3D Scanning and Technical Drawings Ready for Production

From scan to model

Freeform surfaces are modelled to follow the scan closely, while prismatic features are rebuilt to clean, standard geometry. This distinction matters because a wear mark or manufacturing defect on the original part should not be carried forward into a drawing meant for a new, correctly made component.

Typical uses

Common jobs include documenting legacy parts, creating drawings for spares, capturing hand-modified prototypes, digitising tooling and fixtures, and producing data for re-sourcing manufacture.

Link with reverse engineering

Going straight from scan to machined replacement in one workshop removes the handover gaps that can occur when scanning, drawing and manufacture are split across different suppliers.

Preparing a part before it is scanned

It also helps to flag any features that are functionally important but visually subtle, such as a shallow keyway, a chamfer that locates another part, or a thread that is partly worn. These are easy to miss on a scan alone and are best confirmed by direct measurement during modelling.

Typical parts we scan and draw

Examples include gearbox housings and brackets from legacy machinery, bespoke jigs and fixtures with no surviving documentation, pattern or mould tooling that needs replacing, and one-off components from research rigs that were originally hand-built without a drawing ever being produced.

Machining equipment and software

APT uses DMG MORI CMX 70 U and Matsuura MX-520 5-axis milling machines, with OPEN MIND hyperMILL and Autodesk Fusion for CAM programming. Machining tolerances are 5 to 10 microns (0.005–0.010 mm).

Machining size and batch range

Maximum machining part size is 675 mm × 600 mm × 550 mm (X × Y × Z), with cylindrical parts up to 600 mm diameter. Typical batches are 1 to 100 parts; one-offs and prototypes are welcome. Contact APT about the suitability of your particular part.

Materials

Materials machined include aluminium, stainless steel, titanium, plastics and exotic alloys. APT has also machined glass and carbon. Please specify the material and grade in your enquiry so suitability can be discussed.

Inspection and certification

APT holds ISO 9001 quality management, ISO 14001 environmental management and Cyber Essentials certification. A 5-axis scanning CMM is used for inspection, with inspection reports supplied on request. Standalone inspection is also available for parts made elsewhere.

Files and confidentiality

STEP, IGES and technical drawings are accepted. An NDA is signed with every customer as standard. If no drawing exists, send a physical part for scanning, modelling from the scan and production of full drawings.

Team and availability

Two in-house machinists run the machines, supported by a trusted network of CNC programmers and inspectors built up over 20+ years. Work is seasonal, with consultants and contractors brought in during busy periods.

Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 7am to 6pm, as previously confirmed for this website. 24/7 machining is available, including overnight and weekend running when needed. Contact APT to discuss your required date and availability; extended running does not mean every deadline can be met.