Engineering

Depending on the situation we can offer you dissecting your part for scanning purposes or use CT if applicable.

For 3D scanning services our minimum order fee is $120.

• 4 to 400µm/voxel resolution
• Full inspection of large size samples
• Modular and micro-resolution capability
• 6 motion axis

Yes. This is one of CT scanners’ major points – to see into objects. This is the best solution for nondestructive quality control.

Yes with both the DeskTom and EasyTom CT scanners.  They both support metrology grade Computed Tomography (CT) inspection.  This provides nondestructive, 3D Scanning of Internal and External Geometries.  We use the Volume Graphics VGStudio Max high-end industrial CT software for the demanding of CT applications.

The scanners we use are as accurate as the industry offers – from anybody at any cost. We use Faro and Artec 3D scanners, in addition to Faro CMM type arms, including the Surveyor tables. Depending on what scanner we use:

• CT scanners – 4 to 400µm/voxel resolution
• Artec Portable scanners high accuracy (0.03 – 0.05mm)
• Artec Portable scanners high resolution (up to 0.15mm)
• Our CyberGage 360 – generates highly precise full 360 degrees automated scan with accuracy NIST traceable to approximately 7 microns
• The CyberGage 360 has a system repeatability of ±.005mm.
  

• Faro Arm – Very good for most parts, fast and accurate
• Turntable scanners – high accuracy, high detail, fast scanning. Great for smaller parts.
• Portable handheld – may be favorable for some larger parts – if not a tripod-mounted scanner.
• Long Range – these mount on a tripod, and are intended to scan buildings, plants, and other larger sized projects.
• Industrial CT scanners – incredibly expensive, but they offer two main benefits – the ability to inside an object (think of a void in a solid object), and their accuracy.  At this level, we are often in the ±.001” – ±.002” range, and often used in metrology scanning.

A point cloud is thousands if not millions of data points located in space by X, Y, Z coordinates. Images of this nature are often captured with Faro Focus or Artec scanners that specialize in large-area scanning.  Most likely you obtain building and territory plans in this file format.

‍

A polygon mesh is a set of triangles located in the same manner. These scans are obtained with Artec, Creaform, Enscan and other handheld scanners. Parts and reverse engineering device scans are usually polygon meshes.

It depends on the complexity of the scanned model and material properties. As, for example, it may be much more complicated to properly scan an object with a reflective surface, than a non-reflective surface. It also depends on three main factors:

1. the physical size of your part
2. the required scanning resolution
3. if industrial CT or metallurgy scanning is needed

Simple quick cell phone photos are worth a thousand words to us. To know for sure you can request a quote. It is of course, free – and treated as if an NDA is already in place.

Some averages:

• The typical 3D scan is somewhere around $200-400 per part.
• Tomographic (CT) scanning is $600-900 per part.

Because so much of our business is Aerospace related, our scanning – and the completed CAD file HAS to be within ±.005” anywhere on that part, we never use consumer-grade scanners. The scanners we use start at $25,000 and go up to $700,000 (CT) per scanner.

At any given time, we have in excess of $ 5 million just in scanning hardware we use. In addition, a hidden factor of scanning on any system is the assembly and clean up of any scan. The rule of thumb is a 2-1 ratio. So even with our experienced scanning staff, if we spend one-hour scanning; we will then spend an additional two hours of clean up and assembly before our CAD group gets the Point Cloud file to simulate or reverse engineer.

3D scanning captures the physical shape of an object. Scan to CAD converts that scan data into a usable CAD model for engineering,

manufacturing, inspection, or documentation.

‍

Yes. 3D scanning is commonly used for reverse engineering when original CAD files, drawings, or design data are missing or outdated.

‍

Common deliverables include point clouds, STL files, STEP files, IGES files, CATIA files, Siemens NX files, Creo files, SolidWorks files, Inventor files, inspection reports, and deviation maps.

‍

Yes. Professional 3D scanning can be sufficiently accurate for manufacturing, inspection, reverse engineering, and quality control when the appropriate scanning method and tolerance requirements are used.  Most of the time, we are good to within ±.005” of the object.

This also allows us to ‘fix’ a problem spot.  Consider a turbine with a broken blade, a worn blade, a broken edge, and more.

‍

3D scanning is the process of digitally capturing the exact size, shape, and geometry of a physical object using laser, structured light, or other optical scanning technologies. The resulting point cloud or mesh can be converted into editable CAD models, engineering drawings, inspection reports, or digital twins.

Outsourced CAD services are commonly used in aerospace, defense, automotive, medical devices, industrial equipment, consumer products, energy, maritime, and manufacturing industries. Companies often outsource CAD work to increase engineering capacity, accelerate project schedules, and access specialized software expertise.

Professional 3D scanning is commonly used for:

• Reverse engineering
• CAD model creation
• Point cloud to CAD conversion
• Quality inspection
• Digital twin creation
• Product redesign
• Legacy part digitization
• Manufacturing support
• Tooling verification
• Technical documentation

3D scanning is widely used in:

• Aerospace
• Defense
• Automotive
• Manufacturing
• Industrial equipment
• Medical devices
• Energy
• Heavy equipment
• Construction
• Consumer products

Scan-to-CAD is the engineering process of converting scanned point cloud or mesh data into accurate, fully editable CAD models that can be modified, manufactured, analyzed, or documented.

‍

Yes. We convert point clouds and mesh files into fully editable CAD models using CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, SolidWorks, Inventor, AutoCAD, and other leading engineering platforms.

‍

Reverse engineering combines 3D scanning with CAD engineering to recreate digital engineering data from an existing physical part when original CAD files or drawings no longer exist.

‍

A point cloud is a collection of millions of measured XYZ coordinate points captured by a 3D scanner. Engineers use this data to create CAD models, inspection reports, digital twins, and manufacturing documentation.

‍

Professional metrology-grade 3D scanners typically achieve accuracies ranging from approximately 0.020 mm to 0.100 mm, depending on the scanner technology, part size, material, and project requirements.

‍

We support virtually all major engineering formats, including:

• STEP
• IGES
• Parasolid
• CATIA
• Siemens NX
• Creo
• SolidWorks
• Inventor
• AutoCAD
• STL
• OBJ
• PLY
• E57
• JT
• DXF
• DWG

Yes. We perform large-scale 3D scanning for aircraft, industrial machinery, vehicles, production equipment, tooling, manufacturing fixtures, and large assemblies both on-site and in-house.  CAD / CAM Services has scanned entire aircraft, 10-story buildings, and even offshore oil rigs.

‍

Laser scanning is often preferred for larger objects and field applications, while structured light scanning typically provides exceptional accuracy for smaller precision components. The appropriate technology depends on your part size, accuracy requirements, and project goals.

‍

A digital twin is an accurate digital representation of a physical asset created from 3D scanning, CAD models, and engineering data. Digital twins support maintenance, modernization, simulation, lifecycle management, and predictive engineering.

‍

Yes. One of the primary applications of 3D scanning is recreating obsolete, damaged, or discontinued components when original engineering documentation is unavailable.

‍

Absolutely. Manufacturers use 3D scanning to verify part dimensions, inspect assemblies, compare manufactured parts against CAD models, validate tooling, and improve production quality through accurate inspection data.

‍

Yes. We perform on-site 3D scanning throughout North America using portable metrology-grade equipment. Customers may also ship parts to our engineering facilities for scanning.

‍

Pricing depends on factors such as part size, complexity, required accuracy, travel requirements, engineering effort, and final deliverables. Small projects may cost only a few hundred dollars, while large reverse-engineering and facility-scanning projects may require more extensive engineering effort.

‍

Many small scanning projects can be completed within a few business days. Larger reverse engineering, aerospace, industrial, or facility scanning projects typically require additional time depending on complexity and deliverables.

‍

Yes. In addition to creating CAD models, we produce complete manufacturing drawings, GD&T documentation, Model-Based Definition (MBD), Product Manufacturing Information (PMI), and Technical Data Packages (TDPs).

‍

Professional 3D scanning systems require a significant investment in equipment, software, training, and ongoing calibration. Outsourcing allows organizations to access experienced engineers, advanced scanning technology, and high-quality deliverables without the cost of owning and maintaining specialized equipment.

‍

Laser scanning is the preferred choice when capturing large objects, complex assemblies, or industrial environments where speed, range, and accuracy are essential. It works well for aircraft, vehicles, factory equipment, buildings, production lines, piping systems, tooling, and large manufactured components.

Laser scanners collect millions of measurement points while maintaining excellent accuracy over both short and long distances. They are commonly used for reverse engineering, quality inspection, as-built documentation, digital twin creation, modernization projects, and point cloud generation.

Laser scanning is especially valuable when you need to:

• Scan large or complex parts
• Capture existing conditions for engineering projects
• Reverse engineer obsolete components
• Create accurate CAD models
• Verify manufactured parts against CAD
• Document industrial facilities
• Support aircraft modernization programs
• Produce digital twins

For many industrial applications, laser scanning offers the best balance of accuracy, speed, portability, and scalability.

Structured light scanning is ideal when maximum accuracy and fine detail are required on small to medium-sized parts. Instead of using a laser, the scanner projects a series of light patterns onto the object and measures how those patterns distort to create an extremely detailed 3D model.

This technology is commonly used for precision manufacturing, tooling, molds, medical devices, consumer products, turbine blades, injection-molded parts, castings, and highly detailed mechanical components.

Structured light scanning is recommended when you need to:

• Capture intricate surface details
• Inspect precision-machined parts
• Reverse engineer complex geometry
• Verify tight manufacturing tolerances
• Scan delicate or highly detailed components
• Create high-resolution CAD models

For small precision components, structured light scanning often delivers exceptional detail and repeatability.

Industrial CT (Computed Tomography) scanning should be used when you need to inspect or reverse engineer both the external and internal geometry of a part without cutting it open or damaging it.

Unlike laser or structured light scanners, CT scanners capture hidden internal features such as cooling passages, internal cavities, wall thicknesses, porosity, cracks, and assembled components. This makes CT scanning invaluable for complex castings, injection-molded parts, additive-manufactured components, medical devices, electronics, and aerospace hardware.

Industrial CT scanning is ideal for:

• Internal feature inspection
• Failure analysis
• Non-destructive testing
• Reverse engineering complex assemblies
• Wall thickness analysis
• Porosity detection
• Casting inspection
• Mold validation
• Quality control
• Product development

When internal geometry is just as important as external dimensions, industrial CT scanning is often the most effective solution.

Photogrammetry is the preferred technology for capturing extremely large objects or environments using high-resolution photographs. Specialized software combines hundreds or thousands of overlapping images to generate an accurate 3D model or point cloud.

Photogrammetry is particularly useful for projects involving buildings, bridges, ships, aircraft exteriors, mining operations, construction sites, historical structures, and large industrial facilities where traditional scanning methods may be less practical.

Typical applications include:

• Building documentation
• Infrastructure surveys
• Construction progress monitoring
• Historic preservation
• Mining operations
• Large facility documentation
• Civil engineering projects
• Terrain mapping
• Large aircraft documentation
• Outdoor industrial assets

Photogrammetry is often combined with laser scanning to produce comprehensive digital models that balance engineering accuracy with efficient coverage of large areas.

A digital twin should be created whenever an organization needs a continuously accurate digital representation of a physical asset to support engineering, operations, maintenance, or modernization throughout its lifecycle.

Digital twins are developed using 3D scanning, CAD modeling, engineering documentation, inspection data, and operational information to create a comprehensive digital model that mirrors the real-world asset.

Organizations commonly create digital twins for:

• Aircraft modernization
• Manufacturing facilities
• Industrial machinery
• Energy infrastructure
• Production lines
• Buildings and campuses
• Oil and gas facilities
• Transportation assets
• Military equipment
• Long-term asset management

A digital twin enables engineers to perform design updates, simulate changes, plan maintenance, monitor asset conditions, improve manufacturing processes, and preserve engineering knowledge without relying solely on physical equipment. For organizations managing complex or aging assets, digital twins reduce risk, improve decision-making, and support long-term operational efficiency.

Since 1988, CAD/CAM Services has provided professional engineering support for reverse engineering, CAD modeling, point cloud-to-CAD conversion, digital modernization, and legacy data conversion. Our experienced engineering team supports aerospace, defense, manufacturing, industrial equipment, and government organizations with high-accuracy deliverables and rapid turnaround times.

We can provide ±.005” aerospace quality for every model. CT scanned parts can have even higher precision up to ±.001”.

We need to know whether you need your parts to be scanned by us. Or many times we can work with 3D scans provided by third-party companies.  The quality of the scan is everything in our business. Anyway, we strongly advise you to use us for both the scanning and the CAD conversion aspects.  That way, we can control the quality. Sometimes we receive poor quality scans which make it impossible to create truly Cad Perfect™ models for you.  By all means, send us a couple of even cell phone photos, and the rough size of the object.  Most of the time, this will provide us enough information to provide a real bid.

The price depends on the part complexity, size, as well as the target file parametres. We need to know whether you need full parametric models, and your desired accuracy. If you tell us the purpose of reverse-engineered models, we can often provide you with possible solutions. The target CAD software may change the price as well. This includes sophisticated Workstation add-on products such as Composites, Catia electrical wiring, mold design, and others.

It all depends on the part’s complexity, size and structure.

Reverse engineering is the process of analyzing an existing physical object, product, component, assembly, or system to understand its design, dimensions, materials, and functionality so it can be recreated, modified, documented, or manufactured again.

In the CAD and engineering world, reverse engineering typically involves converting a physical part into accurate 3D CAD models, 2D drawings, and engineering documentation.

We often:  1) Capture Existing Data by 3D scanning, 2) create a Digital model, often called a Point Cloud, 3) build a 3D model, and 4) produce the required engineering documentation.

Typical Accuracy Ranges

Hand Measurements (Calipers, Micrometers) ±0.001" to ±0.010"

Structured Light Scanning ±0.001" to ±0.005"

Laser Scanning ±0.002" to ±0.010"

Photogrammetry ±0.010" to ±0.100"+

CMM Measurement ±0.0001" to ±0.001"

Hybrid Scan + CMM Validation ±0.0005" to ±0.002"

‍

For aerospace, medical, and precision manufacturing applications, a combination of 3D scanning and CMM inspection is often used to achieve the highest accuracy.

Also, there can be two parts to this answer: 1) The accuracy of the scanner, and then 2) if we are going all the way to an editable feature-rich CAD file.  If we are going all the way to the CAD file, we are within ±.005” of any Point Cloud data.

Many people use the terms 3D scanning and reverse engineering interchangeably, but they are not the same thing.

3D scanning is the process of capturing an object's geometry. Reverse engineering is the process of converting that captured data into usable engineering information, such as CAD models, drawings, and manufacturing documentation.

Simple Explanation

Think of it this way:

• 3D Scanning = Data Collection = a picture of 1,000,000 dots in 3D space
• Reverse Engineering = Engineering Reconstruction = a feature rich, editable CAD Perfect® CAD file.

A 3D scanner captures the shape of an object. Reverse engineering transforms that shape into an intelligent, editable CAD model that engineers and manufacturers can use.

Yes. In fact, most reverse engineering projects begin with no drawings, CAD files, or engineering documentation at all.

Engineers can reverse engineer a part using the physical component itself, measurements, 3D scanning, inspection equipment, and engineering analysis to recreate the original design.

Yes. Reverse engineering obsolete parts is one of the most common reasons organizations pursue reverse engineering services.

When original manufacturers no longer support a component—or when CAD files, drawings, tooling, and engineering records have been lost—reverse engineering can recreate the engineering data needed to manufacture replacement parts and extend the life of critical equipment.

Why Obsolete Parts Need Reverse Engineering

Organizations often face situations where:

• The original manufacturer is no longer in business.
• Replacement parts are unavailable.
• CAD files and drawings have been lost.
• Legacy equipment remains operational and critical.
• Lead times for replacement equipment are too long.
• Modern equivalents are incompatible with existing systems.

Rather than replacing an entire machine, reverse engineering allows companies to reproduce the specific component that has become unavailable.

Typical Reverse Engineering Cost Ranges

Simple Part $500–$2,500

Mechanical Assembly $2,000–$15,000

Tool & Die Reverse Engineering $5,000–$50,000+

Point Cloud to CAD $1,000–$100,000+

Aircraft & Defense Projects Custom Quote

‍

Factors That Influence Cost

Part Complexity

A simple machined block with a few holes may require only a few hours of engineering effort, while a complex casting with freeform surfaces can require significantly more modeling time.

Part Size

Larger parts generally require:

• More scanning time
• More measurement data
• More CAD reconstruction effort

Yes. Reverse engineering is often the first step in creating a Digital Twin, especially when original CAD models, engineering drawings, or product data are unavailable.

A Digital Twin is a digital representation of a physical asset that accurately reflects its geometry, structure, and, in many cases, its operational behavior. Reverse engineering provides the engineering data needed to build that digital representation.

How Reverse Engineering Supports Digital Twin Creation

When an organization has a legacy asset with limited or missing documentation, engineers can:

1. Capture the physical asset using 3D scanning and measurement technologies.
2. Create accurate CAD models through reverse engineering.
3. Generate engineering documentation and metadata.
4. Integrate the resulting models into simulation, PLM, BIM, IoT, or asset management systems.
5. Establish a Digital Twin that can be updated throughout the asset's lifecycle.

• CATIA
• Siemens NX
• PTC Creo
• SolidWorks
• Autodesk Inventor

Yes. Manufacturing drawings can be created from a scanned part, but the process involves more than simply scanning the component.

A 3D scan captures the physical geometry of the part, while engineers use reverse engineering techniques to create an accurate CAD model and generate production-ready manufacturing drawings.

The final drawing package may include:

• Orthographic views
• Dimensions
• Tolerances
• GD&T
• Material specifications
• Surface finish requirements
• Notes and callouts
• Bill of Materials (BOM)

Yes. Aerospace and defense reverse engineering is a specialized engineering service used to recreate, modernize, and support legacy aircraft, military systems, ground support equipment, tooling, and mission-critical components when original engineering data is unavailable or obsolete.

Organizations throughout the aerospace and defense industries use reverse engineering to maintain operational readiness, extend service life, and create modern digital engineering assets for aging platforms.

• Reverse engineering specialists since 1988
• Millions of CAD models completed
• 100+ engineers and drafters
• CATIA, NX, Creo, SolidWorks, and Inventor experts
• Aerospace, defense, industrial, and government experience
• U.S.-based engineering team
• ITAR-capable projects
• Model-Based Definition (MBD) expertise
• Digital Twin and engineering modernization support

In most cases, yes. CAD/CAM Services can reverse engineer nearly any physical component, assembly, tool, mold, aircraft structure, industrial machine component, or legacy product. We work from physical parts, point clouds, STL files, photographs, legacy drawings, PDF documents, scanned blueprints, and existing CAD data.

Whether you need a simple replacement bracket or a complete aircraft assembly recreated in CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, SolidWorks, or Inventor, our engineering team can develop the CAD models, manufacturing drawings, and engineering documentation required for production, maintenance, modernization, or Digital Twin initiatives.

The ideal starting point is a physical part or assembly. However, we can also work from:

• Existing CAD files
• STL or mesh data
• Point cloud data
• Legacy engineering drawings
• PDF documents
• Photographs
• Inspection reports
• Technical manuals
• Tooling and molds

If multiple samples are available, they can help identify wear, manufacturing variation, and original design intent.

‍

Project duration depends primarily on part size, complexity, accuracy requirements, and deliverables.

Typical turnaround times include:

Rush services are available for critical manufacturing, maintenance, and defense requirements.

Depending on project requirements, deliverables may include:

• Native CATIA CAD Models
• Siemens NX Models
• Creo Models
• SolidWorks Models
• Autodesk Inventor Models
• STEP Files
• IGES Files
• Parasolid Files
• Manufacturing Drawings
• GD&T Documentation
• Product Manufacturing Information (PMI)
• Model-Based Definition (MBD)
• Technical Data Packages (TDP)
• Point Cloud Data
• Digital Twin Models
• Inspection Reports

Reverse engineering is commonly used in:

• Aerospace
• Defense
• Industrial Equipment
• Manufacturing
• Energy
• Automotive
• Shipbuilding
• Transportation
• Medical Devices
• Government Agencies

Organizations rely on reverse engineering to support modernization, sustainment, replacement parts, Digital Twin development, and engineering data recovery initiatives.

Many organizations operate equipment that remains mission-critical long after OEM support has ended.

Common reasons include:

• Lost CAD files
• Missing engineering drawings
• Discontinued replacement parts
• Legacy military systems
• Aging manufacturing equipment
• Long lead times for replacement assets

Reverse engineering allows companies to recreate accurate CAD models and manufacturing documentation so replacement components can be manufactured and supported for years to come.

Yes. Reverse engineering is often the first step in creating a Digital Twin of existing equipment, facilities, tooling, aircraft, vehicles, or industrial assets.

By creating accurate CAD models and engineering documentation from physical assets, organizations establish the digital foundation required for:

• Digital Twin programs
• Digital Thread initiatives
• Lifecycle management
• Predictive maintenance
• Asset management
• Engineering data modernization

Since 1988, CAD/CAM Services has focused exclusively on creating CAD data and engineering documentation for manufacturers, aerospace companies, defense contractors, government organizations, and industrial clients.

Our team of over 100 engineers and CAD specialists has completed millions of CAD models and supports CATIA, Siemens NX, Creo, SolidWorks, Inventor, and numerous neutral CAD formats.

Whether the project involves a single replacement part or a multi-year engineering modernization initiative, we provide the expertise necessary to convert physical assets into accurate digital engineering data.