3D Scanning & Reverse Engineering:
Alloy Wheels

Case Study

Creating 3D Files For Interactive 360 Web Spinner From 3D Scans

The alloy wheel collection needed to be 3D scanned, then rebuilt in 3D software using the scan data as highly accurate reference, enabling the creation of very clean topology which would animate cleanly and efficiently.

3D Scanning

Sent to our London HQ for 3D scanning, each of the wheels  needed targets for the 3D scanner to efficiently scan the wheels.


Integrity of the 3D scan

3D scanners are adept at capturing such complex shapes and surfaces, and the wheels were no exception. We capitalised on the radial symmetry of the wheels, 3D scanning just one section of the wheel and drum, safe in the knowledge it would duplicate and rotate once rebuilt. Trying to replicate parts like this with calipers and measuring devices, and building in CAD from scratch would be horribly costly and inaccurate, which is why we love to help our customers with this type of 3D scanning / reverse engineering project!

Reverse Engineering the wheels

Using the original 3D scans we were able to build new parts in radial symmetry so the wheels were accurate but with clean topology ready for animating.

The Rebuilt 3D Files

Seven different wheels taken from a 3D scan, through reverse engineering and finally ready for Texturing & Animation.

Texturing & Animating

The client required a simple, clean texture and render for all the different wheel designs. Once the texture and render style was agreed we rendered twenty-eight frames of 180 degree rotation for each wheel. These frames were then uploaded to the product spinner to enable customers to interactively spin each wheel.
"This is how business should be; quick to respond to an enquiry, enthusiastic in developing to the final 3D scanned item. Top marks from Chinchilla, totally recommend them."
Ian - Car Restorer,  Bishops Stortford

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