Holocreators Blog

In e-commerce, product returns and conversion rates are crucial. 3D models better communicate the product to the customer, making the shopping experience more exciting and the online shop more efficient. For a 3D online shop, 3D models of all products are needed. These can either be 3D modeled from scratch or created more cost-effectively and truer-to-life with 3D scanning.

We digitally repaired the broken clothes rail holder of an IKEA closet and then 3D-printed it in plastic. We first 3D-scanned the original broken part using a 3D CT scanner (computed tomography 3D scanner). Afterward, we reconstructed the 3D scan using reverse engineering and thus repaired it. The finished file was 3D-printed inside a laser sintering 3D printer.

SLM is a 3D printing process in which metal powder is fused by laser, creating a new object layer by layer. SLM stands for (Selective Laser Melting), which means that the laser selectively melts the metal powder only where the solid material is needed. In the end, the finished object can be removed from the powder bed.

Reverse engineering is required whenever a 3D scan (STL format) needs to be converted into a CAD model (STEP format). We will give you a brief overview of three different reverse engineering techniques.

Wire EDM is a process for cutting metal. It is used to cut metal 3D prints from their base plate. When 3D printing on metal, the printed part becomes one with the base plate on which it is printed. To separate the two without damaging the part, a precise cutting process is needed. This is where wire EDM shines.