Reverse Engineering 3D Scans to SOLIDWORKS for Nintendo 2DS Shells

Summary: Uzair Saadat, Uzair Saadat, an industrial designer from Sydney, is working on reverse engineering 3D scans in SolidWorks with a complex focus on the Nintendo 2DS shell. Uzair seeks advice from the Melbourne user group on whether to use converted 3D scans or manually measure and disassemble the device for accuracy. Micah Speight, Micah Speight, offers to bring this issue up at a group meeting, while Uzair mentions he will be on holiday but provides additional notes on not needing mold features for 3D printing in transparent ABS plastic and emphasizes the importance of tight tolerances and angled base modeling.

AI Summary

Hi all,

My name is Uzair, and I’m an industrial designer currently working on a personal project involving the reverse engineering of 3D scans in SolidWorks. I'm based in Sydney, but wanted to ask for advice from the Melbourne user group also!

I’m particularly interested in modelling something complex, such as the Nintendo 2DS shell, but I’m unsure of the best way to approach this process.

From what I understand, I could create each part as a new file and build around the scans, but I’m not certain whether these scans can be converted into sufficiently accurate models. Would it be better to disassemble an actual 2DS and manually measure and dimension the parts? I’m even considering purchasing a non-working unit just for this purpose.

I’ve attached an example of one component I was able to print on an Ender 3 S1 (FDM). While this gives me a rough idea, more complex parts from the scans present a bigger challenge.

Any advice, workflows, or insights on the best way to tackle this would be greatly appreciated.

Best regards,

Uzair

2 comments

Micah Speight

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Hi Uziar,

Thanks for your message, I can bring this up at the next meeting on the 22nd of November for you. I can take some notes on what the crew think for you.

Uzair Saadat

1 month, 2 weeks ago

Hi Micah,

That would be great!

Unfortunately, I’ll be on holiday during that time, but feel free to discuss it without me.

Here are a few notes or thoughts I’ve realised from talking to people:

Since I want it to eventually be 3D printed (not FDM) — likely in a transparent ABS plastic — I won’t need all the injection moulding features, as it would need to be re-optimised anyway.

The main focus would be on modelling the overall form and screw holes, though the tolerances will need to be quite tight.

The base modelling should be relatively straightforward using extrudes, but keep in mind that it sits at an angle rather than being vertical.

Might also need to use surfacing for the edges.

I've updated the post with more images!

thanks!

Uzair