3D scanning and part digitization

Reverse engineering

If original drawings are missing, an existing glass part can be used as a physical reference.

We scan the original part, recover its geometry, and prepare the data needed to design and manufacture a new glass part.

This approach is especially valuable for complex bent glass, where a few linear measurements or a simple template are not enough.

Retrofitting and rare glazing recovery

For old, rare, low-volume, and special vehicles, original glass is often unavailable — it has long been discontinued or was never sold as a separate spare part.

In that case, a surviving glass part can be scanned and used as the basis for developing a new product.

When needed, we account not only for the original shape, but also for installation geometry, spacers, and mating elements.

Based on the resulting digital model, it is possible to design modern glass, including with a modified construction or additional functions.

Form inspection

3D scanning can be used not only to copy an existing part, but also for production inspection.

The captured geometry can be compared:

• with the source CAD model;
• with a reference sample;
• with a target surface;
• with another manufactured part.

This helps detect form deviations, control the glass bending process, and assess production stability.

Drawings and digital models

Customers do not have to manufacture the glass with us.

We can scan an existing part, process the data, and prepare a 3D model, drawings, or a design documentation package for transfer to another manufacturer.

The format and scope of documentation are agreed based on the requirements of the specific production site.

R&D and new product development

3D scanning is actively used in research and development work.

For example, when developing glazing for a new vehicle, we can scan:

• a body prototype;
• a window opening;
• adjacent surfaces;
• fastening elements;
• spacers;
• existing mock-up parts.

The resulting geometry becomes the basis for designing new glass, checking its position in the assembly, and developing production tooling.

The same approach applies beyond automotive. We can scan and prepare geometry for special vehicles, rail and marine transport, equipment, instrumentation, and other technical products.

Key scanning characteristics

The actual accuracy of the final digital model depends not only on the equipment, but also on object size and shape, surface accessibility, preparation quality, the number of control passes, and the requirements of the specific project.

How long scanning takes

Lead time is assessed case by case and depends on object size, shape complexity, surface accessibility, and the required set of source data.

For typical automotive glass, the following on-site durations can be used as a preliminary guide when a specialist visits the customer:

• passenger-car windshield — from 90 minutes of on-site work;
• when a fully dismantled glass part, its edges, spacers, and additional elements must be scanned — from 120 minutes of on-site work;
• scanning several glass parts of the same vehicle can be done in a single visit.

This time includes surface preparation, marker application, scanning itself, completeness checks, and subsequent removal of powder and markers.

These durations are indicative. For complex, large, or hard-to-access objects, the schedule is confirmed after a preliminary assessment.

Object and site requirements

Scanning can be performed at the customer site. The engineer needs access to the scanned surface and enough space to move the scanner.

The scanner operates at roughly 35–40 cm from the surface, so at least 1 m of free space in front of the object is preferred. The engineer also needs access to the edges of the part and the ability to change scanner position relative to the surface. The scanned object must remain rigidly fixed throughout the scan.

The area should be sufficiently lit, dry, and protected from precipitation, strong wind, and other factors that could interfere with applying the matting compound and positioning markers.

Windshields and fixed glass

In many cases windshields and other fixed glass can be scanned without removing them from the vehicle, provided there is access to the full required surface.

Before work starts, we assess whether edge geometry, body mating zones, and other elements needed for further design can be captured.

If both the glass shape and its position relative to the body must be recovered, spacers, fasteners, and adjacent surfaces may also be scanned.

Drop-down and side glass

For drop-down side glass, full dismantling is usually required.

Even when fully raised, part of such glass remains inside the door and cannot be scanned. Correct shape recovery requires capturing the full surface and edge of the part.

Before dismantling, the customer must mark the visible-zone boundary of the glass in the window opening with a marker:

• on the outside of the glass;
• on the inside of the glass.

This marking helps later determine the glass position relative to the window opening and the visible-zone boundary, and correctly place functional, decorative, or process elements of the new part.

If the glass is installed with spacers, seals, or other form-defining elements, those should preferably be provided for scanning as well.

Customer-side preparation

If glass or other construction elements must be dismantled, that work is performed by the customer or a specialized contractor they engage.

Our engineers perform 3D scanning, measurements, and subsequent processing of the captured data, but do not install or dismantle automotive glazing.

In some cases, especially in complex projects, additional verification of the final scanning results on the customer's site is required.