Reverse Engineering to Parametric Model with History Tree
The reverse engineering with parametric modeling technique allows us to convert a 3D scan into the native CAD format of whatever CAD software our client is using. The entire history tree is contained within the CAD model, allowing all of its parameters to be changed by our client once they receive the file.
The parametric model is not a copy of the original part, but instead is an idealized and optimized version, we correct all manufacturing defects of the 3D scanned part according to engineering standards. The reverse engineering is done inside the same CAD software and software version number the client uses to guarantee optimal compatibility.
Parametric CAD model (left) compared to 3D scan (right)
How Does the Reverse Engineering to Parametric Model Work?
First, we use the technique “Reverse engineering to solid model” to convert the original 3D scan into a solid model as accurately as possible. This solid model is then imported into the exact same CAD software the client uses.
Based on this solid model, we use the reverse engineering with parametric modeling technique to recreate the CAD model inside the client’s specified CAD software. The entire process is, therefore, a double reverse engineering process.
Depending on the degree of optimization, the parametric CAD model has a deviation between 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm compared to the original 3D scan.
Parametric CAD model with a history tree (here using FreeCAD as an example)
The goal
The goal of reverse engineering with parametric modeling is the creation of a CAD model with a corresponding history tree in the native CAD software of the client.
Keep in mind that the “reverse engineering to parametric model with a history tree” is an optimized form of the 3D scan. For example, a scanned angle of 89° is corrected by us to an angle of 90°. Inaccuracies are corrected according to engineering standards.
This reverse engineering technique is the prerequisite for a technical drawing.
Real world example
Let’s say a client works in the CAD Software “FreeCAD.” Based on the 3D Scan, we do the reverse engineering with parametric modeling of the part in the CAD software “FreeCAD” and output the data, including the history tree of the part, in the native FreeCAD format (FCStd).
Holocreators offers this reverse engineering service to paramatric model with a history tree for every CAD Software on the market.
3D scan of the part with the structured light 3D scanner "GOM Core”
Advantages and Disadvantages of the Reverse Engineering to Parametric Model
The model has a history tree. All parameters can be controlled and adjusted in the client’s own CAD software
Output in any CAD format and for any CAD software on the market.
The model has a perfect geometry because it's parametrically designed.
Small file size because the parametric CAD model is very efficiently designed.
Basis for the creation of a technical drawing.
Documentation of the accuracy of the parametric CAD model in comparison to the original 3D scan by providing a deviation analysis.
The Reverse engineering with parametric modeling is time consuming, because as an intermediate step, a solid model is first created that exactly replicates the 3D scan. Based on this solid model, a parametric model is created in the native CAD format of the client.
The accuracy of this technique is lower than other reverse engineering methods. Depending on the degree of optimization of the part geometry, deviations of 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm occur between the 3D scan and the parametric CAD model.
Download the sample data
FreeCAD is a free CAD program. You can view the CAD data there and decide whether this reverse engineering method is suitable for your application.
Deviation analysis that compares the original 3D scan with the parametric CAD model generated by reverse engineering
We have prepared all the 3D data of our sample reverse engineering project for you to download: the original 3D scan, the parametric model with history tree in FreeCAD, and the deviation report.
The Reverse engineering to parametric model with history tree is the most complex process to convert a 3D scan into a CAD model. With this Reverse Engineering technique, we create an idealized and optimized CAD model in which all inaccuracies have been removed and all geometries have been adapted according to the engineering standards. The parametric CAD model contains a history tree, which is important for later modification of the model.
Parametric CAD model with dimensioning
Overlay of the original 3D scan with the generated parametric model
We can create a parametric model for any CAD software on the market and coordinate the correct version number of the software with the customer. Reverse engineering to parametric model with history tree is the basis for the creation of a technical drawing.
Reverse engineering to parametric modeling with a history tree involves converting a 3D scan into your native CAD format. The finished CAD model thus contains a history tree, and you can adjust all parameters yourself in your own CAD program. A technical drawing can be derived from the parametric CAD model with little effort.
For reverse engineering to parametric model with a history tree, the 3D scan data should be available in a STL format or a point cloud format. Both are standard formats for 3D scans. If a 3D scan is not yet available, we at Holocreators will be happy to 3D scan your parts.
Reverse engineering to parametric modeling is based on reverse engineering to solid model. In the first step, the 3D scan is converted as accurately as possible into a solid model. Based on this solid model, the parametric model with a history tree is then generated in the same CAD software that the you use. All geometric elements are adapted according to industry standards.
Reverse engineering to parametric model with a history tree is accurate. On average there are deviations of 0.05 mm to 0.25 mm between the original 3D scan and the generated parametric model. The amount of deviation is influenced by the degree of desired geometry optimization.
After Reverse engineering to parametric modeling with a history tree, the data is provided in your native CAD format. For example, say you work with the CAD software “FreeCAD.” The data would be exported in the native data format of FreeCAD, which is FCstd.
Holocreators offers this service for every CAD program that exists on the market. It is important that we agree with the customer in advance on the correct version number of the CAD software so that the finished data can be provided perfectly formatted.
With every reverse engineering to parametric model with a history tree, we create a deviation analysis. With this report, you can easily see how far the parametric model deviates from the original 3D scan.
Do you need a 3D scan converted into a parametric model?
Holocreators offers professional 3D-scanning and reverse engineering services. We would love to help you with your project and advise you on creating a parametric CAD model with a history tree from a 3D Scan.
