Reverse engineering allows you to break down a product and determine how it works. More importantly, reverse engineering is a cost-effective way to develop new projects by incorporating components that are known to work. The absence of detailed information on the “old” components can often delay launching a new project or make it costly. That is why bringing a good project back to life has been an important source of savings for many companies. Technology can further reduce a product launch cost by avoiding the old trial and error method for reverse engineering.
Reverse Engineering Defined
Reverse engineering is defined as the reproduction of a product after deconstructing it and learning how it functions. The end goal is to either reproduce the product or re-engineer it in a brand-new way. You can reverse engineer many physical attributes of a particular product by trial and error. However, it is costly to predict the product’s performance in the field that way. Therefore, virtual testing simplifies the process of reverse engineering.
Using 3D CAD modeling is one-way manufacturers can save money and time when reverse engineering. Virtual testing allows companies to predict the performance of a finished product before manufacturing a prototype. Companies can test the performance of a product using different materials under different environments and applications. Finite Element Analysis or Computational Fluid Dynamics are two simulations commonly used to test manufactured products.
Finite Element Analysis and Computational Fluid Dynamics
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) or Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) are common simulations used in reverse engineering. With computer simulations, engineers can predict the performance of a design and factor for many variables, including different materials, applications, and environments.
Reverse engineering a reliable old product into the designs of a great new product is an essential function of manufacturing. With FEA and CFD simulations, a company can test the product in a variety of settings and applications before producing samples or prototypes. Streamlining that process through outsourcing and virtual testing is a cost-effective way to tackle the process.
Examples of Reverse Engineering
A company performs reverse engineering for several reasons, including analyzing a product’s safety and security and finding potential flaws. For example, new vehicle models are usually reverse-engineered from existing car designs. Engineers typically maintain the main components of an existing model and incorporate technological improvements into the new model. Using this methodology allows for substantial savings and improved quality.
Reverse engineering and virtual testing can help you identify areas of improvement in a manufacturing process. In addition, it can help companies reduce the number of components in a product. A manufacturer can improve its bottom line by simplifying the product and optimizing the production process.
Reverse engineering is a serious business and requires careful planning and technical expertise. Companies can benefit from testing their products before manufacturing prototypes. Using virtual simulations for reverse engineering helps companies save time and money.