Obsolete and undocumented parts
The original maker is gone or the drawings never existed. We recover the geometry from the part itself.
No drawing needed.We start from the part.
We scan worn, obsolete and undocumented components and rebuild them as clean CAD, drawings and inspection reports, ready to print, machine or modify.
The part exists.The data doesn't.
Missing CAD, undocumented changes and complex surfaces stop a part from being reproduced. Scanning records the real geometry. Reverse engineering turns it into a model you can build from.
Three jobs, one measured reference.
- Capture. Record the as-built shape of the part, including wear and damage, as a registered mesh.
- Reconstruct. Rebuild nominal geometry as editable CAD, using mating parts and function to settle design intent.
- Compare. Measure the part against its CAD or drawing and show every deviation on a colour map.
Before we scan, we agree which features matter and what the data has to do next, so you get a model fit for purpose rather than a raw point cloud.
When scanningsaves the project.
Most of our scanning work starts with a part that has to keep running and a supplier who can no longer help.
Worn and damaged parts
We separate the measured wear from the geometry the part should have, then rebuild the nominal shape.
Fit to existing assemblies
Capture the surrounding geometry so new housings, brackets and covers fit first time.
Inspection against CAD
Compare a manufactured or in-service part with its design and see exactly where it differs.
Multiple scanners.Matched to the part.
Small fine-featured parts, mid-size components and large structures each need a different capture method. We run several and choose by size, surface and access.
Creaform HandySCAN 3D BLACK
- Accuracy
- Up to 0.025 mm
- Measurement rate
- Up to 1,300,000 measurements/s
- Weight
- 0.94 kg, 22 blue laser lines
SCANOLOGY NimbleTrack Gen2
- Accuracy
- Up to 0.025 mm system accuracy
- Tracking distance
- Up to 4.2 m, no markers on the part
- Best for
- Large parts, assemblies and on-site measurement
SCANOLOGY SIMSCAN
- Accuracy
- Up to 0.020 mm
- Weight
- 570 g, palm-sized
- Best for
- Fine features, deep slots and confined spaces
Accuracy figures are manufacturer specifications. The accuracy of a finished model also depends on part size, surface, access and alignment, which we review before we confirm the job.
The right datafor the next step.
A mesh, a parametric model, a drawing and an inspection report do different jobs. Choose the output and we scope the scan around it.
Processed scan mesh
A cleaned, registered polygon mesh of the measured surface. The quickest output, and the right one when you need a record of the part as it is.
- Formats
- STL, OBJ or another agreed mesh format
- Use it for
- As-built records, visualisation, printing a direct copy, or a reference for further design
- We agree first
- Coverage, alignment and how inaccessible surfaces are treated
Parametric CAD
Solid or surface geometry rebuilt from the scan, with feature-based modelling where the part allows it. Edit it, change it and manufacture from it.
- Formats
- STEP, IGES or your CAD system's native format where agreed
- Use it for
- Design changes, new mating parts, 3D printing or machining
- We agree first
- Critical features, design intent and how wear or damage is corrected
2D engineering drawings
Dimensioned drawings produced from the reconstructed model, so the part can be quoted, made and checked by any supplier, including us.
- Formats
- PDF, with DWG or DXF where requested
- Use it for
- Procurement, machining, inspection and your own document control
- We agree first
- Drawing standard, tolerances to show and which dimensions are critical
Colour-map deviation report
The scan is aligned to your CAD and every surface is coloured by how far it sits from nominal, with callouts on the features you care about.
- Formats
- PDF report with deviation views and feature checks
- Use it for
- First-part checks, wear analysis and supplier or repair verification
- We agree first
- Reference revision, datum alignment, tolerances and report coverage
What to sendwith your enquiry.
Clear photos and a sentence on what the data is for are enough to start. The more of this you share, the faster we can quote.
- Photos and size. Clear photographs, approximate dimensions and the quantity of parts.
- Existing data. Any CAD, drawings or revision references, even if incomplete or out of date.
- Function and interfaces. What the part does and which mating parts or features must fit.
- Condition. Known wear, damage, material and surface finish.
- Accuracy and reporting. Tolerances, comparison criteria and the features to report.
- Output and timing. Preferred file formats, where the part is located and when you need it.
Scan today.Print the part next.
Because scanning, engineering and production sit in the same Jebel Ali facility, the model goes straight to our printers without changing hands.
- Reverse engineer
- Rebuild the part in CAD and correct worn or damaged features.
- Produce it in FDM, SLS or metal on our own industrial systems.
- Verify
- Scan the printed part and compare it with the model before it ships.
- Repeat
- Keep the controlled file so the next order needs no new measurement.
A labyrinth cage,rebuilt from a scan.
We scanned an existing oil and gas valve cage to capture its external geometry and fit. Consultant 3D Energy adapted the design for additive manufacturing, and the part was produced in metal with technology partner Eplus3D.
- Under 3 weeks
- From design to printed part, including specimen testing
- 18% lower part cost
- Reported against the conventional part for this published project
- Digital part
- The customer kept a digital version for future engineering and repair
Scanning questionswe hear first.
Anything else? See all FAQs
What is the difference between a scan and a CAD model?
A scan is measured surface geometry, stored as a polygon mesh. A CAD model is rebuilt from that mesh as editable solids or surfaces. Tell us whether you need a reference mesh, editable CAD, drawings or a comparison report.
Can you work without original drawings?
Yes. The part itself is the starting point. Mating parts and a description of its function help us establish critical features. Original tolerances and material properties cannot be read from a scan, so we review them with you.
What if the part is worn or damaged?
We can model it exactly as it is, or rebuild the nominal geometry it should have. Rebuilding nominal shape uses mating parts, symmetry and your input, and we agree those assumptions before modelling.
How accurate will my model be?
Our scanners are rated up to 0.020 to 0.025 mm by their manufacturers. The accuracy of the finished model also depends on part size, surface, access and alignment, so we confirm what is achievable for your part before we start.
Can you scan shiny, dark or internal surfaces?
Reflective, dark or transparent areas may need a temporary surface treatment or a different capture approach. Optical scanners need line of sight, so hidden internal features are reviewed before we agree coverage.
Can you scan on site?
Yes. All our scanners are portable, and the wireless NimbleTrack suits large parts and assemblies that cannot be moved. Tell us where the part is located when you enquire.
Can the CAD be used to make a replacement part?
Yes, and we can print it for you. Material, tolerances and fit are confirmed for that use. For aviation parts, design approval and release documentation are handled separately from the scanning work.
From scanto finished part.
Industrial 3D Printing
FDM, SLS and metal printing for replacement parts, production and prototypes.
Explore 3D printing
Finishing & Inspection
Painting, inserts, assembly and dimensional checks with records that travel with the part.
Explore finishing
All capabilities
See how scanning, engineering, printing and finishing work together under one roof.
View capabilitiesBring us the part.
Send a drawing, a CAD file, or photographs and the old part. Tell us what it does, how many you need and when.