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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Acting on What Has Been Learned
Reverse engineering is much like solving one problem after the next. Therefore, at the beginning of this series we began to look at applying Deming's quality cycle to the reverse engineering process. That brings us to the final "Act" step.
A good reverse engineering process integrates a loop of checking and acting until the final electronic file meets the intended use. This last step is the adoption of the final solution; putting closure on the project, and including any additional adjustments the customer may need. Perhaps more importantly, this is an opportunity to identify systemic changes that can be implemented to standardize the solution. That way all future projects benefit from those changes.
Systemic changes should come from a robust customer feedback loop and an internal corrective action system- one that is integral to the company culture. Over time, reverse engineering becomes a predictable process. One that provides unique, quality results on a wide variety of applications.With final delivery, be sure you have the opportunity to review a live presentation of your reverse-engineered result. This way you'll be able to identify those items that need to be acted on before final delivery. Also, discuss the incremental improvement process your provider uses to ensure the highest quality scan results. That way you'll have greater confidence inyour finished CAD model.
The continuous improvement quality cycle as an integral part of any robust reverse engineering process. Come to expect it.
©2012 David DeVowe
