Reverse engineering — we manufacture the part you can't buy

The part is no longer available to buy. We make a new one.

A small plastic bracket breaks and the whole car is brought to a standstill. The part has been discontinued for twenty years, the only one on Blocket costs more than the car is worth, and buying used just means the same brittle plastic that already broke once.

That is exactly what we do. You send the broken part — or the pieces — and we measure it, redraw it in CAD, and manufacture a new one in a material that lasts longer than the original. From a single part, without tooling and without minimum orders.

How reverse engineering works with us

1. You send the part or pictures. If you only have fragments left, it often works anyway — we need mounting points and outer dimensions. A photo with a tape measure next to it is enough for us to say yes or no.
2. Measurement. We measure the geometry and digitize it. Critical dimensions such as hole centers, wall thickness, and mountings are measured directly on the part, not guessed from an image.
3. CAD model. The part is redrawn in Fusion 360. We don't just build a copy of a flawed original — we reinforce the areas where the original broke.
4. Test part. You get a part to test in the car. If it doesn't fit, we adjust it and send a new one.
5. More copies whenever you want. The model is saved. If you need five more next year, we can produce them directly from the file.

Why newly manufactured parts are often better than the original

Most plastic parts from the '80s and '90s broke due to the same three reasons: the material became brittle from UV and heat, the walls were too thin at the radii to save material during injection molding, and snap-fits were designed to be assembled once at the factory — not disassembled.

With additive manufacturing, there is no injection mold limiting the geometry. We can add material precisely where the loads are, replace a broken snap-fit with a screw mount, and choose a material that withstands the environment where the part is used:

• ASA — UV-resistant and durable up to approximately 100 °C. The primary choice for parts in the engine bay or exposed to sunlight: grilles, trim pieces, under-hood brackets.
• ABS — tough, bondable, and machinable. Our go-to material for most interior and body components.
• PETG — impact-resistant and chemical-resistant, ideal where the part comes into contact with fuel, oil, or windshield washer fluid.
• PA/Nylon — exceptionally tough for heavily stressed mechanical parts, bushing-like components, and fixtures.
• TPU — flexible for gaskets, grommets, and damping components.

We also select build orientation depending on how the part is loaded. An incorrectly oriented layer makes the part weak in the exact direction the force is applied. That is the most common reason why a homemade part breaks, and one of the reasons why it's worth letting someone who manufactures parts on a daily basis do the job.

What we are clear about not doing

We do not manufacture safety-critical parts where a failure means risk of personal injury — brake components, steering parts, or load-bearing chassis brackets. Nor do we manufacture parts meant to withstand direct contact with open flame far above the material's limit. If we get a request that cannot be solved safely in plastic, we will tell you rather than selling you something that cracks.

What it costs and how long it takes

Measurement and CAD work is the largest expense the first time — after that, every new part is inexpensive. Lead time is normally 1–5 business days for a test part after the model is approved. You always get a fixed quote within 24 hours before any work begins, so you know what the final cost will be.

Who we do this for

Private individuals with a classic Volvo, BMW, or Opel where the part is no longer available from the dealer. Car workshops that don't want to turn down a job because a component is missing. Racing teams and rallycross clubs that need a variant that never existed. And small engineering companies that need a fixture or a machine part for a machine where the manufacturer has shut down.

Frequently asked questions

Can you make a part if I only have broken pieces?

Usually yes. As long as the attachment points and outer dimensions can be determined, we can reconstruct the rest. Send a photo first and we will tell you straight up if it is possible.

Do I need to send the original part?

That gives the best result, but photos with a tape measure and a few measured dimensions are often enough for simpler geometries. You are also welcome to drop by the workshop in Karlskrona with the part.

Does a manufactured part hold up as well as the original?

In the correct material and with the right orientation, it normally holds up better, as we can reinforce areas where the original was weak. At the same time, we are clear about where the limits of plastic lie.

Do I own the CAD file?

If you have ordered the design work, the file is yours. We save a copy so that you can quickly order more units.

How many parts do I have to order?

A. There are no mold tooling costs to pay off, meaning no minimum volume.