3D scanning of production machinery

There is a growing trend in using 3D scanners for the purposes of conducting overhauls of machines and devices which are no longer serviced by the manufacturer. It is often the case with older models, which have already been discontinued, or where a company producing a given item has ceased to exist. However, the lack of parts available on the market does not necessarily have to mean the end of a given machine.

3D scanning of a partially damaged component or of a device in which a damaged part was removed allows obtaining a sufficient amount of information to recreate the necessary element. It is best demonstrated on the example of damaged gears, where the lack of some teeth prevents the machine from working, but there is a non-damaged component left, which can be scanned to create a complete CAD model. It is a perfect example of reverse engineering.