Do Reverse Engineering and Digital Modeling ever Overlap?
In addition to Hybrid Models, there are instances when it is appropriate to use both Digital Modeling and Reverse Engineering techniques. For example, when collecting data of a large object (such as a plane) for Reverse Engineering, it is necessary to use a laser scanner to capture the massive amounts of surface data. The data output from a laser scanner is a point cloud, but point clouds cannot be brought into any CAD packages. Before the data can be transferred into CAD it must be digitally modeled into either a polygonal model or a Rapid NURBS dumb solid. The Digital Modeling Advantage There can be a fine line between Digital Modeling and Reverse Engineering and sometimes both methods can be a valid solution to 3D problems. Some advantages of Digital Modeling are: • Digital Modeling generally offers a faster and more cost effective solution. • It presents a great solution for creating solid models when an object has organic contours. • Offers excellent dimensional accuracy and can b
