Sometimes the working of an entire machine depends on one small plastic part. That is what happened to a Belgian company with more than 50 branches: the protective cap for a button on their machines could no longer be bought anywhere. Without a solution, they would have had to buy at least 50 new machines.
The client's name stays confidential because we work under an NDA. The story is still worth sharing, because it shows what 3D scanning and 3D printing can do for parts that are no longer available.
The problem: a part that can no longer be bought
The cap protects a button on the machine. It could no longer be bought anywhere and no usable replacement existed. Traditionally, that leaves one way out: replacing the entire machine. For a company with more than 50 branches, that is a major investment for a small piece of plastic.
Our approach: scan, model and print
- 3D scanning: we scanned the part to capture its exact shape.
- 3D modelling: from the scan we built a clean 3D model, so the cap can be produced again.
- SLA printing: we print the cap in clear resin on our Formlabs SLA printer.
- Handover: the client received the 3D model and the prints.
Why the 3D model makes the difference
The client received not only the prints, but also the model itself. That means they can carry on by themselves, even when new caps are needed later. The part no longer depends on a supplier that has stopped making it, and the machines can keep running.
How reverse engineering works in practice
Reverse engineering means turning an existing part into a digital model. Usually you scan the part, clean up the scan, build a 3D model from it and print a test piece. If it fits, the part can be printed again whenever you need it. Not every part is suitable: parts that are safety-critical are something we discuss together first.
Do you have a part that can no longer be bought?
Then you do not have to replace an entire machine straight away. Read more about 3D printing replacement parts or discover what SLA / resin printing can do for you. Send a photo or the part itself through our contact form and we will tell you whether 3D scanning and printing is a solution.