MODULAR SOFTWARE-DEVELOPMENT FOR DIGITIZING SYSTEMS DATA-ANALYSIS IN REVERSE ENGINEERING APPLICATIONS - CASE OF CONCENTRIC ROTATIONAL PARTS

The process of building a computer aided design (CAD) model from an existing part or prototype is necessary for design modifications and for other reverse engineering applications. Output of existing digitizing systems are not often compatible with most CAD data formats, thus limiting the use of these reverse engineering systems. This paper describes a methodology for vectorization of the output of existing digitizing systems. The methodology is implemented in software. It creates a CAD model compatible with the engineering drawing format. Interfaces to an existing CAD system have also been developed. The vectorization of the data allows substantial reduction in the size of the data base. The developed methodology and software can lead to the wider application of these computer aided reverse engineering (CARE) systems in a manufacturing environment. Some sample results of the implemented system are also presented,