CAD MODELING

What is a CAD model?
CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design and refers to the technology that allows 2D drawings and 3D models of products to be designed digitally, replacing manual drawing with an automated process. Starting from sketches or technical two-dimensional drawings, we can reconstruct the mathematical models of any component, no matter how complex, and provide our customers with a CAD file (igs, stp, etc.) along with the corresponding conformity report. Having a 3D model of a product allows the customer to improve and optimize projects and increase the overall quality, as the model enables virtual testing of potential real-world situations the part will be subjected to.

What is Reverse Engineering?
If no sketches or 2D information are available, our technicians can reconstruct the mathematical models of the object starting from an existing sample. This process is known as reverse engineering and is made possible through the use of advanced scanning tools: optical, laser-based, or X-ray tomography.

The phases of the reverse engineering process:

Capture or Scanning: In this phase, the surfaces of the object are digitally captured. Thanks to our machines, we can capture every detail, down to the smallest, with a precision of up to one-tenth of a millimeter. At the end of the process, the 3D shape of the object is obtained.
File Optimization: The obtained digital file is "cleaned" of surface roughness and any missing sections that could not be scanned are reconstructed if necessary.
Creation of Surfaces: Starting from the scan file, commonly known as .stl or point cloud, the Nurbs surfaces (surfaces generated by curves expressed by mathematical models) are created. At the end of the process, a single polysurface is generated that exactly replicates the scanned original model.
Export of the 3D File: The finished 3D model is then exported in various formats compatible with CAD modeling software (.step, .iges, .3ds, .skp).

Design
In our CAD lab, we also design and manufacture holding fixtures, control gauges, and mechanical devices that allow the customer to verify the geometric characteristics between the machined part and the model. Finally, thanks to our 3D printers, we can produce not only fixtures but also prototypes of specific products.

Tools Used
In our CAD lab, we access the following machines:

Laser scanning arm
X-ray computed tomography machines
4 3D printers
CAD software PTC CREO

Fields of Application

Automotive industry
Manufacturing industry
Pharmaceutical industry