Reverse Engineering Yamaha snowmobile part and produce it with 3D printing
Imagine this scenario: A part on a very expensive machine or equipment breaks down, and you discover that the manufacturer no longer produces spare parts. Panic sets in – how can you keep your equipment running without that critical component?
With this case, we will inspire you on how to benefit from 3D scanning, 3D reverse engineering with QUICKSURFACE, and 3D printing when it comes to broken spare parts. By manufacturing your own parts to replace what is broken, you not only reduce costs but also minimize downtime in production and environmental impact
The owner of an older Yamaha snowmobile contacted our partners, Protech-Industrial 3D Printing, because spare parts were unavailable. Using 3D scanning, QUICKSURFACE, and additive manufacturing, a new part was swiftly obtained. This success story extends beyond snowmobiles to various machinery, from industrial equipment to vintage snowmobiles.
Step 1: Scan
The first step involved scanning the broken part, which had a very complex geometry. However, this complexity presented no issues during the scanning process. The application specialist utilized the FreeScan Combo 3D scanner from SHINING 3D, generating data with extremely high detail.
Step 2: 3D Reverse Engineering
The scan data was imported into QUICKSURFACE where a CAD specialist began the digital repair and recreated the details.
QUICKSURFACE quickly reconstructs planes, cylinders, cones, and spheres, and establishes relationships between them, such as perpendicularity, parallelism, and coincidence. The interactive definition of the coordinate system allows the user to adjust the orientation of the object.
For this project the most important was the ability accurately to create complex free-form surfaces with AI driven smart ‘fit surface’ feature. One of the many easy to use and powerful features of QUICKSURFACE.
Speed optimised real-time distance colour map allows the user to keep everything in control and get the most accurate results.
QUICKSURFACE offers powerful, intuitive, AI driven tools for hybrid parametric modelling for both organic and prismatic shapes; and combined with accurate and reliable scan data, many details can be remodeled quickly.
Step 3: 3D print
Using a Stratasys F770, we 3D printed the final construction. The first print was perfect, effectively replacing the broken part directly on the scooter. We printed the detail in ASA, a material known for its high UV stability and strength, making it ideal for outdoor applications.
Conclusion:
- Cost-Effective Repairs: Traditional manufacturing processes often involve high costs for tooling, moulds, and production runs. Embrace 3D reverse engineering and printing to create custom parts on demand.
- Time Efficiency: Waiting weeks or months for spare parts is frustrating. Use reverse engineering and 3D printing for rapid prototyping and production, reducing downtime.
- Eco Friendly Approach: Manufacturing only what is needed minimizes waste, contributing to a greener environment
Explore the endless possibilities of 3D reverse engineering with 3D printing and reimagine maintenance and repair!
Whether it’s a rare vintage tractor or a cutting-edge CNC machine, embracing reverse engineering and 3D printing empowers you to be self-reliant.
When spare parts are scarce, innovation steps in. Reverse Engineering and Additive Manufacturing bridge the gap, ensuring operational machines, manageable costs, and environmental benefits!
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The full story, images and data kindly provided to us by: Protech Nordics
