Producing Geometry You Can Trust
QC provided an engineer for our project who did a great job of collecting the dimensional data for the parts to be reverse engineered, creating the CAD models, and producing prints for manufacturing. He kept in regular contact with me throughout the project, allowing us to quickly resolve issues as they arose. He was also very responsive when asked to make changes to the prints. Overall, a superior job.
- Paul,
Power Generation
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From Laser Scan to Parametric CAD File 
Scanning equipment captures 3D positions of individual points. What is done with the point cloud after the scan depends on how the final geometry will be used.
If you need a fully editable (parametric) CAD model, a CAD technician will use the point cloud as a reference to build the model - just as if the model would be built from scratch in any CAD environment.
No scanning technology has the ability to "convert" points to CAD data (at least not yet). Some software programs have accelerated the process of developing a parametric file, yet none are fully intuitive.
Each step of the model build requires a decision to be made about design intent. Hence the need for a skilled engineer to develop a completed model that contains the proper shape, parting lines, draft, and model tree that can be modified later if necessary.
It's important to work with a an engineering group that has a depth of knowledge in complex modeling techniques. Equally important, is to work with a group that has first-hand experience in the manufacturing steps you'll need to do next - machining, tooling construction, rapid prototyping. This will help to ensure you receive a file that will actually work.
At QC, we call it Geometry You Can Trust TM
©2012 David DeVowe
