Reverse Engineering Services
We are a UK-based reverse engineering services provider with 30+ years of experience, trusted by aerospace and automotive suppliers. We convert physical parts into production ready 3D CAD models giving you reliable data for manufacture, modification, and product development.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified • 0.003 mm Measurement Accuracy • 30+ Years Experience
See the Transformation
Physical part to production-ready parametric CAD model. Slide to compare.
Uses For Our Reverse Engineering Services
Every project is different, but the goal is the same: turning your physical parts into usable CAD models. Here are some of the most common reasons our customers come to us.
Manufacturing Legacy Parts
Many older parts pre-date modern manufacturing and were never designed in CAD. We can create new models for your parts, ensuring any undocumented design changes are included in the final design.
Replace Discontinued Parts
If the original manufacturer no longer exists, we can reverse engineer the obsolete part so you can source replacements, protecting your business continuity.
Repair Broken Machinery
Need to repair a worn or broken component from your machine tool? We can come to your site with our portable 3D scanner to capture your part, then produce an accurate CAD model for you to re-manufacture a replacement.
Document Current Designs
Does your design match reality? We can document what your production process is actually making. This enables you to digitally analyse your parts (FEA/stress analysis) as well as giving you updated models for manufacture.
Competitor Analysis
Need a digital representation of your competitor’s parts? We can help. Whether you suspect them of infringing on your patent or want to understand their methods, we can create detailed models for analysis.
Design Compatibility
If you need to ensure your design can interface with third-party components but cannot obtain CAD models for them, we can create detailed placeholder models so your design fits and works with these parts.
Experience Across Industry
Reverse engineering is not limited to a particular industry. Our experience includes components from automotive and motorsport, aerospace and defence, energy and power generation, agriculture, industrial machinery and general manufacturing, as well as specialist engineering applications.
Every industry has its own standards, working practices and expectations. Our experience across these sectors means we can adapt our approach to suit your requirements and work within the conventions of your industry.
Have a part you need reverse engineered?
Upload photos and get a no-obligation quote.
Most projects are quoted from a few photos and a brief description of your project.
What to send us:
- Photos of the component from several angles
- What you need the CAD model for
- Any accuracy, file format or deadline requirements
Prefer to talk first? Call: +44 (0)1623 491700
What We Reverse Engineer
Different components need different approaches. The geometry, manufacturing process, condition of the part and intended use of the CAD model all influence how the component is measured and recreated.
Reverse Engineering by Manufacturing Method
Cast Components
We can reverse engineer both the raw casting and subsequent machined features, accounting for the original casting geometry, machining datums and alignment between the two.
Forged Components
We can reverse engineer both the as-forged component and subsequent machined features, accounting for draft angles, die alignment and the relationship between forged and machined features.
Machined Components
Datums, function and GD&T are key considerations when measuring and modelling machined components, using high-precision equipment to accurately capture critical features.
Moulded Components
Injection moulded components require consideration of draft angles, parting lines and other features introduced by the moulding process, so they can be distinguished from the intended geometry.
By Component Types
Our reverse engineering experience covers a broad range of component types and applications. The examples below illustrate some of the components we have reverse engineered for our customers.
Casings, Housings & Enclosures
Machined parts · gearbox casings · pump casings · valve bodies · housings · plastic enclosures
Rotating Components
Impellers · pump impellers · shafts · turbine wheels · blisks · integrally bladed rotors (IBRs)
Blades, Vanes & Aerofoils
Compressor blades · turbine blades · inlet guide vanes · outlet guide vanes · nozzle segments
Flow & Fluid Components
Industrial valves · hydraulic components · inlet manifolds · exhaust manifolds
Tooling, Moulds & Dies
Mould tools · dies · production tooling · legacy tooling
Not Listed?
If your component is not listed, we can still help. Send us some details or photographs and we can advise on the best approach.
Our Reverse Engineering Process
We take your part, measure it, and turn it into a 3D model you can use for 3D printing, manufacturing, or further design work.
Step 1
Data Capture
Our engineers assess your component’s geometry and required accuracy to determine the most suitable approach. They will use a combination of 3D Scanning, CMM Inspection, and hand tool measurements to complete the project efficiently.
Step 2
CAD Modelling
Our engineer will reverse engineer a parametric CAD model based on all the measurement data to create a design intent model. Alternatively, we can use NURBS surfaces to create a model that represents your part’s exact geometry, including any imperfections.
Step 3
Delivery
We deliver your CAD model in your chosen format:
- Neutral formats (STEP, IGES, STL)
- Native CAD formats (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Autodesk Fusion, Parasolid)
You own the model to use however you wish.
Want to understand the technical process in detail? Read how reverse engineering works.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a reverse engineering job usually take?
Typically jobs take around 1 week, depending on the complexity. If you have a specific deadline, let us know and we’ll do our best to help.
Do you offer on-site scanning or do parts need to be sent in?
We offer both: we can scan your part on-site for large/installed items or you can send the part to our facility for scanning and inspection.
What file format will I receive my model in?
We can provide models in most neutral CAD formats including STEP and IGES. We can also supply models in various native formats including Solidworks (.sldprt), AutoCAD (DWG), Fusion (.f3d), Parasolid (x_t), etc. See our downloads page for example files.
Can you provide 2D drawings as well?
Yes, we can provide 2D drawings for models produced using our reverse engineering service.
How accurate are your models?
The measurement stage is the foundation for creating accurate models. We use high-accuracy CMMs (from 3 µm) and 3D scanners (from 35 µm) to capture the data.
Can you reverse engineer assemblies?
Yes, as long as we can disassemble it enough to see all the features that require modelling.
Can you reverse engineer damaged or worn components?
Typically yes. To get a definitive answer, send us some photos of your damaged or worn part and we’ll assess the feasibility.
Let’s make you a CAD model that works
Whether you need to manufacture a legacy component or analyse your design, our reverse engineering service can provide. We scan, we model, we verify. You get a CAD model you can actually use.
Projects We’ve Delivered
Discover how we’ve helped UK companies solve complex reverse engineering challenges
Reverse Engineering • Design Compatibility • Parametric Modelling
Reverse Engineering For Product Design
A specialist bicycle manufacturer needed CAD models for bought-out components to integrate into their designs. We reverse engineered their bicycle hanger using high-resolution 3D scanning and parametric modelling.
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Challenge: No CAD data for bought-out components
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Solution: Scan + Reverse engineer using Autodesk Fusion
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Deliverable: A cost effective placeholder CAD model
Reverse Engineering • Automotive • SOLIDWORKS
Custom Manifold from Cosworth Casting
Combined 3D laser scanning with CMM inspection to transform a Cosworth casting into a custom Subaru Impreza inlet manifold, complete with production-ready engineering drawings.
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Challenge: No original CAD data for either component
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Solution: 3D scanning + CMM verification + CAD modelling
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Result: Production-ready 2D drawings with machining specs
Trusted by Manufacturing Professionals
Don’t just take our word for it. Our customers consistently rate us 5 stars for precision, turnaround times, and technical expertise.
Customer feedback:
“Outstanding work. Very quick turn around, accurate and faultless.”
Roger Osborne
Ready to Start Your Project?
Contact us today for a no-obligation quote. We’ll assess your requirements and recommend the best approach for your component.
ISO 9001:2015 Certified • 30+ Years Experience • UK-Based Engineering Team
