What is this backwards sounding process? Exactly that. It is an engineering process that starts with an object, in this case the beautiful DAX 427 kit car, scans it and uses this data to create a computer-aided design (CAD) model. This is the simplest of explanations.
The Partnership
OnePLM supply the CAD software in the form of Solid Edge from Siemens PLM Software, and expertise in CAD usage. Physical Digital supply the scanner and scanning expertise. DAX Sports Cars supply the drawings, specifications etc. and, quite obviously, the car.
Why Bother?
It has allowed DAX Sports Cars to rid themselves of physical drawings, the majority of their design information is now digital. No more opening and closing of drawers looking for that one drawing to then try to interpret.
You can capture the knowledge of engineers, designers and mechanics as the information gets stored in Solid Edge (the CAD model). This allows for the future re-use of designs, the ability to see what was done before and document the entire process.
A scan of the DAX 427 to create a point cloud model
The scanned data encompasses every component of the DAX 427. This would, hypothetically, allow the company to send a file of any component to competing suppliers and choose which benefited them most.
You Don’t Need 3D Glasses
The entire car can be analysed in the virtual 3D environment. Loads and stresses on the car can be visualised using computer-aided engineering (CAE). An example of this on the DAX’s lower wishbone is shown below.
For a customer the complete car can be visulised in 3D, so that it can be customised in any way they want. You can show them varying colours, different components or even in different locations.
A 3D CAD model
I’m sure there are some people out there who will request extravagant personalisations, so instead of wondering what it might look like and having a conversation of taste, you can model it in 3D. This will allow DAX to present a customers’ request, without any physical mock-ups or prototypes.
A DAX 3D render for a lumberjack customer?
The Finished Article
I believe the images speak for themselves on this occasion.
What Else?
It’s all well and good dwelling on past glories, but we want people to realise the benefits of reverse engineering and how broad its application really is. You could reverse engineer practically anything you liked and preserve it for posterity. Say you have a classic car and wanted to guard against future damages, with the data secure in a 3D CAD model you could have any part produced instantly.
Any process that involves the manufacture of goods that aren’t already in CAD can be improved with reverse engineering. You don’t start from scratch, but merely work backwards to go forward. It’s like taking one step back, but TWO forward.
Reverse engineering would also allow you to send a part or object to be 3D printed.
Speak to us today at OnePLM to explore the possibilities of reverse engineering.