Use of Reverse Engineering in Aerospace Industry

Reverse engineering of aerospace components is not new in the industry. It is combined process of scanning old parts/tools/molds and convert those scans into 3D models for further enhancement.
One of the major hurdles in aerospace industry is designing of associated hard tooling at lowest possible cost. Many aircrafts made 40 years ago are still in operation and hard tooling for various airplane parts is vital for repair and retrofit. Tooling is the standard for building parts because drawings and CAD models are not available or have become obsolete. For any aerospace or aircraft making company it is of utmost importance to keep aging airplane flying to save cost rather than invest in building new airplane. Cutting down hard tooling costs is vital to improve profit margins.
Reverse engineering of aerospace components is not new in the industry. It is combined process of scanning old parts/tools/molds and convert those scans into 3D models for further enhancement. Several types of Reverse engineering software (RapidForm, IGES, and Inventor) are used to generate core 3D CAD model and the manufacturing drawings are prepared to replicate existing or obsolete part. Reverse engineering process is the most inexpensive and speedy technique to reduce the costs of mold design and tooling. Digitization allows easy transfer of data among various departments and makes it easy to produce part on demand.
Today, with use of sophisticated reverse engineering techniques aerospace parts can be remodeled or reproduced within one working day! Thanks to state-of-the-art infrastructure provided by reverse engineering companies and cutting-edge 3D laser scanners available in the market. However cost of acquiring such costly scanners and CAD software forces aerospace industry to outsource some of the work to experienced team and focus on core activity of designing and maintenance.
Reverse engineering plays crucial role in analyzing Aerodynamic computational fluid dynamics (CFD) applications for evaluating performance of various aircraft parts. Solidworks and ANSYS CFD simulations can be carried out to make corrections to the prototype and improve time-to-market. This results in reduced manpower, less costs and flexibility in design.
Reverse engineering services promises to collaborate various design departments such as Scanning, CAD, FEA, CFD, CAE, Tooling and Mold rendering easy exchange of data. This includes Material and Surface Analysis data, Prototyping details, 3D Scan to CAD Conversion and 3D CAD Modeling. Cloning and Duplication of various physical parts requires reverse engineering techniques for higher accuracy, manufacturability and economy.
This article is composed and contributed by Martin Brett who works for Reverse Engineering Services Firm - a trusted Engineering services company that provides quality services in the area of Product design, Reverse engineering, Rapid prototyping and CAD 3D Modeling to its clients in USA, Canada & across the globe. More Details at: http://www.reverseengineeringoutsourcing.com