Postgraduate Diploma in Mesh Cleaning and “As-Built” CAD Reconstruction
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Mesh Cleaning and “As-Built” CAD Reconstruction. 8 modules covering ISO 10303 (STEP, product data exchange), ISO 10360-8 (CMM with optical distance sensors) and Geomagic Design X. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Mesh Cleaning and “As-Built” CAD Reconstruction — studying from South Africa
Classic vehicle restoration is a niche but active interest in South Africa, supported by owners' clubs, specialist workshops and historic motorsport events. Restoration work draws on skills in mechanical engineering, materials and heritage conservation. Specialists source parts, rebuild engines and conserve bodywork for vintage and classic cars and motorcycles. Clubs and heritage organisations help maintain the community and promote conservation practice.
Fees for South Africa: R 16 700 (South African rand), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in South Africa
Typical roles
Questions from South Africa
Will a SEIUM qualification be recognised by the professional bodies in South Africa for this area?
SEIUM qualifications are private and not accredited by any South African body, so they are not official state degrees. Restoration work is not generally a regulated title, though ECSA registration applies to engineering roles and the SABS covers relevant standards. Recognition of a private qualification is decided by clients, employers or the relevant body, so check with them first.
How might this qualification be used by employers in South Africa in restoration and classic vehicles?
The classic vehicle sector is largely made up of specialist workshops, collectors and small firms that value demonstrable craftsmanship and reputation over formal credentials. A private qualification may add technical depth to your profile, but its impact depends on individual clients and employers. Speak to people in the field to see how they would regard it.
Can I study this programme alongside full-time work from South Africa, and is there a time zone or language issue?
The programme is 100% online and taught in English, so you can study from home without a student visa. Master's programmes total 1,900 hours, postgraduate diplomas 800 hours and specialist courses 300 hours. You get an assigned technical tutor, can pay in instalments, and may seek employer sponsorship. Ask SEIUM about time-zone and workload details before committing.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Assess the quality of 3D captures and point clouds.
Process point clouds: alignment, filtering and registration.
Generate and repair meshes suitable for modelling.
Reconstruct parametric models from meshes.
Model freeform surfaces with appropriate continuity.
Dimensionally validate the model against the real part.
Prepare the as-built model for manufacturing.
Who it's for
- Reverse engineer who wants to specialise in Mesh Cleaning and “As-Built” CAD Reconstruction.
- Surface CAD modeller who wants to specialise in Mesh Cleaning and “As-Built” CAD Reconstruction.
- 3D scanning technician who wants to specialise in Mesh Cleaning and “As-Built” CAD Reconstruction.
- Reproduction spare parts engineer who wants to specialise in Mesh Cleaning and “As-Built” CAD Reconstruction.
- Optical metrology technician who wants to specialise in Mesh Cleaning and “As-Built” CAD Reconstruction.
- Product designer who wants to specialise in Mesh Cleaning and “As-Built” CAD Reconstruction.
- Graduates in engineering or science seeking to enter reproduction parts manufacturing.
What you'll work with
- ISO 10303 (STEP, product data exchange)
- ISO 10360-8 (CMM with optical distance sensors)
- VDI/VDE 2634 part 2 (optical 3D measuring systems)
- ISO 1101 (geometrical tolerances)
- ISO 14405-1 (dimensional tolerances for sizes)
- ASTM E2807 (E57 format)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Principles of structured light and laser scanners1.2Photogrammetry for classic automotive parts1.3Surface preparation: matting and targets1.4Resolution, accuracy and volumetric error1.5Scan alignment and ICP registration1.6Exchange formats: PLY, STL, OBJ and E571.7Calibration and verification with reference artefacts1.8Capture planning according to geometry1.9Data management and scan naming1.10Workshop: full scan of an intake manifold
2.1Noise and outlier filtering2.2Uniform and curvature-based subsampling2.3Normal estimation and orientation2.4Merging of partial scans2.5Detection of overlaps and duplicate layers2.6Segmentation by regions and primitives2.7Density and coverage metrics2.8Processing software: CloudCompare and equivalents2.9Workflow automation with scripts2.10Practice: cleaning the point cloud of a rusted sump
3.1Triangulation: Poisson, Delaunay and ball pivoting3.2Mesh topology: manifoldness, edges and orientation3.3Hole filling with curvature continuity3.4Removal of self-intersections and degenerate faces3.5Decimation preserving sharp edges3.6Laplacian and Taubin smoothing3.7Reconstruction of corroded or worn areas3.8Symmetrisation from the healthy side3.9Deviation control against the original cloud3.10Workshop: repair of the mesh of a damaged casting
4.1Mesh-to-CAD strategies: surfaces versus solids4.2Extraction of reference planes, cylinders and cones4.3Coordinate systems and alignment with datums4.4Sketches from mesh sections4.5Parametric operations on scanned geometry4.6Design intent versus real geometry4.7Recovering nominal dimensions in inches and millimetres4.8Tools: Geomagic Design X, SolidWorks and Fusion4.9Robust and editable feature tree4.10Practice: parametric reconstruction of an exhaust flange
5.1NURBS curves and surfaces: degree and continuity5.2Automatic versus manual patching5.3Networks of curves and transition surfaces5.4G0, G1 and G2 continuity in bodywork panels5.5Zebra analysis and curvature maps5.6Trimming and knitting surfaces into a solid5.7Modelling panels with folds and flanges5.8Knitting tolerances and STEP export5.9Common errors and how to debug them5.10Workshop: Class A surface of a front wing
6.1Colour maps of CAD-to-mesh deviation6.2Comparison with original factory drawings6.3Analysis of critical sections and profiles6.4GD&T applied to reconstructed parts6.5Uncertainty of the scan-to-CAD process6.6Equipment verification according to ISO 103606.7Acceptance criteria for reproduction6.8Version management of the as-built model6.9Traceability between physical part and model6.10Case study: deviation report for a cylinder head
7.1Preparation for CNC: tolerances and machining allowances7.2Patterns for casting: draft and shrinkage7.3Adaptation for additive manufacturing and orientation7.4As-built, as-designed and as-manufactured7.5Documentation of changes relative to the original7.6Criteria for reversibility and authenticity7.7Neutral formats and long-term archiving7.8Intellectual property of historical designs7.9Collaboration with workshops and suppliers7.10Case study: manufacturing package for an engine mount
8.1Selection of the part and objectives8.2Capture plan and equipment8.3Acquisition and registration of scans8.4Mesh cleaning and repair8.5Parametric and surface modelling8.6Dimensional validation and deviations8.7Manufacturing package8.8Cost and timeline analysis8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetables: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it compatible with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is Geomagic Design X, Geomagic Wrap, MeshLab, Siemens NX, PolyWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real procedures for repairing meshes with holes and noise, model-to-cloud comparison by colour map, and parametric reconstruction of parts. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Assess the quality of 3D captures and point clouds.
Process point clouds: alignment, filtering and registration.
Generate and repair meshes suitable for modelling.
Reconstruct parametric models from meshes.
Model freeform surfaces with appropriate continuity.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme’s software.
- Sufficient Spanish to follow technical standards documentation.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme comprises 800 hours in total, spread over 6 to 8 months. That is between 10 and 15 hours per week on average, compatible with a full-time job.
You will work with Geomagic Design X, Geomagic Wrap, MeshLab, Siemens NX and PolyWorks. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An own diploma from SEIUM upon passing the continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official title from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are credited towards the advanced programme. Check the credit transfer policy when you enrol.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in IP Management, Seals and Historical Documentation
Online 800 h Postgraduate Diploma in IP Management, Seals and Historical Documentation. 8 modules covering Law 17/2001 (Trade Marks), Regulation (EU) 2017/1001 (European Union trade mark)…
Postgraduate Diploma in Classic Lighting: Optics and Reflectors
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Classic Lighting: Optics and Reflectors. 8 modules covering UNECE Regulation No. 48 (installation of lighting devices), UNECE Regulation No. 112 (passing…
Diploma in Exhibition Design and Visitor Experience
Online postgraduate diploma of 800 hours in exhibition design and visitor experience. 8 modules covering spatial design, museum lighting, display cases, graphics and signage, visitor experience,…
More in Restoration & Classics
All Restoration & Classics programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships