Dimensional Measurement Blog

Whether you decide to outsource reverse engineering services or purchase equipment so you can do it in-house, you must work with a qualified provider that you trust. The reasons may be obvious in the case of outsourcing, but selecting a good reseller when you decide to buy is just as important.

Whichever route you choose, make sure your vendor satisfies the following requirements:

Four Criteria for Outsourcing Reverse Engineering Services

For many reverse engineering applications, selecting a qualified provider is critical, especially if you must satisfy regulatory requirements. Look for the following factors when you evaluate providers:

1. Certification and accreditation - The current certification standard is ISO 9001, and the accreditation to look for is ISO 17025.
   
   
2. Expertise - Look for a long track record of success in multiple industries, particularly the one in which you operate.
   
   
3. Technology - Advances in reverse engineering technology are ongoing. Look for a provider that stays on the cutting edge and adopts new measurement and scanning technologies as they are developed.
4. Diversity - Successful reverse engineering is sometimes a combination of science and art. A reverse engineering provider that has experience across a range of industries and applications will be better able to solve problems and produce the best results.

Seven Criteria for Purchasing Reverse Engineering Equipment

If you have ongoing reverse engineering needs, purchasing equipment for in-house use might be more cost-effective. Although there are a number of places where you can purchase equipment, not all providers are created equally. Look for the following factors when selecting a vendor:

1. Collaboration - Most reverse engineering equipment requires an investment that you want to feel confident about making. Look for a provider that will help you select the best solution for your needs and not just sell you the device that will boost its bottom line.
   
   
2. Diversity - Working with a reseller that carries multiple manufacturers will give you more choices and help ensure that you evaluate all the available options.
   
   
3. Flexibility - If you are working with a limited budget, look for a provider that allows you to lease equipment or set up a payment plan.
   
   
4. Expertise - The companies that also use reverse engineering equipment are the most qualified to help you decide what to buy. A provider that uses the same devices every day will be better able to help you make an informed decision than a provider that only sells equipment.
   
   
5. Installation - Before you buy or lease the equipment, make sure your provider offers installation, calibration, and validation services so you can be confident that you have the proper setup.
   
   
6. Training - Look for a provider that offers a variety of training options, especially if your staff will need to learn how to use your new equipment.
   
   
7. Support - Sometimes problems arise. You don't want to be left on your own to troubleshoot or to set up maintenance schedules. Also, understanding your equipment warranty is important in order to ensure that you fulfill any requirements. Look for a provider that offers ongoing support so you can get the most from your investment.

Whether you decide to buy or outsource, Q-PLUS Labs can help. We meet all of the above criteria and more. We'll work with you to find the best solution for your reverse engineering needs. We'll even help you make the decision whether to buy or outsource. Request a quote today to get started.

What do you look for in a reverse engineering provider?

 

 

If you have decided that purchasing your own reverse engineering equipment is the most cost-effective solution for your project, the next step is determining what to buy. Countless types of equipment are available, with a range of features and from several manufacturers.

So how will you know what to buy? Follow these tips:

Nine Factors for Purchasing Reverse Engineering Equipment

1. Sensor type - The object's surface characteristics and other factors will determine what type of sensor will be best for your application. If you're not sure, work with a trained professional before you make an investment to ensure that the equipment you buy will produce the desired results.
   
   
2. Sizes of objects - Reverse engineering a car door handle requires different equipment than for a much larger object, such as an airplane propeller. When it comes to purchasing reverse engineering equipment, sometimes size does matter.
   
   
3. Shapes of objects - The shape of the objects you intend to measure will play a role in your purchasing decision. For example, you may need to add a bore probe if the object has cavities or holes.
   
   
4. Tolerance levels - Make sure you know the required tolerances in order to ensure that your equipment can achieve them.
   
   
5. Budget - When you buy equipment, the budget encompasses much more than just the sticker price. Consider other factors such as the costs to operate, calibrate, and maintain the equipment in the long run.
   
   
6. In-house skills - Make sure that your staffers have the skills to operate any new equipment you buy. If they do not, you may need to invest in training.
   
   
7. Maintenance requirements - Find out what regular maintenance is required before you buy so there are no surprises down the road.
   
   
8. In-house capacity - Determine whether the equipment you are purchasing will be able to meet your reverse engineering needs in a timely manner. 3-D scanning an object can take several hours; if you need fast turnaround time for multiple projects, consider purchasing multiple devices or partially outsourcing as needed.
   
   
9. Purchasing method - Look for a provider that gives you the option to buy or lease equipment, especially if you're uncertain how long you will need it.

If you're not sure what equipment to buy, work with a qualified provider that offers devices from multiple manufacturers.

Q-PLUS Labs is an authorized reseller for many different manufacturers. We offer the option to buy or lease, and we can often provide refurbished equipment to help you save money. We also use the equipment in our own labs, so we are uniquely qualified to help you make an informed decision. Contact us today with your questions or for assistance with buying reverse engineering equipment.

What type of reverse engineering equipment are you considering purchasing?

If you have decided that outsourcing reverse engineering services makes the most sense for your project or business, you still have some decisions to make. Not all reverse engineering applications are the same. You must decide what type of equipment to use and what kind of output you need, as well as consider a range of other factors.

This checklist is designed to help you get started.

7 Questions to Ask When Outsourcing Reverse Engineering

1. What is the objective of reverse engineering? Your provider will need to know your end goals in order to help you make the most cost-effective decisions.
   
   
2. What type of reverse engineering makes the most sense for your application? You can decide between design intent, verbatim (as-built), or a hybrid of the two. When reverse engineering for design intent, the measurements of the original object may be adjusted to correct for imperfections so that the final product will function in the desired way. The verbatim approach aims to create an exact replica of the original object, including imperfections, and the hybrid approach can be used in cases when the original object features multiple types of surfaces.
   
   
3. How should you process measurement data? When gathering measurements to reverse engineer an object, you can use a dimension-driven approach, shrink-wrap surfaces, or a combination of the two.
   
   
4. How accurate do you need to be? Depending on your objectives and the reasons for reverse engineering, your application might need a certain degree of measurement accuracy. For example, in the case of an object that must meet regulatory specifications, accuracy is extremely important. However, if you are replicating a statue for sale in a gift shop, some minor differences are acceptable. 
   
   
5. Does the original object need to remain intact? In some cases, in order to get the most accurate measurements, the original object will need to be disassembled or even destroyed. If this is not an option for your application, your provider must know that at the beginning of the process.
   
   
6. What type of equipment should you use? Many different types of measurement equipment can be used for reverse engineering. Your provider will consider the level of accuracy required, surface characteristics of the original object, and many other factors when deciding how best to take measurements.
   
   
7. Do you need to measure the object in a constrained state? For some applications, measuring the object while in a state that simulates how it's shape will conform in assembly makes more sense. You might also need to measure other objects or parts if you are reverse engineering an item that is part of an assembly.

Your provider can (and should) help you answer many of these questions, so don't be afraid to ask.

One of the greatest advantages of outsourcing reverse engineering services to providers such as Q-PLUS Labs is that we operate across multiple industries. This means that we offer a broad range of equipment types and the expertise to handle almost any reverse engineering application. Contact us today to learn more or to get started on your next reverse engineering project.

 

If you need reverse engineering for your business, you may come to a point when you must decide if you want to outsource to a qualified provider or purchase equipment to do the job in-house.

Both approaches come with advantages and disadvantages. Ask the following questions to help you make an informed decision:

• How frequently do you need to perform reverse engineering? If the answer is not that often or for a short-term project, you might consider outsourcing as a more cost-effective solution. On the other hand, if you foresee a consistent need for reverse engineering, buying or leasing equipment might be a better approach.
  
  
• How quickly do you need results? If the answer is yesterday, outsourcing is likely to be faster than purchasing new equipment and training staff to use it. If you think buying is a better solution, factor in the time needed to acquire equipment and train your staff.
  
  
• How much can you spend? Working backward from a set budget is a good way to evaluate your options. Remember to factor in more than just equipment costs. You might also need to train staff and pay for maintenance, so the up-front expenses do not necessarily reflect the total cost of ownership. On the other hand, if you will need reverse engineering services for the long run, owning your equipment could cost less over time.
  
  
• What types of objects do you need to reverse engineer? If you expect to scan multiple objects with different sizes and surface characteristics, you might actually need more than one piece of equipment to get the job done. Outsourcing to a provider that has multiple devices can save you time and money. However, if you know you'll be reverse engineering similar objects, doing it in-house could be more efficient.
  
  
• Does your staff know how to reverse engineer? Just because employees are skilled in one area does not mean that they will have the necessary knowledge and skills to use new equipment that they are not familiar with. If you do decide to buy, consider investing in training.
  
  
• Is NIST traceability important? If you require NIST traceability, ensuring that the personnel operating the equipment have the necessary skills becomes even more important. A qualified provider can ensure NIST traceability, or you can train staff so you can achieve it in-house.
  
  
• Can you handle tech support and maintenance in-house? Owning equipment means that you are responsible for calibrating, operating, and maintaining it. If you’re not prepared to do this for the life of the equipment, consider outsourcing. Some equipment resellers also provide ongoing training, support, and maintenance, so if you do buy, look for a provider that offers these services.

One approach that many businesses take is outsourcing before they decide to make an equipment purchase. This way, you can ensure that the equipment you are considering is adequate for the task at hand. You will also have time to hire skilled staff or train your existing employees to use the new equipment.

Whether you buy or outsource, Q-PLUS Labs is here to help. As a reseller of multiple types of equipment, we offer a large selection of manufacturers. Because we use this equipment in our own labs, we are uniquely qualified to help you make the best selection for your specific needs.

If you’re not yet ready to buy, we can perform the reverse engineering for you, either for a single project or on a long-term basis. Get in touch with a representative today to start exploring your reverse engineering options.

 

When we talk about reverse engineering and dimensional measurement, we often refer to manufactured parts, engineering tolerances, and other abstract concepts. Although we don't often encounter this particular type of project, this case study provides an excellent example of reverse engineering in action.

Mike M. came to Q-PLUS with an uncommon request and an even more unique story behind it. 

Butter Dish Beginnings

In 1979, Mike's grandparents hosted a family gathering. All was going well until the smoke alarm went off! After much searching and a hint of panic, the source of the smoke was discovered: A plastic butter dish had fallen onto the dishwasher’s heating element, melted, and triggered the smoke alarm. 

The unlucky cousin who had loaded the dishwasher looked in and asked, "Is it ruined?" One look at the clearly ruined butter dish sparked hilarity and prompted her grandfather to mount it on a plaque and present it to her. The butter dish became a family award that was presented annually to the person who had done the dumbest thing the year before.

Some of the most memorable awards were given to:

• The grandfather who tried to fix the bathroom plumbing without turning the water off first
• The brother-in-law who mistakenly wore one new shoe and one old shoe on a trip to Europe
• The niece who fell asleep on the New York City subway, missed her stop, and lost her companion in the process
• The uncle who, in a middle-of-the-night indigestion attack, reached for a bottle of liquid antacid and took a swig of white glue instead

For more than 25 years, the not-so-coveted award was passed around the family. Eventually, the original award-winner decided that she wanted this special keepsake permanently back in her possession. What was the rest of the family to do?

Barriers to Butter Dish Duplication

Mike decided to explore the option of replicating the cherished (and deformed) butter dish to carry on the family tradition. He went to the R&D department at the medical device company where he works and asked if they could possibly make a copy using the in-house 3-D printer.

The initial response was, "A butter dish? Sure, we can copy that." But after one look at this butter dish in all its melted glory, the R&D team members decided that it was beyond their capabilities. It was too complicated because the shape was so irregular. However, they did recommend a lab that they sometimes used for outsourcing this type of work.

Mike contacted the recommended lab and thought he had found a solution ... until he sent a picture of the butter dish. Foiled again!

Q-PLUS to the Rescue

Still on a mission to continue this unique family tradition, Mike turned to the trusty Internet. He found the Q-PLUS website, filled out the contact form, and got a return phone call in 15 minutes. Unlike the R&D team and the first lab Mike tried, we were not only up for the challenge, but we also were excited about it. What a great story!

Unlike many of our other projects in which clients send in objects for reverse engineering, this was a special case. Mike was concerned that a melted butter dish received in the mail would not get the respect it deserved and could possibly get lost (or tossed) after all these years. We scheduled time on a Saturday for him to bring the award in and have it scanned.

For the scanner, we used a high-end white light scanner: a Steinbichler Comet 5 4M. There are less powerful scanners we could have used for a project like this, but our team got caught up in the excitement and wanted to produce the best possible results. The white light scanner was used because we needed a massive amount of highly accurate data to capture the detail of the melted butter dish. This device was also selected because it provides relatively fast results and budget was a consideration.

This particular project is a perfect example of “as-built” reverse engineering. The goal was to create a replica of the original object, errors and all (and clearly, this butter dish was rife with errors!). On the other hand, if we were reverse engineering for design intent, we would have tried to produce a functional butter dish that matched its pre-melted state.

Butter Dish 2.0 Is Back in Action

Mike was able to take our digital scan and have a replica made using a 3-D printer. Butter Dish 2.0 lives on, and the family tradition remains uninterrupted.

In addition to achieving the desired goal, Mike was happy to learn more about the scanning and printing process. He thought that it was amazing that an object, especially one so complicated, could be replicated so exactly.

When asked about his experience with Q-PLUS, Mike said:

“Q-PLUS was very responsive. Within 15 minutes, I received a return call. Throughout the process, they were very engaged and had good follow-through every step of the way. I know my request was unusual, but they were very accommodating and flexible with scheduling so I could bring the butter dish to the lab myself.”

Now that the butter dish replication problem is solved, Mike's biggest worry is that he will be the next award-winner!

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