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WHITE PAPER

Reverse Engineering Comes To The Desktop

With SolidWorks Office Premium 2007

CONTENTS

Introduction 1-2

A Brief History of
Reverse Engineering 2-3
Cloud Point
Different Scanning
Methods 3-7

A Feature-Based
Scanning Workflow 7-8

A Laser-Based Mesh
Scanning Workflow 9-10

Where SolidWorks'
ScanTo3D Fits In 10-11

What's Next? 11

Extracted
Surfaces

Solid Model

COSMOS
SolidWorks Corporation
 INTRODUCTION

Reverse engineering (RE) is something that has suffered over the years from
the "Rodney Dangerfield Syndrome" - it often has received little respect. That
is, until now. While the "engineering" part of the term, has always been highly
regarded as positive, reverse engineering has often suffered because of the
negative connotations associated with the word "reverse." In many peoples'
minds, reverse engineering is analogous to the illegal act of copying, in effect
stealing, an original design, whether software or a physical product. That old
perception and definition, however is being replaced by a new one with better
results and a more positive image.

Today, reverse engineering is a sophisticated process that involves three

basic steps:
1. Measuring and capturing a physical part with an input device (this is
known as scanning or digitizing), such as a 3D touch probe or laser
scanner
Motion simulation provides
2. Reconstructing the resulting data (known as point clouds) into polygon or
complete, quantitative
NURBS surfaces and later solid models with point cloud manipulation and
information about the
3D CAD software
kinematics - including position,
3. Printing a 3D part of the solid models for validation and verification
velocity, and acceleration, and
purposes for short production runs or before committing to large
the dynamics - including joint
production runs.
reactions, inertial forces, and
power requirements, of all the
Simply put, reverse engineering is process for digitally reconstructing a
components of a moving
physical part. This is significant because recent estimates are that up to 80%
mechanism.
of new designs come from existing ones, usually from existing parts and
assemblies. Reverse engineering is part of a larger scheme increasingly
becoming known as digital shape sampling and processing (DSSP), involving
several technologies that together bridge the physical and digital worlds.

Many potential users wrongly assume that reverse engineering technology is

beyond their means. However, you might be pleasantly surprised to discover
is available as an affordable desktop solution to small- and medium-sized
businesses. Depending on the scanning technology employed, you will find an
entry-level price point for reverse engineering of well under $15,000, and that
includes all hardware and software for getting started in reverse engineering.
This is all made possible because of great strides made in the following
technologies available from the following vendors:
• Scan data manipulation and surface/solid modeling capabilities -
ScanTo3D in SolidWorks Office Premium 2007 ($7,995) - a significant
product differentiator in this portion of the CAD market space, because no
other vendor can match this capability
• Desktop laser scanning capabilities - NextEngine ($2,495), a SolidWorks Partner
• Desktop feature-based scanning capabilities - Immersion Corp.'s
Microscribe MX ($7,000)
• 3D models created directly from feature-based scanning (touch probe)
input - Creative Dezign Concepts' DezignWorks ($7,500), a SolidWorks
Gold Partner
• Desktop printing capabilities for rapid prototypes from 3D digital models
via stereolithography apparatus (SLA) equipment and processes.

REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007 no. 1

The motion simulation program
uses material properties from
the CAD parts to define inertial
properties of the mechanism
components, and translates CAD
assembly mating conditions into
kinematic joints.
A B R I E F H I S T O RY O F R E V E R S E E N G I N E E R I N G
DSSP data for manufacturing purposes can be viewed as having two
somewhat similar yet definitely distinct ways of describing and representing
3D forms. Reverse engineering does it by handling geometry as sets of
discrete points, whereas traditional CAD does it with shapes defined by
continuous curves and surfaces. Combined, reverse engineering and CAD are
complementary to each other and are what transform physical objects to
digital objects, and ultimately back to physical objects in a workflow. In other
words, reverse engineering extracts geometric information from physical
objects and CAD reconstructs it into a digital form that can be used for
creating physical objects based on the scanned data.
A Brief History of Reverse Engineering
Reverse engineering is a process of examination only, the part under
consideration is not modified during the scanning/digitizing stage (which
would make it reengineering), although it can be modified in downstream
applications, such as CAD.
The past fifteen years have seen explosive development of many different
types of 3D digitizing devices, as well as the reverse engineering software
that allows the data produced by the digitizing devices to be manipulated into
a useful form.
There are two parts to data-related portion of the reverse engineering
process - scanning and data manipulation. Scanning, also called digitizing, is
the process of gathering geometric point data from an object. Several
different contact and non-contact technologies are used to collect three
dimensional data. Each technology has its advantages and disadvantages,
and their applications and specifications overlap. What eventually comes out
of each of these data collection devices is a description of the physical object
in 3D space called a point cloud.
Point cloud data typically defines points on the surface of a scanned object in
terms of x, y, and z coordinates. At each x, y, and z coordinate in the data
where there is a point, there is an associated surface coordinate of the
original object.
Unlike the past when reverse engineering was often synonymous with
illegally copying a product, typical legitimate RE applications now include:
• Creating data for refurbishing or manufacturing parts that have no
associated CAD data
• Creating 3D data from a model or sculpture for game and movie animations
• Creating, scaling or reproducing artwork
• Measuring and/or documenting cultural objects or artifacts
• Generating data for creating dental or surgical prosthetics, or for surgical
planning
• Inspection and quality control by comparing a fabricated part to its
CAD description
REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007 no. 2
 DIFFERENT SCANNING METHODS

There is usually too much data in the point cloud collected from a
scanner/digitizer, and some of it may be unwanted "noise." Without further
processing, the data cannot be used by downstream applications such as
CAD/CAM software or in rapid prototyping. Reverse engineering software is
used to edit point cloud data, establish the connections of the cloud points,
and translate it into useful formats such as surface and solid models or STL
files. It also allows several different scans of an object to be combined so that
the data describing the object can be defined completely from all sides.

Usually, collecting an objects data is the shortest and easiest part of any RE
procedure. Normally, most scanning only requires a few seconds or a few
minutes. On the other extreme, manipulating that scanned data can be quite
time-consuming and labor-intensive, but like RE in general, this scanned
data manipulation techniques are rapidly improving and becoming much
more time and cost effective.

Different Scanning Methods

Although there are several digitizing technologies available today, we will
focus on two - contacting (mechanical touch probe) feature-based and non-
contacting laser-based instruments, each having its own distinct advantages
and disadvantages. Regardless of the particular method chosen, scanning
provides you with something to start with as a vital digital part of the overall
reverse engineering process.
Motion simulation conducts
interference checks in real time,
Feature-Based Scanning
and provides the exact spatial
Feature-based scanning is a method where features of an object are scanned
and time positions of all
by physical contact. A mechanical touch probe, also known as a contacting
mechanism components as well
digitizer, is a physical part contact device and method well-suited for prismatic
as the exact interfering
parts, such as an automotive transmission housing. The touch probe is actually
volumes.
a pretty basic device that is connected to a computer and simply lets you know
when and where in space contact is made with an object.

Touch probes, are usually very accurate over a wide measurement volume.
There are contact digitizers that are positioned manually to yield a single
measurement at a time, or may be scanned across a surface to produce a
series of measurements. There are also touch probe instruments available
which can automatically scan an object using a variety of mechanical drives.
Contact instruments usually employ an articulated arm that allows for
multiple degrees of freedom of movement. The position of each section of the
arm is determined by encoders or potentiometers mounted in each joint.

Manually positioned devices can make it easier to get at areas of an object

that are difficult to digitize, such as small holes, narrow slots, or deep
pockets. One of the biggest advantages that feature-based scanning has is
the fact that with the proper intermediary software, the data derived from the
scanning provides more control and can be used directly for parametric
modeling, and not just referenced. In feature-based scanning, basically, you
can randomly scan sections of a part that are automatically turned into lines
and splines for creating a digital surfaces and solids.

REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007 no. 3
 DIFFERENT SCANNING METHODS

A couple of disadvantages of contacting devices include the fact that they can
distort soft objects. They also can be too slow for digitizing organically-shaped
parts, because they usually require too much time and labor for scanning
complex curved surfaces, although there are work-arounds for this, such as
"scribbling" a complex surface with the touch probe. On the other hand, they
are not affected by the color, transparency, or reflectivity of a surface the way
laser and other light-based systems can potentially be. And while they can be
relatively slow, contacting devices are often the fastest way to digitize simple
surfaces where just a relatively few data points are required.

An example of a feature-based scanner is the MicroScribe MX measurement

system. It is both portable and affordable. It is available in 5 or 6 degrees of
freedom, is accurate to 0.002" (0.0508 mm), and its articulated mechanical arm
has a reach of 25" (.63 m). The unit can be placed on a desktop, mounted to a
fixture plate, or attached to various surfaces. The touch probe is somewhat like
a paint brush or laser in that you can scribble on an object and store the data of
the articulating arm's movement. Since feature-based scanning actually captures
features on the fly, the resulting data is native and also feature-based, so surface
and solid models with the features can be derived directly from the scan.

Figure 1
The MicoScribe MX scanner and
DezignWorks software work
together in a feature-based
In addition to mechanism workflow directly inside of
analysis, product developers can SolidWorks.
also use motion simulation for
mechanism synthesis by
converting trajectories of motion
into CAD geometry.

DezignWorks software serves as a driver and interface between the MicroScribe

MX (or other feature-based scanners) and SolidWorks, transforming the
scanned feature data directly into a solid model within SolidWorks. It also works
with laser scanners, but only feature-based scanning will be discussed here.
DezignWorks creates native SolidWorks data that is parametric and ready to
use in SolidWorks. In fact, the data can come into SolidWorks with sometimes
little, if any, clean up required. Integrating DezignWorks with SolidWorks lets
you reverse engineer existing parts directly within the SolidWorks environment.

REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007 no. 4
 DIFFERENT SCANNING METHODS

DezignWorks captures data quickly, accurately, and directly from the

MicroScribe MX as the touch probe moves randomly across, stores the
movement of the touch probe, and transfers it to SolidWorks. During the
digitizing procedure, the data can either be used to compare it to an existing
digital solid model, or imported into SolidWorks to create a mesh for creating
a digital solid model with ScanTo3D. New or existing data can be added and
reloaded into the DezignWorks database, automatically generating a new
dataset for ScanTo3D. The Dezignworks software has best-fit capabilities for
lines, arcs, circles, and splines. It also has several utilities for curve editing,
such as maintaining minimum distance while capturing complex curves, as
well as spline uniformity.

Point Cloud Scanning

Point cloud scanning is performed using a laser scanner that is a physical
part non-contact device and method well-suited for organic, freeform, artistic
parts, such as statues. It is also well-suited for scanning soft objects with
surfaces that could be distorted by a touch probe. Point cloud scanning is not as
well-suited, however, for prismatic or sharply faceted parts as is feature-based
Designers can also use
scanning because too many points are captured that need to be dealt with.
trajectories of motion to verify
the motion of an industrial
There are two major classes of non-contact scanners - those based on laser
robot.
technology and those based on some form of visible light. Laser scanners
most often use relatively simple geometric triangulation to determine the
surface coordinates of objects. A laser line is scanned on a target object and
integrated sensors, such as CCD arrays image the line, usually
simultaneously from each side of the line. Where the laser line's image falls
on each sensor is determined as trigonometry is applied to calculate the
position of the target surface at each point on the laser line.

The relative simplicity of the laser technique and its ability to quickly digitize a
large object accurately with good resolution have made laser scanners
increasingly popular for reverse engineering purposes. Laser scanner
products are available as complete systems, and as self-contained measuring
heads for mounting to standard touch-probe arms or in other ways, including
customized mechanical fixtures.

Probably one of the only significant disadvantage for point cloud scanning at
this time is there is often more clean up required of the scanned data
because of the number of points captured. This is an additional step using
ScanTo3D, but is necessary for transforming the point cloud into something
useful for modeling purposes. When point cloud data is imported into
SolidWorks, the scanned shapes act as reference geometry for sketching,
ultimately becoming solid models in SolidWorks.

REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007 no. 5
 DIFFERENT SCANNING METHODS

In the past laser systems were susceptible to errors caused by the color,
transparency, or reflectivity of a surface. This problem, however, has largely
been resolved by vendors for these surface problems that can cause errors.
Also, until recently, laser scanners have been relatively expensive and beyond
the means of many small- and medium-sized businesses. However, this cost
constraint is a thing of the past because it has been addressed with the
introduction of the NextEngine laser scanning system.

Figure 2
The NextEngine laser scanner
produces point clouds from
complex organic shapes. You
can then export the data to
SolidWorks for creating a 3D
digital model..

To understand how motion

simulation and FEA work
together in mechanism
simulation, it helps to
The NextEngine desktop 3D scanner is a compact, low-cost 3D capture
understand the fundamental
system that works from within SolidWorks Office Premium 2007 - all you do
assumptions on which each
is click within SolidWorks to toggle between scanning and design. It uses a
tool is based.
proprietary multi-laser array technology that the company calls MultiStripe
Laser Triangulation (MLT) and a rotary-servo positioner with a gripper that
holds the object you want to scan. The scanning field size is based on two
modes - 5.1" x 3.8" (in macro mode, about the size of a soda can) and
13.5" x 10.1" (in wide mode, about the size of a shoebox). Resolution, or point
density on the target surface is 400 dots per inch (DPI) in macro mode; 150
DPI in wide mode. The company claims dimensional accuracy is +/-0.005" in
macro mode; +/-0.015" in wide mode. You can also scan larger objects as a
series of composite captures that can be "assembled" with the ScanStudio
software that comes with the NextEngine scanner. Scan data acquisition
speed is 50,000 points/second. Typical small model datasets are
approximately 250,000 points, after oversampling and optimization; and file
size for a typical model is 20 MB.

Hybrid Systems
Finally, it should be mentioned that to maximize the advantages of touch
probe and laser systems, dual-capability systems are emerging that provide
turnkey products with complementary capabilities. These instruments have
both a contact probe and a laser head that can be used simultaneously. For
example, broad areas can be quickly scanned using a laser device mounted
on the articulating arm, and features on the object that might pose problems
for the laser can be digitized by contact, so all bases are literally covered.

REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007 no. 6
 A F E AT U R E - B A S E D S C A N N I N G W O R K F L O W
The difference between a
structure and a mechanism may
not be obvious at first sight.
REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007
General Reverse Engineering Workflow
Regardless of the specific scanning method used, the general reverse
engineering workflow below briefly describes the basic steps of the part to
art to part process from concept to production
1. Create a conceptual physical model
2. Scan (digitize) a physical model - either via a feature-based or laser-
based system
3. Evaluate the scanned data
4. Create a surface with the scanned data (ScanTo3D in SolidWorks)
5. Analyze the surfaces (ScanTo3D in SolidWorks)
6. Convert surfaces into a solid (SolidWorks core functionality)
7. Export the solid model as an STL (stereolithography) file
8. Build a rapid prototype on a stereolithography machine through a 3D
printing process
9. Produce tooling for higher-volume production
10. Produce high-volume parts.
Next, we'll describe the scanning and evaluation steps of two basic scanning
workflows - one using a feature-based scanning system, and a second using
a laser-based scanning system - from both hardware and software
perspectives.
A Feature-Based Scanning Workflow
The feature-based (touch probe) scanning workflow that will be briefly
described employs an Immersion MicroScribe MX portable measurement
system and DezignWorks software that is an add-in to SolidWorks Office
Premium 2007. The object to be scanned in the example below will be a
prismatic part. Entry level price point for this feature-based scanning
solution that includes SolidWorks Office Premium 2007, the Immersion
MicroScribe MX, and DezignWorks is approximately $22,500.
Before scanning, DezignWorks and the MicroScribe utility software must be
installed, and the MicroScribe MX must be calibrated. Once that is
completed, you're ready to start a feature-based scan. You will probably be
surprised at how easy it is to perform a feature-based scan using
DezignWorks, and how similar it is to sketching in SolidWorks.
A simplified workflow for the feature-based scanning and data manipulation
process consists of the following products for performing the basic steps:
MicroScribe MX'DezignWorks'SolidWorks.
When you start a new part or assembly in SolidWorks, the Dezignworks
toolbar is displayed that has four groups of tools - 2D Geometry, Extrusion,
3D Geometry, and Alignment and Options. These are the tools you will use to
ultimately transform a feature-based scan into a SolidWorks solid model.
no. 7
 A F E AT U R E - B A S E D S C A N N I N G W O R K F L O W

With the MicroScribe MX connected, DezignWorks loaded, and

SolidWorks open, start a new document. Before scanning features on
the part, you have to create an alignment. There are two ways to do
this, but we'll use the easier called Express. With the MicroScribe MX,
select a position for the origin, move to a positive X direction and
position, and a positive Y direction and position. Prompts will help you
define the alignment and it is displayed in the SolidWorks feature tree.
The alignment plane you defined is now normal to the Front plane in
SolidWorks and is stored with the scanned part when the document is
saved as a SolidWorks Part.

The touch probe is now used to scan (digitize) the outside contour of
the part. Select the Front plane and start a sketch. On the DezignWorks
toolbar, select the Line tool and the type of compensation you want to
use based on how you will be moving around the part to capture points
during the feature-based scanning process. Like a sketch, you see lines
of the contours being generated as you re-position the touch probe
"Coupled" simulation offers the
from point to point. When you have digitized the entire outside contour
advantage of defining FEA loads
of the part, use SolidWorks' Trim/Extend tool to create a closed contour.
automatically, eliminating
guesswork and possible errors
Next, extrude the 2D sketch into a 3D solid using the Extrude tool on
common to manual setup.
the DezignWorks toolbar. Move the touch probe to the top of the part
and capture data based on the position. You have just created an
extruded boss that is the height of the physical part. By scanning other
features on the part, you can now create cuts, such as holes and slots.
These features are created on your model from the scanned data using
various tools on the DezignWorks toolbar, such as 2D Geometry (line
and circle) and 3D Geometry (extruded cut).

You continue this process for digitizing features until all of them have
been scanned, manipulated, and digitally transformed into a native, 3D
feature-based SolidWorks solid part model. It's as simple as that.

The biggest challenge for new users will likely be getting comfortable
with the initial and subsequent positions of the articulating arm/touch
probe in space and contacting the part. However, this is a relatively
short learning curve, and you should pick it up quickly with some
practice, first on the same part, and then moving on to additional, more
challenging parts.

REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007 no. 8
 A LASER-BASED SCANNING WORKFLOW
Analysts most often look for the
highest reactions because the
analysis under the maximum loads
shows the maximum stresses
experienced.
REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007
A Laser-Based Scanning Workflow
The laser-based (point cloud) scanning workflow that will be briefly
described uses the NextEngine scanner and ScanTo3D that is an add-in
integrated into SolidWorks Office Premium 2007. The object to be
scanned in the example below will be a freeform-shaped part that might
be part of a consumer product. Entry level price point for this laser-
based scanning solution that includes SolidWorks Office Premium 2007
and the NextEngine desktop scanner is approximately $10,500.
The NextEngine Desktop 3D Scanner captures physical samples and
brings them into SolidWorks as 3D references for surface and solid
modeling. The NextEngine scanner combined with SolidWorks' ScanTo3D
puts affordable reverse engineering capabilities and possibilities on the
desktop.
A simplified workflow for the laser-based scanning and data
manipulation process consists of the following products for performing
the basic steps: NextEngine'ScanStudio'ScanTo3D'SolidWorks.
To get started with the NextEngine scanner for performing a laser-based
scan, with SolidWorks Office Premium 2007 open, click on Tools in the
SolidWorks toolbar and select ScanTo3D and NextEngine Scanner. The
NextEngine ScanStudio software interface is displayed and a message
indicates that the NextEngine scanner is ready to go.
Before starting a laser scan, it is important that you position and set the
object to be scanned as Macro (a few inches away) or Wide (about a foot
away) with a cable that controls the distance and attaches the
NextEngine AutoPositioner to the scanner. Be aware of the color (light or
dark), reflectivity (too shiny), and level of transparency of the object's
surface you will be scanning. You can compensate for some of the
extremes on the surface with the ScanStudio software, but you may have
to manually prepare the surface for scanning, such as making it a lighter
color or less reflective. The NextEngine scanner comes with the
materials for performing these simple manual steps, but are not often
needed, as the system and its software are capable of compensating for
a wide range of surface conditions. Also, while ambient lighting is not
always critical, you will experience better scanning success if the lighting
level of the room where the scan will be performed is relatively low.
Click the Scan button in the ScanStudio toolbar and the system captures
the object's 2D image and then 3D data as lasers sweep across the
surface of the part. ScanStudio processes the data. When the scan is
complete, it is displayed in the graphics window in Scan Studio. At this
point, you can either examine and clean up the scanned data in
ScanStudio in a process known as "polishing," or load the scanned data
directly in to SolidWorks. You can also save the scan in several different
formats, such as NextEngine 3D Model (.scn), NextEngine Portable 3D
Model (.nzip), and STL (.stl).
no. 9
 WHERE SOLIDWORKS' SCANTO3D FITS IN
Both motion simulation and FEA
use a CAD assembly model as a
pre-requisite for analysis.
COSMOSFloWorks can also
determine whether the performance
of the oven will be more efficient if
the designer adds air flow
deflectors.
REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007
Most likely, you will want to import the data directly into SolidWorks by
clicking the SolidWorks button at the top of the ScanStudio window.
ScanStudio automatically shuts down and the scanned data is displayed
in the SolidWorks graphic window.
Once in SolidWorks, you have two different options of handling the
imported scanned data - cleaning it up and converting it into a surface;
using the Mesh Prep Wizard; or just converting it, using the Surface
Wizard.
To clean up the imported mesh or point cloud data, click on Tools,
ScanTo3D, and Mesh Prep Wizard. The wizard produces a mesh feature
that can later be used to create a surface or solid model. Select the data
you want to clean up by clicking on it, orienting it, set the degree of noise
(extraneous and not necessary) data removal, simplify the mesh by
reducing the mesh size, smooth and fill holes in the imported data, and
the data preparation is complete. Next, create a solid from the mesh,
either though Automatic Creation or Guided Creation, for better
controlling the shapes of the faces. If you choose Automatic Surface
Creation, you can set the degree of surface resolution you want and
preview it. The individual surface patches that were imported are knit
together as a SolidWorks surface model.
The surface model can then be used as reference geometry for defining
the shape of a surface or solid that you will create in SolidWorks using
sketches with splines, curves, etc.
Where SolidWorks' ScanTo3D Fits In
ScanTo3D is an add-in tool integrated into SolidWorks Office Premium
2007 for capturing and manipulating mesh or point cloud data resulting
from digitizing physical objects and using the scanned renditions to build
SolidWorks models. With ScanTo3D, you can ultimately convert just about
any shape into a solid model in SolidWorks. ScanTo3D can recognize
faceted machined parts, freeform shapes, and fit surfaces to scan data.
When opened, an appropriate mesh or cloud point data icon is displayed
in SolidWorks FeatureManager design tree.
ScanTo3D has several functions for handling scanned data that let you
sketch to physical points using the sketch and modeling tools in
SolidWorks. The scanned data acts as a reference for building parametric
solid models within the SolidWorks modeling environment. Additionally,
new surfacing wizards specific to ScanTo3D guide you through creating
parametric surfaces from scanned data, and each wizard method has
methods best suited for certain types of shapes, as well as inherent
advantages and disadvantages.
no. 10
 W H AT ' S N E X T ?
The SolidWorks CAD program
together with COSMOSWorks (FEA)
and COSMOSMotion (motion
simulation) as add-ins represents
the state-of-the-art in integrated
simulation tools.
REVERSE ENGINEERING COMES TO DESKTOP WITH SOLIDWORKS OFFICE PREMIUM 2007
ScanTo3D lets you open scan data in SolidWorks for using the data in the
following ways:
• Direct mesh referencing that lets you model directly against the mesh
using 2D and 3D sketch entities.
• Automatic surface creation that uses a surface wizard for converting a
scan mesh directly into a solid model automatically. This method is
better for prismatic, faceted shapes.
• Guided surface creation that also uses a surface wizard for fitting
faces to a mesh, trimming them, and knitting them into a solid model.
This method is better for complex, freeform shapes.
Although ScanTo3D is not yet a one-button, fully automatic, complete
reverse engineering tool, it is an affordable alternative to more expensive
packages and is well integrated into SolidWorks Office Premium 2007.
ScanTo3D is an efficient way for importing physical data into SolidWorks
as a reference for building a solid model. It is especially suited for
importing organic shapes that can be very difficult to model, and is good
for getting concepts down quickly when a reference to a complex shape
is more important than raw accuracy and detail that will likely change
during the design phase anyway.
What's Next?
Technologies such as SolidWorks' ScanTo3D are what will really provide
the convergence of physical and digital design. In other words, a true
concept part to digital art to production part methodology and workflow.
The ScanTo3D capability found exclusively in SolidWorks Office Premium
2007 is just the beginning. Look for the integration and the capabilities of
reverse engineering to continue to evolve and become more
comprehensive, not to mention more affordable and easier to use.
Keep in mind that the entire reverse engineering process is relatively new
for SolidWorks and its partners, and will continue to evolve significantly
from where it is today. Is it perfect? Not yet, but the process and levels of
integration will become much better defined with each release, providing
a much more capable toolset for reverse engineering.
If you thought sophisticated reverse engineering capabilities were beyond
your means, or your budget, think again because it's more affordable and
easier to implement than you think, and might very well provide the
impetus for finally switching from 2D to 3D, as you start and end the
entire process with 3D physical parts. With its partners, SolidWorks is
helping you get reverse engineering and all of the benefits it offers into
your workflow.
For More information on SolidWorks ScanTo3D, click on the following link:
http://solidworks.com/pages/products/solutions/ScanTo3D.html
no. 11
 Cloud Point

Mesh

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