Reverse Engineering


Reverse Engineering is the process of using a sample item to develop the engineering specification needed to manufacture the item.  A related option is to develop alternate technical data that could be used in place of restricted drawings.  Reverse Engineering is relatively expensive and time consuming, best considered as a last resort.  Our Team has many tools to help in these tasks:

Computer Aided Design (CAD)
Computer Aided Design software packages allow engineers to develop drawings and models.  These drawings can be 2-Dimensional, 3-Dimensional, or even solid models.

Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)
A Coordinate Measuring Machine is an automated measurement tool that can measure complex surfaces, such as an airfoil.  Measurement accuracies are better than 0.0003 inches.  Our CMM can accurately generate most of the measurement data needed to create a CAD drawing or a solid model.

Measurement Tools
Value Engineering has a wide range of measurement tools such items as calipers, micrometers, and digital protractors.

Gauges
A gauge is a standard for measuring dimensions (e.g., thread gauges).

Surface Roughness Tester
A surface roughness tester is a tool that is used to determine the surface finish of a part.  Different surface finishes have a cost associated with them.  The smoother finishes are more expensive to produce.

Our Value Engineering staff has the expertise to apply these tools to reverse engineering tasks, produce quality technical data packages, and finished parts that will suit the need.