A Methodology for Evaluating Dimensional Accuracy in Reverse Engineering Workflows
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7494/jcme.2026.10.3.61Keywords:
3D scanning, accuracy evaluation, measurement, mesh processing, engineeringAbstract
Reverse engineering is widely used for the digital reconstruction of physical objects; however, the dimensional accuracy of the resulting models depends on a sequence of interconnected processes, including manufacturing, 3D scanning, data processing, and model reconstruction. Most existing studies evaluate individual devices or technologies separately, while the cumulative influence of the entire workflow is rarely addressed in a systematic manner. This paper proposes a structured methodology for evaluating the dimensional accuracy of reverse engineering systems as integrated processes. The proposed framework defines a repeatable workflow consisting of reference artifact design, additive manufacturing, object digitisation, mesh processing, CAD reconstruction, and dimensional evaluation. The methodology provides a general framework that can be applied to different reverse engineering technologies and measurement systems. Its objective is to support consistent accuracy evaluation, improve the comparability of results across studies, and contribute to the development of standardised procedures for assessing reverse engineering workflows.
Downloads
References
[1] Kersten T.P., Lindstaedt M. & Starosta D. (2018). Comparative geometrical accuracy investigations of hand – held 3D scanning systems – an update. The International Archives of Photogrammetry, Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences, XLII(2), 487–494. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5194/isprs-archives-XLII-2-487-2018.
[2] Baráth M., Kotus M., Boszorádová L., Baláži J., Hrabovský L. & Pravda Š. (2025). Effect of relative humidity on tribological and mechanical properties of PA6-based composites. Management Systems in Production Engineering, 33(3), 362–370. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/mspe-2025-0034.
[3] Horný L., Petřivý Z., Sobotka Z., Kohan M., Balint T., Chlup H., Kronek J., Mendová K., Hudák R., Schnitzer M., Danko M. & Hlubeňová J. (2025). Notes on constitutive modeling of 3D-printed PLA materials. Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials, 169, 107083. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmbbm.2025.107083.
[4] Marlicka K., Fijołek A., Garbacz-Klempka A. & Piękoś M. (2025). Reverse engineering and computer modelling in archaeometallurgy for the reconstruction of heritage objects using precision casting and 3D printing. Journal of Casting & Materials Engineering, 9(4), 72–79. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7494/jcme.2025.9.4.72-79.
[5] Medřický R. (2016). 3D Skenery pro použití v průmyslu. Praha: Automa pub.[in Czech].
[6] Campanelli V., Howell S.M. & Hull M.L. (2016). Accuracy evaluation of a lower-cost and four higher-cost laser scanners. Journal of Biomechanics, 49(1), 127–131. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiomech.2015.11.015.
[7] Helle R.H. & Lemu H.G. (2021). A case study on use of 3D scanning for reverse engineering and quality control. Materials Today: Proceedings, 45, 5255–5262. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matpr.2021.01.828.
[8] Turek P., Bielarski P., Czapla A., Futoma H., Hajder T. & Misiura J. (2025). Assessment of accuracy in geometry reconstruction, CAD modeling, and MEX additive manufacturing for models characterized by axisymmetry and primitive geometries. Designs, 9(5), 101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/designs9050101.
[9] Jalava K., Anwar N. & Orkas J. (2024). Evaluation of 3D-printed pattern material for heat-hardened inorganic moulds. Journal of Casting & Materials Engineering, 8(2), 25–29. DOI: https://doi.org/10.7494/jcme.2024.8.2.25.
[10] Paloušek D., Omasta M., Koutný D., Bednář J., Dokoupil F. & Koutecký T. (2015). Effect of matte coating on 3D optical measurement accuracy. Optical Materials, 40(1), 1–9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2014.11.020.
[11] Raza S.F., Amjad M., Ishfaq K., Ahmad S. & Abdollahian M. (2023). Effect of three-dimensional (3D) scanning factors on minimizing the scanning errors using a white LED light 3D scanner. Applied Sciences, 13(5), 3303. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/app13053303.
[12] Michaeli J.G., DeGroff M.C. & Roxas R.C. (2017). Error aggregation in the reengineering process from 3D scanning to printing. Scanning, 2017, 1218541. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/1218541.
[13] Bonin R., Khameneifar F. & Mayer J.R.R. (2021). Evaluation of the metrological performance of a handheld 3D laser scanner using a pseudo-3D ball-lattice artifact. Sensors, 21(6), 2137. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s21062137.
[14] Cuesta E., Meana V., Álvarez B.J., Giganto S. & Martínez-Pellitero S. (2022). Metrology benchmarking of 3D scanning sensors using a ceramic GD&T-based artefact. Sensors, 22, 8596. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s22228596.
[15] Morovič L. (2016). Non-Contact Measurement of Free-Form Surfaces. Plzeň: Vydavatelství a nakladatelství Aleš Čeněk, s.r.o.
[16] Buranský I. & Morovič L. (2021). Reverzné inžinierstvo a reverzné geometrické modelovanie. Trnava: AlumniPress [in Slovak].
[17] Rangelov D., Waanders S., Waanders K., van Keulen M. & Miltchev R. (2025). Three-dimensional reconstruction techniques and the impact of lighting conditions on reconstruction quality: A comprehensive review. Lights, 1(1). DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/lights1010001.
[18] Jaganmohan P., Muralikrishnan B., Lee V., Ren W., Icasio Hernandez O. & Morse E. (2023). VDI/VDE 2634-1 performance evaluation tests and systematic errors in passive stereo vision systems. Precision Engineering-Journal of the International Societies for Precision Engineering and Nanotechnology, 79, 310–322. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.precisioneng.2022.11.005.
[19] Halejcio D. & Major-Gabryś K. (2026). The influence of modified inorganic binders intended for 3D printing on selected properties of thermally cured moulding sands – conventionally and with microwaves. Journal of Casting & Materials Engineering, 10(1), 1–9. DOI: https://journals.agh.edu.pl/jcme/article/view/8026/3352.
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Kristína Kovalčíková, Marek Šolc, Dominik Dubec, Tomasz Małysa

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.