3D Scanning & Reverse Engineering:
Nissan Antique Indicator Cover

Case Study

3D Scanning the indicator cover

The lens to be 3D scanned is 163x47x19mm with a grooved internal surface to challenge the Creaform Go!Scan 20. With fine details like this - especially detail fine as well as deep, the 3D scanner can struggle to see all the way to the bottom of each crevice so there was expectation that the 3D scan would be used as a landscape to guide the reverse engineering of the inside surface.

The 3D Scan

Sent to our London HQ for 3D scanning, the exterior of the indicator cover 3d scanned very well, even capturing the embossed text. The internal grooved surface was captured sufficiently to enable us to reverse engineer.

Integrity of the 3D scan

Capturing so many points with such accuracy means the integrity of the original object is maintained with little or no discernible loss. The indicator cover is a great example of how 3D scanning can - in a short amount of time - help generate an extremely accurate reproduction of a complex part. 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 interior

The internal 3D scan was used as a master to match new surfaces to. This meant the concentric grooves, set onto a pitched surface would maintain the original accuracy and integrity while also being created with the express purpose of being 3D printed in clear resin.

The Finished 3D File

From a 3D scan, through reverse engineering and finally ready to output as a 3D print.
The mated interior/exterior surfaces, with new topology allowed the customer the luxury of 3D printing left and right versions, with a digital file stored away for the future...
"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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