Reverse engineering refers to the process in which an exact replica of an existing vehicle part is created using modern optical and tactile measuring systems. The aim is for this part to fit perfectly into an existing system.
Especially with older models in military use, the procurement of spare parts can be a difficult process. This is where reverse engineering comes in: If 3D scans of cars or other military vehicles or drawings of a specific component are missing, design elements of a component are captured and then converted into precise CAD data sets using reverse engineering. The data is captured using photo-optical and laser-based 3D scanners as well as photogrammetry for larger objects. A prototype can initially be created from these data records and, after checking it in the initial sample test report, a faithful reproduction of the required part can be produced.
Reverse engineering is also part of the development process for new parts and overall concepts. As early as the planning phase, modules provided are subjected to the measurement process described above and detailed models are created on the computer that can be incorporated into the production process. This ensures that new or modified parts are compatible with the original vehicle. With reverse engineering and 3D scans of cars and other vehicles, for example, lighter or more stable parts can be designed and manufactured.
