Industry-leading reverse engineering software for converting 3D scan data into feature-based
and editable solid CAD models.
Geomagic Design X
Reverse engineering done right
Streamline your design and manufacturing workflows with the latest tools for reverse engineering. Scan virtually anything with Artec 3D scanners, and create production-ready designs with Geomagic Design X. Here, you can rebuild CAD data for legacy parts and tooling, recreate non-existent or lost CAD data for parts and molds, design new custom products, and document changes made post-prototype or manufacture.
The complete scan-to-CAD solution
Step 1: Capturing an object with one or multiple Artec 3D scanners
Depending on the accuracy and resolution you require or would like to achieve with your model, you can scan an object using one of Artec’s handheld, desktop, or tripod-based 3D scanners. If the object is particularly complex, you can use multiple scanners and merge the captured data in our scanning and processing software, Artec Studio.
Step 2: Processing, refining & optimizing data in Artec Studio
Once scanning is complete, the next step is to process the data in Artec Studio, where all captured frames will be precisely aligned to each other and fused into an accurate, highly detailed 3D model. If needed, you can further refine the model using mesh optimization and repair tools. It may also be necessary to reduce the number of polygons to simplify the data you’re working with, as well as align it to the global coordinate system. Then, you can export the model directly from Artec Studio to Design X.
Step 3: Creating a feature-based CAD model in Design X
Once in Design X, the mesh is ready to be reverse engineered into a solid CAD model. Depending on the model’s complexity and shape, this can require one or a mix of multiple workflows which include:
Mesh segmentation and extraction of solid or surface features, such as cones, cylinders, planes and others,
Building 2D or 3D sections and using standard CAD tools (extrusion, rotation, etc.) to create geometrical features, or
Auto-surfacing if the object you’re working with has an organic, free-form shape.
Step 4: Exporting the final CAD model for manufacturing or simulation
The final CAD-ready model can be compared to the mesh using Accuracy Analyzer, and then exported to any popular CAD platform such as SOLIDWORKS.
Solutions
Product design
Accelerate time to market by utilizing reverse engineering to combine off-the-shelf parts and assemblies with custom-designed parts.
Prototyping
Digitize hand-built prototypes commonly made using foam, cardboard, or modeling clay to accelerate the creation of production-ready designs.
Redesign and customization
Scan an existing part or an entire product to create a 3D reference for a brand new or customized product.
Additive manufacturing
Utilize initial design ideas for the parts that have been topologically optimized, and generate feature-based results available for further edit and use in CAD.
Optimization of supply chain
Create a digital database for key parts with high wear and tear, or parts that fail frequently, to shorten turnaround time and unify your expertise and manufacturing capabilities.
Casting
Quickly create production-ready 3D models for broken castings, and reproduce key components with 3D scanning and scan-based design.
Remanufacturing and maintenance
Use 3D scan data to manufacture replacement components and spares for expensive heavy equipment in the event of an emergency, and to keep them functioning efficiently.
Sheet metal stamping
3D scan stamping dies that have been modified after manufacturing to update the original CAD drawings and represent as-built conditions.
Design X + Artec scanners in action
High-precision 3D scanning for custom auto chassis design with Artec Eva
A leading high-performance chassis design specialist searched for a way to dramatically speed up their day-to-day project workflow without compromising on accuracy or safety.
Challenge: A leading high-performance chassis design specialist searched for a way to dramatically speed up their day-to-day project workflow without compromising on accuracy or safety
Solution: Artec Eva, Artec Studio, Geomagic Design X
Results: Savings of hours to days of work by 3D scanning with Artec Eva for digitally capturing auto bodies, parts, and components and designing perfectly-fitting, custom-built chassis & FEA-enhanced auto parts for racing and special projects, including SEMA
Redesigning an exhaust system with Artec Leo and Design X
In under one hour: a 3D scan from Artec Leo redesigned with Artec Studio and Design X.
Quick and easy 3D scan the underside of a Volvo XC90 and redesign the car’s exhaust system in CAD software.
Summary: An Artec Gold Reseller demonstrated how to quickly and easily 3D scan the underside of a Volvo XC90 and redesign the car’s exhaust system in CAD software.
The Goal: To use a wireless handheld 3D scanner to digitally capture the undercarriage of the Volvo in 10 minutes, then export the 3D model to Geomagic Design X and redesign the exhaust system in less than one hour.
Reverse engineering machine parts with Artec Eva and Design X
In order to retrofit a construction machine, two of its parts were 3D scanned, reverse engineered and milled to create new parts.
Summary: An international spare parts manufacturer-distributor needed to create replacement parts for a construction machine.
The Goal: To use a 3D scanner onsite, in a construction yard, and scan very large parts for use in future repairs. Due to the lack of a local power supply, scanning needed to be done with a battery pack.
Tools Used: Artec Eva, Space Spider, Geomagic Design X