🧭 Lab Service

Reverse Engineering

Reverse engineering is the process of discovering the technological principles of a device, object, or system through analysis of its structure, function, and operation: the answer when documentation is unavailable or the original manufacturer is no longer reachable.

Category

Laboratory

Chemistry

LIBS · XRF · SEM-EDS

Non-metallics

FTIR

Deliverable

Replica-ready spec

When you need it

Reverse engineering is the process of discovering the technological principles of a device, object, or system through analysis of its structure, function, and operation. It becomes essential when the original drawings and specifications are unavailable, or when the manufacturer is no longer accessible. By characterizing the part completely, we give you all the information you need to manufacture an exact replica.

Chemical analysis

We identify materials and coatings using both destructive and non-destructive testing. LIBS, XRF, and SEM with EDS establish alloy composition, while FTIR characterizes organic and non-metallic components such as plastics and rubbers. We also test for carburization, heat-treatment completion, and surface treatments.

The goal: a complete material and process specification. Composition alone is not enough to reproduce a part: form, heat treatment, and coatings all have to be captured before a faithful replica can be made.

Metallographic analysis

Microstructure reveals whether a component was cast, forged, or extruded, provides partial heat-treatment information, and identifies surface treatments such as carburizing or nitriding.

Hardness testing

Micro-hardness testing by the Vickers and Knoop methods evaluates heat-treatment characteristics. Cross-sectional traverses reveal surface-treatment details and the extent of weld heat-affected zones.

Coating analysis

By combining metallographic examination, chemical analysis, and hardness testing, we determine the coating type, including:

  • Plating
  • Cladding
  • Anodizing
  • Phosphate coatings
  • Conversion coatings
Case gallery

Reverse engineering

Chemistry, hardness, and microstructure to reconstruct a spec.

Need to remake a part with no drawings?

Send us the component and we will characterize its composition, processing, and coatings, delivering the specification you need to manufacture an exact replica.