Reverse Engineering Based Methodology for Modelling Cutting Tools

AbstractReverse Engineering involves the use of techniques for extracting information about manufactured products. Assembled products contain usually hidden parts. Because of this, it is difficult finding RE procedures that involve the use of 3D-scanning techniques. However, 3D scanning technologies can help to capture information about their geometry for generating virtual models (VM), which can offer many possibilities for digital analysis. On the other hand, starting form a VM, it is possible to achieve the physical reproduction of the piece using additive manufacturing technologies. This allows performing functional tests or, simply, obtaining a physical high-scale model. All that permits improving the product through a redesign process.This work reports on the results of a preliminary study on the application of different 3D-S and AM technologies for generating VM and PHSM of a two edges mill. A comparison based on cost, result, difficulties-capabilities and runtime has been made