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Aircraft Wheel Rim
CAD redesign for CNC workflows

2020

Industry

  • Aerospace

What We Did

  • 3D Scanning
  • Reverse Engineering
  • Exporting data: STL to STEP

Project Details

  • Aircraft Wheel Rim
    CAD Reverse engineering for CNC

  • 3D Scanning Accuracy: ± 0.05 mm

    Final CAD Accuracy: ± 0.075 mm (Average). Local deviations may vary depending on geometry and feature accessibility

aircraft rim partial 3d scan data
aircraft rim reverse engineering from partial data

This project involved the reconstruction of an aircraft wheel rim starting from an STL scan, used as a geometric reference to capture the overall form and key structural features of the component.

Given the functional nature of the part, the modelling process focused on rebuilding the geometry through a fully parametric CAD approach. Rather than relying on mesh-based conversion, the model was redefined using controlled features and reference-driven geometry, ensuring dimensional clarity and consistency across all critical areas, including the hub, spoke structure and mounting interfaces.

Particular attention was given to the definition of rotational features, symmetry and alignment, which are essential in components subjected to mechanical loads and manufacturing constraints. The reconstruction process also allowed the geometry to be rationalised where necessary, improving coherence and ensuring compatibility with downstream production requirements. The resulting CAD model was exported as a STEP file, ready to be integrated into a CAM environment for CNC machining. This enables precise toolpath generation and ensures that the component can be manufactured with a high level of accuracy and repeatability.

Key aspects:

  • STL scan used as reference geometry
  • Fully parametric CAD reconstruction
  • Controlled definition of functional features
  • Geometry prepared for CNC machining workflows
  • STEP file delivery for CAM integration
aircraft rim CAD reverse from STL mesh
aircraft rim parametric reverse engineering from STL mesh
aircraft rim reverse engineering section view
aircraft rim deviation STL vs CAD