// Reverse Engineering

Reverse Engineering From a Sample

Ship us the part — worn, broken or intact. We measure every feature on CMM, reconstruct the CAD for free, and manufacture an exact replacement. No drawing, no part number required.

Worn and broken samples accepted
CMM measurement to ±0.01 mm
Free CAD reconstruction
Quote in 24h

Why a Physical Sample Is the Best Starting Point

When you have the physical part — even worn, cracked or broken into pieces — you have everything we need. A sample gives us direct access to every feature: bore diameters, thread forms, gear tooth profiles, keyway positions, surface finishes. We measure the actual geometry, not a photograph of it.

Photos and hand sketches are useful when the sample is unavailable, but they introduce interpretation risk that a CMM eliminates. If you have the part, ship it — we work from that first.

What We Accept

  • Intact, used parts — ideal; every feature is directly measurable
  • Worn parts — measurable; worn dimensions are restored to original design intent, not copied as-worn
  • Cracked or broken parts — usually usable; fragments are reassembled for measurement, missing sections reconstructed from symmetry or function
  • Heavily corroded parts — often usable; we assess which surfaces are recoverable and confirm before you ship

What We Measure

FeatureHow we measureTypical accuracy
Bores and shaftsCMM and bore gauge±0.005–0.01 mm
ThreadsThread gauge + CMM pitch checkClass matched to standard
Gear teethGear comparator, span measurementModule ±0.05 mm, pressure angle confirmed
Freeform surfaces3D scanning where CMM not applicable±0.05–0.1 mm
General dimensionsCMM±0.01–0.02 mm
Surface finishProfilometer or reference comparisonRa noted; matched or improved

Process

01

Contact us first

Describe the part and send photos. We confirm it is measurable and give you the shipping address. Don't ship before making contact — we may need specific handling instructions for fragile originals.

02

Ship the sample

Send by tracked courier. We advise on customs paperwork — machined parts shipped as samples typically have low customs complexity.

03

We measure on CMM

Every feature is measured. Worn surfaces are restored to design intent: a worn 25 mm journal that should be 25h6 is reconstructed as 25h6, not as-worn. We note any assumptions for your review.

04

You review the CAD (free)

We send the reconstructed 3D model and drawing. You confirm it matches the original intent and flag any improvements. Approval is required before we cut.

05

Manufacture and inspect

CNC turning, milling, or casting depending on the part. Every critical dimension inspected against the approved model. Shipped with an inspection report.

Can you improve on the original? Yes — the CAD review stage is the right moment. If the original wore at a specific point, we can add radius, harden that surface, or switch to a better material. Most customers keep the same geometry; some take the opportunity to upgrade.

Parts We Commonly Reproduce From Samples

  • Drive shafts and spindles — restored to bearing seat tolerance and key specification
  • Spur and helical gears — module, pressure angle and tooth form recovered from the original
  • Bushings and plain bearings — bore and OD to H7/f7 or equivalent clearance fit
  • Pump impellers — vane profile, boss diameter and shaft interface reproduced
  • Coupling hubs and flanges — bore pattern, PCD and face features matched
  • Cams and cam followers — profile reproduced to original motion geometry
  • Housings and end caps — all pilot diameters, bolt patterns and sealing faces measured

Frequently Asked Questions

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Any condition — intact, worn, cracked, broken into pieces. Worn surfaces are restored to the original design intent, not copied worn. Broken parts can be reassembled for measurement; we confirm what is usable before you ship anything.

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Yes if you request it. We return the sample with your finished parts. If the part is scrap, we dispose of it. Tell us your preference when you submit the inquiry.

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Send it anyway. We assess wear first and tell you which features are geometrically recoverable and which must be inferred from context — standard bore fits, thread tables, the shaft it runs on. We confirm the reconstruction approach with you before cutting anything.

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Yes. After measuring we present the CAD for confirmation — that is the stage to upgrade: harder steel, bronze instead of plastic, larger fillet radius at the stress point, tighter tolerance on the journal. We reproduce the original geometry and then apply any improvements you specify.

Have the Part? Ship It.

Worn, broken or intact — we measure it on CMM, rebuild the CAD for free, and manufacture your replacement. MOQ 1. Quote in 24 hours.

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