- Step 1
On-Site 3D Scanning
Reflective reference targets applied to a truck cabin for large-format structured-light scanning. We scan parts in place — on vehicles, machinery, or assemblies — down to ±0.1 mm accuracy.
- Montreal
Scan-to-CAD & reverse engineering
A simple three-step workflow that takes your physical part to a clean, editable CAD file.
We capture the full geometry of your physical part with structured-light and laser scanning down to ±0.1 mm accuracy.
Raw point clouds are decimated, aligned, and converted into a clean, watertight reference mesh suitable for modelling.
Our engineers rebuild the part as a fully editable parametric CAD model with proper features, datums and design intent.
A simple three-step workflow that takes your physical part to a clean, editable CAD file.
Reflective reference targets applied to a truck cabin for large-format structured-light scanning. We scan parts in place — on vehicles, machinery, or assemblies — down to ±0.1 mm accuracy.
A cleaned, watertight polygon mesh captured directly from the physical object. This mesh preserves every curve and embossed detail — the reference geometry our engineers use to rebuild parametric CAD.
Rebuilt as a fully editable parametric model in Autodesk Inventor with proper features, sketches, and design intent — ready for engineering changes, drawings, and manufacturing.
Side-by-side comparison of a reverse-engineered PCB assembly against the physical original — geometry, connectors, and component footprints reproduced faithfully in parametric CAD.
Real-world situations where a scan-to-CAD workflow saves time, cost, and risk.
Recreate parts that are no longer manufactured or sourced from suppliers that no longer exist.
Reverse engineer legacy components when original CAD files and 2D drawings are missing.
Produce drop-in replacement parts for machinery, equipment, and out-of-production assemblies.
Use a working part as the starting point to optimise geometry, weight, or material.
Capture mating surfaces and interfaces so a new part fits perfectly into the existing assembly.
Digitise competitor products to analyse construction, tolerances, and design choices.
We deliver in whatever format your engineering team works in — parametric CAD for design and manufacturing, mesh for printing and visualisation.
| Feature | Parametric CAD | Mesh |
|---|---|---|
| Editability | Fully parametric — edit features, dimensions, history | Static surface — not parametric |
| Best for | Manufacturing, engineering changes, drawings | 3D printing, visualisation, reference |
| Typical formats | STEP, IGES, SolidWorks (.sldprt), Fusion 360 (.f3d) | STL, OBJ, PLY |
| Tolerancing | Supports GD&T and 2D drawings | Surface deviation only |
| File size | Compact, feature-based | Large, polygon-based |
Scan-to-CAD and reverse engineering applied across regulated and consumer-facing industries.
Classic car parts, brackets, trim, custom modifications.
Tooling, fixtures, and legacy component reproduction.
Device housings, custom fixtures, and prototype iterations.
Packaging fit, ergonomic handles, accessory mating parts.
Jigs, fixtures, replacement machine parts, tooling.
Send us photos, dimensions, or the physical part. Our Montreal team will scope a scan-to-CAD project and reply with a transparent written quote.
Choose scan-to-CAD when you have a physical part. Choose CAD design when you are starting from an idea.
| Aspect | Scan-to-CAD | CAD Design |
|---|---|---|
| Starting point | Existing physical part | Idea, sketch, or specification |
| Goal | Replicate or modify an existing object | Create a new product from scratch |
| Deliverable | Parametric CAD matching the scanned part | Parametric CAD of a new design |
| Common use | Legacy parts, replacements, fit-up | New product development, custom parts |
Starting from scratch instead? Explore our CAD design services.
Parts we scanned, rebuilt in CAD and reproduced.
Replacement clear lens covers reproduced by 3D scanning the originals, modelling them in CAD, printing them in clear resin by SLA and polishing them.
A damaged duct beside its green printed replacement: a practical look at reproducing the overall shape of a physical part.
An existing flanged part recreated in CAD and as a white printed prototype, with its central opening and mounting points preserved in the model.
A mesh (STL/OBJ) is a static surface made of triangles — great for 3D printing or visualisation, but not editable. A parametric CAD file (STEP, SolidWorks, Fusion 360) is built from features and dimensions you can change, which is what engineering, drawings, and manufacturing require.
Yes — that is one of the most common reasons clients come to us. We scan the physical part, reconstruct the geometry, and rebuild a clean parametric CAD model from scratch, even when no original drawings or CAD files exist.
Our calibrated structured-light and laser scanners reach ±0.1 mm on suitable parts. Final achievable accuracy depends on part size, surface finish, geometry, and whether tolerances are critical features or general surfaces.
Parametric CAD: STEP, IGES, native SolidWorks (.sldprt/.sldasm), and Fusion 360. Mesh: STL, OBJ, PLY. We confirm formats up front so the deliverable plugs straight into your workflow.
Pricing is quoted per project based on part size, complexity, required tolerances, and CAD detail. We give a transparent fixed quote up front so there are no surprises — request a quote with photos or the part and we will reply with a written scope.