and the 3D digitizing is also completed in a timely manner. It is an ideal scanner for a rigorous manufacturing industry or for use in product design.

The Steinbichler COMET Xs

This one is a compact 3D system for fast and easy measurement and inspection of small objects in quality control, reverse engineering, rapid design and manufacturing.

As you can see White Light Scanning is an extremely useful process and one that is used across the board. It is very efficient and accurate in every way.

For more information see White Light Scanning