RAD DESIGN & FABRICATION / DIGITAL CAPTURE & REVERSE ENGINEERING
3D Scanning & Reverse Engineering
Have an existing part, object, or component you need to capture, recreate, modify, or preserve? We turn physical objects into workable digital starting points for restoration, replacement-part development, custom design, and fabrication.
Based in Davenport, Iowa, RAD Design & Fabrication offers hands-on 3D scanning using our Revopoint POP 3 Plus, followed by practical mesh processing and CAD development tailored to your project.
What we can do
3D object scanning
Capture the visible surface geometry of suitable physical objects to create a digital 3D mesh. Depending on the object and project needs, scans can support documentation, visualization, measurements, and further modeling.
Reverse engineering & replacement parts
Start with a damaged, worn, obsolete, or hard-to-find component. We can scan the original, assess the geometry, rebuild or adjust the design in CAD, and evaluate whether a replacement can be fabricated. We are especially interested in marine, RV, restoration, and discontinued-part projects.
Restoration & refurbishment
Digitize existing trim, decorative details, housings, fittings, and other suitable pieces to support restoration or repair work. A scan can preserve the form of an original even when additional modeling and measurement are needed to reproduce it.
Scan-to-CAD & digital files
Scanning creates a mesh, not automatically a manufacturing-ready CAD model. Where needed, we can clean up mesh data, take reference measurements, and reconstruct functional geometry in CAD. Depending on the project, deliverables may include STL, OBJ, PLY, or agreed CAD/export formats.
Custom design & fabrication
We can use scanned geometry as the starting point for redesigns, fit checks, adapters, prototypes, and 3D-printed components. Our in-house fabrication approach helps connect digital capture with a physical outcome.
Who we work with
- Automotive, marine, RV, and equipment restoration shops
- Repair businesses seeking discontinued or difficult-to-source components
- Collectors, makers, and owners preserving original objects
- Product developers needing reference geometry or prototype iterations
- Organizations pursuing accessible, tactile, or customized physical products
Our process
- 1. Project review: Tell us what the object is, what problem you’re solving, and whether you need a scan, CAD reconstruction, a replacement part, or a complete project.
- 2. Object assessment: We review size, shape, surface finish, access, and accuracy requirements to choose a practical scanning approach.
- 3. Digital capture: We scan the object, using multiple views, markers, or surface preparation when appropriate.
- 4. Mesh & CAD work: We align, inspect, and process the scan, then reconstruct or modify geometry as required.
- 5. Deliverables: We agree on digital files, prototypes, or fabricated parts and review the results against the project goals.
Local & on-site projects
Our shop is based in Davenport, Iowa. For restoration shops and other projects where transporting an object is impractical, we can discuss on-site scanning within approximately 100 miles, subject to project suitability, scheduling, and travel arrangements. Remote project inquiries are also welcome.
What to know before scanning
Not every object is a good candidate for optical 3D scanning. Highly reflective, transparent, very dark, featureless, obstructed, or unusually large surfaces may require special preparation or an alternate approach. Scans may need independent measurements and CAD reconstruction before a part is ready to manufacture. Final fit, material suitability, tolerances, and any safety-critical use must be evaluated for each project; we do not promise exact reproduction from a scan alone.
Have something you need scanned?
Bring us the challenge. Send a few photographs, approximate dimensions, the object’s material, and what you need to accomplish. We’ll review the project and discuss the best route from physical object to digital model—or finished part.
RAD Design & Fabrication · Davenport, Iowa · dave@raddesignfab.com
Contact Dave directly by phone: +1 563-212-5932
