Mechanical Reverse Engineering: A Comprehensive Review

Abstract

Mechanical reverse engineering is a vital field in contemporary engineering practice, involving the systematic analysis,
documentation, and reproduction of mechanical systems for which the original design information is either unavailable or
incomplete. This comprehensive review explores the evolution, methodologies, technologies, and applications of mechanical
reverse engineering across various industrial sectors. The paper synthesizes current research on dimensional measurement
techniques, including both contact and non-contact methods, material characterization approaches, and computational tools used
in the reverse engineering process. It thoroughly analyzes key technological advancements in 3D scanning, computer-aided
design (CAD) reconstruction, additive manufacturing integration, and artificial intelligence applications.