Back to Basics
We all know building parametric CAD models can be a complicated process, but it doesn’t have to be this way. XTract3D gives you access to powerful slicing, fitting, and snapping tools for reverse engineering directly inside SOLIDWORKS. Trace right on top of 2D cross sections of 3D scan data to create parametric CAD models with ease.
Scan an object using a
3D scanner
Here, we used Artec Space Spider to capture a ball joint, an object containing several holes. To successfully capture a hole, simply make sure that the scanner can track all or at least most of the edge area. Hold the scanner at a 90-degree angle to ensure the best capture.
Convert scan to mesh in the appropriate software
Once you’re done scanning, you can view and edit the model in the Artec Studio 3D software. Use the Autopilot mode for fast, automatic post-processing with minimal user interaction, or take full control of the process with the manual mode.
Import mesh file into Solidworks
After exporting the mesh file, import it into SOLIDWORKS. Once imported, use the Geomgaic for SOLIDWORKS plugin to view and edit the model in the SOLIDWORKS environment.
Their Way
Many reverse engineering software have complicated tools that are difficult to use and/or automated features that only work on limited projects.
Often, they don’t work very well in real world scenarios and produce inconsistent results.
XTract3D Way
We focus on a robust method to reverse engineering by giving you a basic toolset to solve a wide range of applications—from basic to complex parts.
You have complete control over how you manually sketch features and elements. It’s not fancy. But it’s simple and it works.
3D Scanned Mesh
Scan-to-CAD Model
Headlight Cover
Scan-to-CAD of a Headlight Cover using XTract3D
3D Scanned Mesh
Scan-to-CAD Model
Casted Part
Scan-to-CAD of a Casted Part using XTract3D
3D Scanned Mesh
Scan-to-CAD Model
Door Handle
Scan-to-CAD of a Door Handle using XTract3D
3D Scanned Mesh
Scan-to-CAD Model
Alloy Wheel
Scan-to-CAD of a Alloy Wheel using XTract3D
While other reverse engineering software have automation tools that might sound great on paper, they simply aren’t effective for creating usable CAD models for most real life applications. We approach the reverse engineering challenge differently. XTract3D focuses on providing a basic yet powerful set of tools to manually extract features, sketch, and create CAD data using the 3D scan data as a template for design. This is a fool-proof way of doing reverse engineering from scan data.
No, a common misconception is optical 3D scanners directly outputs a CAD model. Point cloud or polygon mesh data is the output of all optical scanners. In order to create a geometric solid CAD model, you need to use scan data as a visual aid for building a CAD model. XTract3D works with SOLIDWORKS to help you with this process of convert scan data to CAD.
SOLIDWORKS is one of the world’s most popular CAD modeling package used by 3.2 million users. We didn’t want to reinvent the wheel when SOLIDWORKS great at building solid CAD models from scratch, so we decided to create a simple reverse engineering toolbar to complement it. As a bonus, people using SOLIDWORKS don’t need to learn another piece of software. When all the amazing tools you need are in one place for CAD modeling, it makes your work more productive.
ScanTo3D is limited to working with low resolution 3D scan data, while XTract3D handles mesh data with millions of polygons. There are limited tools in ScanTo3D to do a proper reverse engineering job quickly and to do it in the most direct way. We worked closely with reverse engineering professionals to develop XTract3D. We listened to the challenges they have with existing products in the market to develop XTract3D as an alternative solution.
We strongly using the recommend requirements to run XTract3D at its optimal condition.
Recommended:
Windows 10 64 bit, Solidowrks 2019, 12 GB of Ram
Minimum:
Windows 10 64 bit, Solidowrks 2015, 8 GB of Ram
XTract3D can import the following polygonal mesh files from 3D scanners: ply, obj, stl. We recently added new support for importing point clouds in the following formats: asc, csv, txt, E57
XTract3D can load and work with scan datasets in the 10’s of millions of polygons. However, a massive number of polygons per scan model is generally not necessary. We recommend keeping your model at roughly 500,000 polygons or under to keep your work moving smoothly.
Check out the video tutorial section and user manual to see if you can find the answers there. If not, contact us and we’ll help you figure it out.
You will receive an email that gives you the link to download an .exe file and a license key. Double-click on the file and your computer will automatically install XTract3D on your computer. At the end of the installation process, you will be asked to enter the license key to activate XTract3D.
After installation, open SOLIDWORKS and XTract3D will appear as a toolbar inside the software.
Metrology grade infrared + blue laser handheld scanner with built-in photogrammetry system
| Scanner Type | Handheld |
Object Size  Typical Object Sizes: XS: Coins, Jewelery S: Camera, Pumps M: Engines, Sculptures L: Small boats, Turbines |
XS, S, M, L |
| Laser source | Blue + infrared |
| Accuracy | Up to 0.020 mm |
| Resolution | Up to 0.010 mm |
| Output Type | 3D mesh |
Award-winning, light and compact metrology grade 3D scanner with an ergonomic design
| Scanner Type | Handheld |
| Object Size Typical Object Sizes: XS: Coins, Jewelery S: Camera, Pumps M: Engines, Sculptures |
XS, S, M |
| Laser source | Blue |
| Accuracy | Up to 0.020 mm |
| Resolution | Up to 0.025 mm |
| Output Type | 3D mesh |
Intelligent optical tracking system for delivering ultra-high precision 3D scans without markers
| Scanner Type | Handheld |
| Object Size Typical Object Sizes: M: Engines, Sculptures L: Small boats, Turbines |
M, L |
| Laser source | Blue |
| Accuracy | Up to 0.025 mm |
| Resolution | Up to 0.020 mm |
| Output Type | 3D mesh |
High accuracy long-range laser 3D scanner, ideal for precise capture of large objects
| Scanner Type | Tripod mounted |
| Object Size Typical Object Sizes: L: Small boats, Turbines XL: Warehouse, Airplane |
L, XL |
| Laser source | LiDAR |
| Angular accuracy | 18 arcseconds |
| Range | Up to 130 m |
| Output Type | 3D mesh + texture |
Photogrammetry system tailored to deliver precise geometric measurements of large parts
| CMM Type | Optical, handheld |
| Object Size Typical Object Sizes: M: Engines, Sculptures L: Small boats, Turbines |
M, L |
| Volumetric Accuracy | 0.015 mm/m |
| Depth of field | 6.5 m |
| Capture area | Up to 9.4 m x 6.9 m |
| Output Type | 3D points |
Cutting-edge 3D scanner for capturing detailed 3D geometry and rich colors in textures
| Scanner Type | Handheld |
| Object Size Typical Object Sizes: S: Camera, Pumps M: Engines, Sculptures |
S, M |
| Laser source | Structured infrared VCSEL |
| Accuracy | Up to 0.1 mm |
| Color reproduction | 24 bit |
| Output Type | 3D mesh + texture |
