CVG’s reverse engineering and benchmarking lab uses the latest tools available to apply the Value Analysis Tear-Down philosophy to our competitor’s products.  For 3D digitizing and optical measurements a GOM ATOS I scanner and TriTop Photogrammetry system is used.  These devices are used to capture 3D data of product not currently in a CAD system.  A wide range of products can be scanned including small intricate pieces to very large parts, such as bumpers or hoods.  This allows CVG to compare or manipulate other products to our own in a CAD environment, greatly reducing development time.  In addition, CVG has developed an internal secure database to capture all of the products that are reverse engineered.  A bill of material is created, as the products are torn down, and entered into the system for cost analysis, functional measurements and product comparison.  This database is used internally or by our customers to learn about other products through a secure data link.  To further enhance CVG’s product development, rapid prototype machines are used to greatly reduce development time and costs.  CVG has two technologies; a Stratasys FDM and an Objet PolyJet 3D printer.  The two technologies work well together to give a functional, realistic representation of an end product.