Pearce J

Metal Casting Technologies, Pages 32-33, 2001

Abstract: If reverse engineering simply involved taking an existing part and reproducing its macroscopic surface geometry in a 3D data file, then these days that would be a relatively easy task. However, reverse engineering is far more than geometry. This short article is a reminder of some of the metallurgical aspects that must be considered in the reverse engineering of metallic components. Factors such as non-metallic inclusions, grain size and shape, surface microstructure, morphology of second phases and preferred orientation of grains are also factors that must be thoroughly understood. Also, not to be ignored would be surface finish, presence of "notches" and general chemistry.

Keywords: Casting, Reverse Engineering, Metallurgical aspects.