University of Technology Sydney

42145 3D Scanning Methods for Reverse Engineering

Warning: The information on this page is indicative. The subject outline for a particular session, location and mode of offering is the authoritative source of all information about the subject for that offering. Required texts, recommended texts and references in particular are likely to change. Students will be provided with a subject outline once they enrol in the subject.

Subject handbook information prior to 2025 is available in the Archives.

UTS: Engineering: Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering
Credit points: 2 cp
Result type: Pass fail, no marks

Description

This subject is designed to build on the knowledge and proficiency in the principles and techniques of reverse engineering learnt in the Introduction to Reverse Engineering subject, whilst using 3D scanning methods. Through this subject, students gain experience in using 3D scanning technology to capture a component’s complete geometry and using mesh clean-up tools to prepare faceted bodies for downstream modelling and/or manufacturing. They also learn how to identify logical facet shapes and group triangles for use in the creation of faces, use reverse engineering software to create native surfaces on top of imported data, and use deviation analysis to ensure accuracy between the re-engineered part and its original. This subject equips students with the skills necessary to apply reverse engineering techniques using 3D scanning methods for manufacturing, quality assurance, or other purposes.

Subject learning objectives (SLOs)

Upon successful completion of this subject students should be able to:

1. Use 3D scanning technology to capture a component’s complete geometry. (D.1)
2. Demonstrate knowledge in using point cloud and mesh clean-up tools to remove errors and prepare faceted bodies for downstream modelling and/or manufacturing. (D.1)
3. Create surfaces on top of imported data to enable use in CAD software. (D.1)

Course intended learning outcomes (CILOs)

This subject also contributes specifically to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

  • Technically Proficient: FEIT graduates apply theoretical, conceptual, software and physical tools and advanced discipline knowledge to research, evaluate and predict future performance of systems characterised by complexity. (D.1)

Teaching and learning strategies

The subject uses a combination of self-paced online content, interactive live sessions and industry relevant examples, activities and assessment.
The online component focuses on learning the technical concepts that underpin 3D scanning, capturing an object geometry data and downstream processing of the data that enables recreating the object in computer-aided design software.
Concepts are presented using high-quality videos and interactive text and practice activities. Learners will build a broad introductory understanding of 3D scanning the underlying concepts and relevance for adoption in industry. Each module contains practice activities to engage the concepts within the module. Discussions will be held using online discussion boards and during drop-in sessions.
The interactive live sessions will build on the modules through the practical application of 3D scanning an industrial part of moderate complex geometry. Learners will be able to gain hands-on experience on 3D scanning using scanners used in the industry. Peer learning is part of the live sessions where students can exchange knowledge and experiences.
The assessments focus on 3D scanning pipeline requiring learners to implement this understanding and reflect on how these concepts can be applied to their own professional industry contexts.

Content (topics)

The content of the subject is structured into 3 modules
1. Module 1: Using 3D scanning to capture geometry

  • Intrinsic and extrinsic camera parameters
  • Principles of 3D scanning technology
  • Representations of 3D geometry

2. Module 2: Using Mesh processing software for

  • Data cleaning tasks such as outlier and background removal
  • Alignment, surface reconstruction, hole filling, and manipulation of meshes

3. Module 3: Adapting 3D scans for CAD

  • Understand the link between mesh complexity and CAD model geometry
  • Create native surfaces on top of imported 3D data in CAD software

Assessment

Assessment task 1: Part A: Scanning an object

Intent:

Learners apply understanding of camera principles on the task of 3D scanning an industrial part of moderate complexity, producing a 3D representation of the object's geometry.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Laboratory/practical
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

250 words + scan file

Assessment task 2: Part B: Cleaning the scan

Intent:

Learners apply understanding of the different tasks related to mesh processing in the context of 3D scanning an industrial part of moderate complexity, producing a complete 3D representation of the object's geometry.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

2

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 20%
Length:

3d model files

Assessment task 3: Part C: Complete 3D Scanning Process

Intent:

To improve skills in 3D scanning an industrial part of moderate complexity, producing a completed 3D representation of the object's geometry. To understand the relationship between the object surface complexity and principles of creating surfaces and parts in CAD software.

Objective(s):

This assessment task addresses the following subject learning objectives (SLOs):

1, 2 and 3

This assessment task contributes to the development of the following Course Intended Learning Outcomes (CILOs):

D.1

Type: Project
Groupwork: Individual
Weight: 60%
Length:

3d model files and CAD files

Minimum requirements

To pass the subject, a student must achieve an overall mark of 50% or more.

Required texts

All required texts and content will be provided through UTS Canvas.

Recommended texts

All recommended texts and content will be provided through UTS Canvas.