Reverse Engineering

University Study Finds Rapidform Best Option for Parametric Solid Modeling from 3D Scans

21 Aug, 2011 By: Cadalyst Staff

A study funded by the U.S. Air Force concludes that INUS Technology's software is "the only viable option" for creating parametric CAD models from 3D scan data.


A recent study evaluating CAD and reverse-engineering software concluded that INUS Technology's Rapidform XOR is "the only viable option" for creating parametric CAD models from 3D scan data. The study was funded by the U.S. Air Force and conducted by Dr. Kuang-Hua Chang of the University of Oklahoma. The U.S. Air Force frequently needs to regenerate designs of decades-old parts, and therefore commissioned the University of Oklahoma to study both 3D scanning software and hardware to determine the best available technology.

INUS Technology had no knowledge of the study or its outcome until it was published in the journal CAD and Applications. INUS Technology reports that it invented the concept of creating parametric CAD models directly from 3D scans. The company introduced its Rapidform XOR software, which is used for reverse-engineering of physical parts, in 2006.

Chang and his students surveyed the software available for converting 3D scans into parametric solid models usable in CAD, evaluated the options, and tested the front-runners using practical examples. "We used five different examples in two rounds of testing," said Chang. "The first round was surface modeling, and in the second round, we focused on parametric solid building."

"We found that Rapidform is the only viable option that is able to support parametric modeling and transferring the solid model to CAD systems," Chang continued. "When we say 'viable option,' it's based on two things. One is the time and effort, the other is the accuracy." According to Chang, other software "was able to generate a parametric solid model, but it took a long time and the solid model created was not very accurate."

"It's very rewarding to see an unbiased study recognizing the value of Rapidform XOR compared to other 3D scanning software," noted Calvin Hur, INUS Technology's CEO. The entire paper, including technical details of each software program tested, is available for free download at http://www.rapidform.com/reverse-engineering-study.


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