3D Reverse Engineering Services Auckland & NZ Wide
Recon provides 3D reverse engineering services across Auckland and New Zealand. Accurate digital capture of real-world parts and equipment are delivered as pointclouds, digital 3D mesh files or production-ready CAD models, with sub-millimetre precision and turnaround in as little as two business days.
Why Reverse Engineering?
Reverse engineering gives you the power to:
Recreate parts when drawings are lost
Modify designs without starting from scratch
Improve product performance
Digitise legacy equipment
Validate supplier parts
Speed up innovation cycles
For many businesses, it’s the fastest path from physical reality to usable engineering data.
Get in touch today to find out how we can help. We're Auckland-based and provide services nationwide.
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Recon combine high-end portable 3D scanning technology with expert CAD modelling workflows to deliver reliable, repeatable results.
Why clients trust us:
On-site portable 3D scanning anywhere in New Zealand
Industrial-grade accuracy and repeatability
End-to-end scan + model service (not just raw data)
Proven workflows refined across hundreds of projects
Fast turnaround with minimal disruption to operations
Deliverables ready for engineering, analysis, and manufacturing
Option to rent scanner itself.
We hold a SiteWise Gold Certificate for health and Safety.
Our Recon team includes highly experienced CAA Part 102 certified UAV pilots.
Our portable 3D scanning services are ideal for reverse engineering and modelling purposes – whether you need a one-off part recreated or an entire product range digitised.
To give you confidence in our process:
Typical scanning accuracy: sub-millimetre precision
Parts handled: from 20 mm components to multi-metre machinery
Turnaround times: 2–10 business days for most projects
On-site scanning nationwide
Hundreds of successful reverse engineering projects completed
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We follow a proven, repeatable workflow to ensure accuracy and consistency:
How Does the Reverse Engineering Process Begin? Understand your goals, tolerances and required outputs.
How Is an Object Captured for Reverse Engineering? Portable 3D scanning at your location capturing every detail of the object in 3D space, generating a 3D mesh that serves as a digital representation of the item.
How Is 3D Scan Data Processed? Following scanning, we address any unwanted artifacts such as noise, outliers, holes, or ghost geometry in the data. Through manual processes, we fill holes, clean, align, and merge scan data to create a true scanned replica.
How Is a 3D Mesh Created from Scan Data? Creation of accurate digital 3D mesh.
How Does Scan to CAD Work? We provide you with a comprehensive digital representation of your part. Our CAD outputs can be utilised for reverse engineering, quality inspection and prototyping purposes. Whether laying surfaces over the scan mesh or building clean CAD surfaces, we tailor our approach to deliver optimal results for your project.
How Are Reverse Engineering Models Checked for Accuracy? Verification against scan data.
What Do You Receive at the End of a Reverse Engineering Project? Delivery & Support – final files supplied in your preferred formats.
This structured approach ensures that every project moves smoothly from real-world object to high-quality digital asset.
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Reverse engineering is the process of turning physical objects into precise digital models, from small components to large industrial assets. It allows businesses to recreate, modify, improve or remanufacture parts when original drawings or CAD files are missing.
3D Scan to CAD uses Recon's portable 3D scanning technology to accurately capture complex geometry directly on-site, without dismantling equipment or relying on time-consuming manual measurements. Even worn, damaged or irregular surfaces can be scanned with precision, creating a reliable digital model ready for CAD conversion.
From legacy components to complex mechanical assemblies, we help you move from physical part to fully usable engineering data.
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Portable on-site 3D scanning minimises downtime by capturing equipment without dismantling it.
High-accuracy digital capture delivers reliable measurements, even for complex or worn components.
Faster project turnaround reduces time spent on manual measurement and modelling.
Flexible CAD deliverables supplied in your preferred file formats, ready for design, manufacturing or BIM workflows.
Complete digital records preserve accurate as-built geometry for future maintenance, redesign or replacement.
Reduced rework and costly errors through precise, data-driven models that can be verified against the original scan.
What Deliverables Will You Receive?
Depending on your project needs, we can transform your part into a pointcloud, digital 3D mesh or 3D CAD model efficiently and effectively.
Typical outputs include:
Clean, registered pointcloud data
High-resolution watertight 3D mesh files
Fully parametric CAD models
2D engineering drawings
Quality inspection reports
As-built documentation
Files compatible with SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360, STEP, IGES and more
Request a quote today – We reply within 24 hours and work NZ wide. Scanner rental available.
Industries We Work With
We support organisations across:
Manufacturing and fabrication
Using portable 3d scanning to reverse engineer parts, tooling, and assemblies with high accuracy. This enables fast creation of CAD models for reproduction, redesign, or fabrication.
Automotive and motorsport
Scanning automotive components and performance parts directly on-site for precise reverse engineering. This allows fast replication of rare or modified parts without disassembly or drawings
Industrial maintenance
Capturing worn or damaged equipment in place to support accurate reverse engineering. This helps teams create replacement parts and reduce downtime.
Architecture, construction and engineering
Scanning existing structures and building elements to produce accurate as-built models. These are used for renovation, retrofit, and design based on real conditions.
Product design and prototyping
Converting physical products and prototypes into accurate 3D CAD models. This speeds up redesign and iteration without manual measurement.
Marine and heavy equipment
Scanning large marine and industrial machinery on-site for detailed reverse engineering. This supports repair, modification, and part replacement at scale.
Heritage and specialty components
Digitally capturing fragile or unique items for accurate replication and restoration. This enables non-invasive reverse engineering of irreplaceable components.
Film and TV Industry
Scanning props, sets, and production assets for duplication and digital use. This supports continuity, VFX workflows, and rapid asset recreation.
No matter the industry, our portable scanning solutions bring professional reverse engineering within easy reach.
Mechanical
Marine
Electrical
Heritage
Automotive
Prop
Case Studies
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Capturing Every Detail of the Yacht’s Design Using Advanced 3D Scanning
Recon used high-precision 3D scanning to capture Hansa yacht designs with millimetre-level accuracy, creating accurate digital models where no formal plans existed. The models are supporting Sailability Auckland's expansion into virtual reality training, making sailing more accessible, scalable, and available beyond the water—including in rehabilitation and at home
Measurable Outcomes:
High-precision digitisation: Recon captured complete yacht geometry where no formal design drawings existed, enabling accurate VR modelling.
Improved accessibility pathways: Enables sailing training in rehabilitation settings and hospitals via VR simulation.
Increased independence outcomes: Sailors with severe physical disabilities achieving solo sailing control and independence.
Rental
Our portable 3D scanning services offer the option to rent the scanner itself. Whether it's a one-time project or ongoing needs, our comprehensive support make transforming parts into detailed 3D CAD models efficient and effective, regardless of location. Contact us to explore rental options in reverse engineering and inspection.
FAQs
1. What accuracy can your 3D scanning achieve?
Accuracy depends on part size and environment, but typical results are 0.1–0.3 mm for small to large objects.
2. How long does reverse engineering take?
Most projects are completed within 2–14 working days, depending on complexity and required deliverables.
3. What file formats do you supply?
We can provide pointclouds, digital 3D mesh files, STEP, IGES, STL, SolidWorks, Inventor, Fusion 360 and more.
4. Do you scan on-site?
Yes – our service is fully portable, allowing scanning anywhere in New Zealand with minimal disruption. If you are looking for 3d reverse engineering or back engineering, look no further!
5. How much does Scan to CAD cost?
Pricing depends on part size, complexity, accuracy requirements and deliverables. We provide clear fixed quotes after reviewing your part.
6. Can you reverse engineer broken or worn parts?
Absolutely – we can reconstruct missing geometry and create manufacturable CAD models.
7. Is 3D scanning better than manual measurement?
Yes. It is faster, more accurate and captures full geometry rather than limited point measurements. Contact our team to discuss your scanning and reverse engineering requirements.
8. Can you handle large equipment?
Yes – our portable systems are designed for everything from small components to large industrial assets.
Ready to Start Your Reverse Engineering Project? Send us your photos, sketches or sample part details – we’ll respond within 24 hours.