Master’s in Advanced Reverse Engineering — 3D Scanning, Scan-to-CAD, Tolerances and Dimensional Control
Online master's programme of 1,900 hours in advanced reverse engineering, structured in 12 modules covering 3D scanning, data processing, scan-to-CAD, complex surfaces, GD&T tolerancing, dimensional inspection, wear compensation, manufacturing and functional validation, with an assigned technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Plan reverse engineering projects.
Select and operate 3D scanning technologies.
Process point clouds and meshes.
Reconstruct parametric and surface CAD models.
Apply geometric tolerances to reproductions.
Carry out traceable dimensional inspection.
Functionally validate reproduced parts.
Who it's for
- Reverse engineering engineers
- 3D scanning technicians
- CAD modellers
- Metrology technicians
- Parts reproduction engineers
- Dimensional inspection managers
- Engineering or science graduates seeking to move into classic vehicle restoration
What you'll work with
- ISO 10360-8 (CMMs with optical distance sensors)
- VDI/VDE 2634 Part 2 (optical 3D measuring systems, area scanning)
- ISO 1101 (geometrical tolerancing)
- ASME Y14.5 (dimensioning and tolerancing)
- ISO 2768-2 (general geometrical tolerances)
- ISO 14405-1 (dimensional tolerancing, linear sizes)
- ISO 10303-242 (STEP AP242, managed model-based 3D engineering)
- ISO 14253-1 (decision rules for conformity)
- Geomagic Design X
- ZEISS INSPECT
- Artec Studio
- SolidWorks
- PolyWorks
12 modules · 1900 h
1.1Definition and applications1.2Complete workflow1.3Design intent versus actual geometry1.4Worn and deformed parts1.5Legal aspects and intellectual property1.6Ethics in reproduction1.7Selecting the capture technology1.8Project planning1.9Data management1.10Case study: reverse engineering plan for a piston
2.1Structured light scanners2.2Handheld laser scanners2.3Measuring arms2.4Close-range photogrammetry2.5Industrial computed tomography2.6Resolution and accuracy2.7Surface preparation2.8Targets and references2.9Scanner selection2.10Laboratory: comparison of two scanning technologies
3.1Scanning strategies3.2Alignment of scans3.3Point clouds3.4Polygon mesh generation3.5Noise removal3.6Hole filling3.7Mesh decimation and optimisation3.8Exporting formats3.9Mesh quality control3.10Practical exercise: processing a cylinder head mesh
4.1Region segmentation4.2Primitive extraction4.3Creating NURBS surfaces4.4History-based parametric modelling4.5Hybrid mesh and solid modelling4.6Coordinate systems4.7Symmetries and alignments4.8Reconstructing chamfers and radii4.9Mesh-to-CAD comparison4.10Workshop: parametric modelling of a housing
5.1Freeform surfaces5.2G1 and G2 continuity5.3Body panels5.4Surface fitting5.5Curvature analysis5.6Grilles and mouldings5.7Cast parts5.8Class-A quality surfaces5.9Visual validation of reflections5.10Case study: surfacing a wing
6.1Dimensional tolerances and fits6.2ISO 1101 and ASME Y14.56.3Datums and datum systems6.4Form tolerances6.5Orientation and location6.6Profile of a surface6.7Functional fits between parts6.8Tolerances in reproductions6.9Tolerance stack-up6.10Practical exercise: GD&T dimensioning of a flange
7.1Colour map comparison inspection7.2Deviation reports7.3CMM measurement7.4Non-contact optical measurement7.5Uncertainty estimation7.6Decision rules7.7Repeatability studies7.8Inspection report7.9Traceability of parts and batches7.10Laboratory: deviation report with ZEISS INSPECT
8.1Identifying wear8.2Reconstructing nominal geometry8.3Using mating parts8.4Thermal deformation8.5Using multiple samples8.6Consulting historical documentation8.7Period drawings8.8Validation with mating parts8.9Design decisions8.10Case study: nominal reconstruction of a worn piston
9.1Manufacturing drawings9.2Exporting in STEP format9.3CAM toolpath programming9.4Additive manufacturing of the prototype9.5Casting the part9.6Machining the part9.7Material selection9.8Post-processing of printed parts9.9Coordination with suppliers9.10Workshop: manufacturing drawing of a scanned part
10.1Trial assembly10.2Functional assembly tests10.3Strength tests10.4Comparison with the original10.5Design adjustments10.6Aesthetic validation of the part10.7Final client approval10.8Validation documentation10.9Recording lessons learned10.10Practical exercise: validating a reproduction part
11.1Budgeting scanning projects11.2Deadlines and delivery planning11.3Client management11.4Confidentiality and client agreements11.5Digital archiving of documentation11.6Parts libraries11.7Collaboration with clubs11.8The reproduction parts business11.9Quality and reputation11.10Case study: digital library for a classic model
12.1Selecting the part12.2Capture plan12.3Scanning and processing12.4CAD modelling of the part12.5Tolerances and drawings12.6Prototype manufacture12.7Dimensional inspection and validation12.8Conclusions and future work12.9Master's Thesis report12.10Master's Thesis: defence before a panel
How you'll learn
The programme is delivered 100% online on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. There are no fixed timetables: you progress at your own pace within each intake, so it can be combined with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Geomagic Design X, ZEISS INSPECT, Artec Studio, SolidWorks and PolyWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Testing is studied through real procedures for structured light 3D scanning, mesh-to-CAD deviation reports and coordinate measuring machine inspection. Assessment is continuous by module, plus the final Master's Thesis.
Standards covered: ISO 10360-8, VDI/VDE 2634 Part 2, ISO 1101, ASME Y14.5, ISO 2768-2, ISO 14405-1, ISO 10303-242, ISO 14253-1.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- University degree in engineering, science or architecture, or equivalent demonstrable professional experience.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- English sufficient to read technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 1,900 hours over 12–14 months. You set your own pace within each intake, and your tutor helps you plan the workload around your job.
You work with Geomagic Design X, ZEISS INSPECT, Artec Studio, SolidWorks and PolyWorks, using free, academic or evaluation versions. Your tutor indicates the free alternative wherever one exists.
A SEIUM Institute diploma, awarded on passing the continuous assessment and the Master's Thesis. It is SEIUM's own qualification, not an official state degree; its recognition depends on the programme completed and the regulations of each country.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the higher programme. Ask about the recognition policy when you enrol.
A degree in engineering, science or architecture (or equivalent professional experience), a suitable computer and internet connection, and English sufficient to read technical standards.
Start dates are set by SEIUM's faculty for each intake. Our admissions team will confirm the next available date when you apply.
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