Case study · Reverse engineering
From vise handle to quote-ready CAD
Reverse engineering for an initial manufacturing estimate
A client wanted to approach domestic and international manufacturers about making a vise handle. Before requesting quotes, they needed a digital description of the existing part: something a supplier could review and use to prepare an initial estimate.
Start with the object the client already has
The assignment was reverse engineering: translate the existing handle into CAD and drawings. The photographs show that reference object from several angles. The work focused on its main design features and how the components fit together.
This was a simple assembly with relatively modest tolerance requirements, so the documentation could stay focused on what was needed for an initial quotation.
Existing handle → editable CAD → quotation drawings
The photographs show the original reference handle. The rendering and drawings show the digital documentation developed from it.
- 01 Existing handle
- 02 Editable CAD
- 03 Quotation drawings
More views of the reference handle
The reference, from the right
The reference, from the left
The side view
Build a model that can change
We created an editable CAD model that captured the main design intent. The assembly view brings the handle body, pivot and pin together; separate component drawings describe the individual pieces.
An easy-to-modify model gave the client design materials they could continue working with. If the design needed to change during supplier discussions, the CAD provided a starting point for that next revision.
The digital assembly
Three component drawings
Each sheet opens at full size for a closer look.
Handle body drawing
Pivot drawing
Pin drawing
Enough detail for the next business decision
The deliverable was a CAD and drawing package sufficient for initial quotations. Its level of detail matched the next step: giving manufacturers enough information to review the part and prepare an initial price.
The client left with an editable assembly and three component drawings: a concrete starting point for supplier discussions and the manufacturing budget in the business plan.
Have a part, but need drawings to get it quoted?
Show us the existing object and tell us what the supplier needs to estimate. We can scope a CAD and drawing package around that next decision.