Scanned object CAD format? 3D Printing?

[DonRotolo]

OK Chris,

So I start with the best object I can get - not one that had obvious defects - and get that scanned into a point cloud (I guess this is an OBJ file?).

I then cloud to either verify my drawing -or- help guide me as I draw. (I can pay them to "reverse-engineer" the object, essentially doing the drawing for me, but that would be several hundred dollars)

Whatever's printed, I need to finish it to the surface characteristics I want - mirror finish in this case.

Then it goes to the plater. How thick is 3-step plating? I guess in the .001 or .002 range? I'm sure the plater can tell me exactly. Vacuum deposition is just a few ten-thousandths, I wonder about pricing for that.

Do I have it kinds sorta right?

Do you ever print items that end up with a chrome mirror finish?