Month: October 2025

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Integrating 3D Scanning and Mechanical Design for Safer, Faster Upgrades in Coal Wash Plants

Precision Without the Guesswork

Upgrading or maintaining a coal wash plant has always been a challenge — tight shutdown windows, complex layouts, and the need for perfect fit-ups between new and existing components. Traditional measurement methods, like tape measures and manual sketches, are often impossible in restricted or hazardous areas.

That’s where 3D scanning and mechanical engineering come together. At Hamilton By Design, we combine precision laser scanning, intelligent 3D modelling, and practical mechanical design to deliver risk-free upgrades — ensuring every component fits right the first time.

plant maintenance, fabrication drawings, point cloud

When Accuracy Matters Most

Coal wash plants are intricate systems. From cyclones, screens, and diverter chutes to pumps, piping, and structures, every part interacts under tight tolerances. A small misalignment can lead to vibration, spillage, or shutdown delays.

Our 3D scanning process captures millions of spatial data points, creating a detailed digital twin of the existing plant. This allows us to model upgrades, design replacement components, and simulate fit-up — all before fabrication begins.

In many cases, scanning replaces the need to physically measure equipment. For example, in confined or high-risk spaces where a tape measure simply can’t reach, scanning provides complete, line-of-sight geometry with millimetre accuracy.

Recently, our team scanned a diverter chute that had been incorrectly installed. The resulting model revealed that the chute had been fitted in the wrong orientation — explaining why it wasn’t sealing properly. This insight helped our client avoid further downtime and costly rework.

Combining Engineering Experience with Digital Precision

Hamilton By Design provides a full suite of mechanical engineering services tailored to the mining industry, including:

  • 3D Scanning & Point Cloud Capture – detailed mapping of existing equipment and structures
  • 3D Modelling & Reverse Engineering – accurate, editable digital models
  • Mechanical Design & Structural Replacement – like-for-like component upgrades
  • Piping Routes & Spool Fabrication – optimised pipe design and layout
  • Fabrication & Component Drawings – compliant with Australian Standards and client templates

Our engineers work across SolidWorks, AutoCAD Plant 3D, Revit, and 3D Experience platforms — integrating point cloud data directly into the design workflow. This means fewer site visits, fewer surprises, and significantly less rework once fabrication begins.

From Drawings to Digital Models

We’ve evolved beyond traditional 2D general arrangement drawings. Instead, we provide interactive 3D models and e-drawings that allow clients, fabricators, and site teams to visualise how upgrades will fit within the plant.

Our reverse cloud modelling process inserts 3D designs directly into the scanned environment. This enables engineers and site teams to measure potential interferences, check clearances, and validate installation methods — long before shutdowns begin.

coal wash plant | reclaimer | stockpile | Hamilton By Design

The result = Confidence.
Every pipe spool, chute, and bracket is designed to fit — without compromise.

Supporting Contractors and Plant Operators

We partner with:

  • Mining companies operating coal wash plants
  • Fabricators and contractors supplying mining equipment
  • Maintenance providers planning plant shutdowns

Their biggest challenge is finding people who design for fit and function — not just form. Not all CAD or point cloud software is equal, and not every designer understands the realities of on-site installation. That’s where Hamilton By Design stands apart.

We bring hands-on mechanical trade experience, engineering design expertise, and digital technology together — helping your team deliver upgrades that work, first time.

Built to Australian Standards

All design and drawing deliverables are completed in accordance with Australian Standards, ensuring compliance, safety, and interoperability with existing documentation.

We can also supply fabrication drawings on client-specific templates, maintaining intellectual property (IP) requirements and formatting standards.

Servicing Australia’s Key Mining Regions

Hamilton By Design proudly supports coal wash plant upgrades and mechanical design projects across Australia’s leading coal regions, including:

  • Bowen Basin
  • Surat Basin
  • Hunter Valley
  • Newcastle
  • Central Coast
  • Western and Central NSW coalfields

Our local experience ensures that we understand the logistical, operational, and environmental challenges unique to each region — helping projects stay compliant, efficient, and on schedule.

Why Choose Hamilton By Design?

  • Reduced Downtime: Accurate pre-shutdown planning through digital models.
  • Improved Safety: Less manual measuring in hazardous or confined areas.
  • Guaranteed Fit-Up: Fabrication drawings verified against real-world geometry.
  • Faster Turnaround: Streamlined scanning-to-design-to-fabrication workflow.
  • Proven Experience: Over two decades in mechanical engineering and plant design.

Our mission is simple — to take the risk out of upgrades by combining engineering insight with digital accuracy.

Quote

“Precision scanning and mechanical design — taking the risk out of plant upgrades.”

Let’s Make Your Next Upgrade Risk-Free

If your next shutdown involves mechanical upgrades, pipework replacement, or structural modifications, talk to Hamilton By Design.

We can help you visualise, plan, and execute upgrades with confidence — reducing downtime, eliminating measurement errors, and delivering safer outcomes for your team.

📧 info@hamiltonbydesign.com.au
🌐 www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au

3D scanning, mechanical engineering, coal wash plant, mining upgrades, plant maintenance, fabrication drawings, point cloud

Mechanical Drafting | Structural Drafting

3D CAD Modelling | 3D Scanning

Chute Design

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Mechanical Engineering Lift Sydney: Why Standards Like AS 4991 Matter

Safety and Precision in Mechanical Engineering Lifts

In the fast-paced world of Sydney construction and infrastructure, precision lifting is an everyday necessity. From hoisting prefabricated modules on high-rise towers to positioning steel frameworks and heavy plant components, each lift depends on one critical factor — the integrity of the lifting device.

A mechanical engineering lift is more than just machinery; it’s the result of careful design, analysis, and compliance with national safety standards. The Australian Standard AS 4991: Lifting Devices provides the engineering framework to ensure that every lifting beam, clamp, and spreader frame is designed, tested, and certified for safe performance.

In the dynamic environment of Sydney’s construction and manufacturing sectors, adhering to AS 4991 is not only a compliance issue — it’s essential to safety, reliability, and professional reputation.

Mechanical Engineering Lift Tools | Sydney | Hamilton By Design

What AS 4991 Means for Mechanical Engineering in Sydney

AS 4991: Lifting Devices is the Australian benchmark for the design, manufacture, proof testing, and maintenance of all mechanically engineered lifting attachments used with cranes and hoists.

It covers:

  • Design verification by qualified engineers
  • Proof load testing (typically 1.5 times the Working Load Limit)
  • Identification markings such as WLL, serial number, and manufacture date
  • Regular inspection and maintenance schedules
  • Documented certification and traceability

For Sydney-based mechanical engineering projects — from Parramatta’s commercial developments to the infrastructure of the Eastern Suburbs — these requirements ensure every lift is carried out with confidence and safety.

The Role of Mechanical Engineers in Safe Lifting

Mechanical engineers play a vital role in ensuring every lifting device performs predictably under real-world conditions. Each lifting beam, frame, or clamp must be:

  • Designed for static and dynamic loading
  • Resistant to fatigue, buckling, and corrosion
  • Built from materials tested for strength and durability
  • Verified through engineering analysis and proof testing

By applying AS 4991, mechanical engineers in Sydney create lifting devices that not only meet technical standards but also withstand the operational demands of construction, mining, and industrial settings across New South Wales.

Why Non-Compliance is Never Worth the Risk

Sydney’s worksites are under strict safety scrutiny, and incidents involving lifting equipment failures have resulted in serious injuries, fatalities, and prosecutions.

Examples from across Australia include:

  • Unmarked or uncertified lifting beams that failed under load due to poor design.
  • Vacuum lifters that detached unexpectedly after seals deteriorated from lack of inspection.
  • Improvised lifting points on machinery leading to crush injuries and WHS enforcement actions.

These events share a common cause: failure to meet the design, inspection, and documentation requirements of AS 4991.

For any mechanical engineering lift in Sydney, non-compliance risks not just equipment damage but also:

  • Work Health and Safety (WHS) prosecutions
  • Civil negligence claims
  • Loss of accreditation and contracts
  • Damage to professional reputation

Compliance as a Legal and Professional Obligation

While AS 4991 is not legislation, it defines the expected standard of care under Australia’s WHS laws. Regulators such as SafeWork NSW use compliance with standards like AS 4991 as evidence of due diligence.

For mechanical engineers, fabricators, and construction managers, compliance means:

  • Designs verified by competent engineers
  • Devices tested and certified to meet load requirements
  • Inspection records that prove ongoing safety
  • Training to ensure operators understand correct usage

In Sydney’s competitive engineering market, adherence to AS 4991 isn’t just about avoiding penalties — it’s about demonstrating leadership in professional safety.

Building a Culture of Inspection and Traceability

A key part of AS 4991 is documentation. Each lifting device should have a design verification report, proof load certificate, and inspection record.
This traceability ensures that every lift on a Sydney site can be traced back to certified engineering.

Companies should maintain:

  • A register of lifting devices with serial numbers and inspection dates
  • Clear tagging systems for quick identification
  • Routine re-certification for high-use environments
  • Operator awareness training on compliance indicators

These processes turn safety standards into practical habits that protect workers and ensure smooth site operations.

Mechanical Engineering Lift Sydney: Innovation Meets Safety

Sydney is a hub of engineering innovation, with advanced tools like 3D scanning, LiDAR, and Finite Element Analysis (FEA) enhancing how lifting devices are designed and validated.

At Hamilton By Design, our mechanical engineers use these technologies to create custom lifting systems for complex sites across Sydney — from tight urban projects in Chatswood and Parramatta to industrial installations in the Inner West.

Yet, even with the latest modelling tools, every design is checked against AS 4991 to guarantee that each lift meets both engineering and safety expectations.

Conclusion: Lifting Sydney Safely

In mechanical engineering, safety begins long before the crane hook rises. It starts with standards — and in Australia, AS 4991 is the foundation.

For every mechanical engineering lift in Sydney, compliance ensures more than safety: it provides reliability, traceability, and peace of mind. By following the standard, engineers not only protect lives but also elevate the quality and professionalism of Sydney’s construction and manufacturing industries.

At Hamilton By Design, our commitment is simple: lift Sydney safely, lift with engineering excellence, and lift to the standard — AS 4991.

Mechanical Engineers in Sydney

Mechanical Engineering | Structural Engineering

3D Scanning Sydney

Engineering Services

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Building with Precision: 3D Scanning and LiDAR Modelling for Sydney Construction Projects

Accuracy That Builds Sydney Better

From the growing commercial hubs of Parramatta and Chatswood to the complex redevelopments across Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, the construction industry is demanding more accuracy, faster turnaround, and fewer on-site surprises.

At Hamilton By Design, we use 3D scanning and LiDAR technology to help builders, engineers, and developers capture, model, and verify real site conditions with millimetre accuracy.

Our advanced 3D models ensure every structural, mechanical, or architectural component fits perfectly on site — helping Sydney’s construction professionals deliver projects right the first time.

High-Precision Site Capture with LiDAR Scanning

Using advanced LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology, our scanners record millions of laser points per second to create a complete 3D “point cloud” of your site or structure.

Whether we’re scanning a commercial building in Chatswood, a multi-level development in Parramatta, or a heritage renovation in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, LiDAR scanning allows us to document every detail — without disruption to your workflow.

The result is a digital twin of your project site that forms the foundation for precise design, fabrication, and installation.

From Point Cloud to Construction-Ready Model

Once scanning is complete, our engineers convert the LiDAR data into accurate 3D CAD and BIM models that integrate seamlessly into platforms such as Revit, AutoCAD, Navisworks, and SolidWorks.

This digital workflow allows your team to:

  • Validate as-built conditions before design or fabrication
  • Identify clashes and alignment issues early
  • Plan site installations with confidence
  • Reduce rework and delays during construction

By designing and fabricating to real-world data, Sydney contractors can save valuable time and eliminate unnecessary on-site adjustments.

Why Sydney Contractors Choose 3D Scanning and LiDAR

  • Millimetre Accuracy: Perfect alignment between fabricated and existing structures.
  • Reduced Rework: Detect and fix issues before they reach site.
  • Improved Safety: Non-invasive scanning of hard-to-reach areas.
  • Faster Installation: Minimise downtime and site delays.
  • Better Documentation: Maintain accurate records for QA and future maintenance.

Across Chatswood, Parramatta, and Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, our clients use LiDAR scanning to bring greater certainty to every phase of construction.

Supporting Projects Across Sydney

Hamilton By Design supports a wide range of construction and engineering projects across metropolitan Sydney, including:

  • Commercial and retail developments in Chatswood and Parramatta
  • Luxury residential projects and architectural fit-outs in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs
  • Industrial and infrastructure upgrades throughout Greater Sydney
  • Brownfield and refurbishment projects requiring accurate as-built data

Whether it’s a new build or a complex retrofit, we make sure every part of your design fits the first time.

Koala 3D Scanning Sydney | Hamilton By Design

Partner with Hamilton By Design

If you’re managing or planning a construction project in Chatswood, Parramatta, or Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs, Hamilton By Design offers the experience and technology to capture, model, and verify your site with precision.

Our 3D scanning and LiDAR services help Sydney builders, designers, and fabricators deliver more accurate results — reducing risk, rework, and cost.

Mechanical Engineers in Sydney

Mechanical Engineering | Structural Engineering

3D Scanning Sydney

Engineering Services

get in touch

sales@hamiltonbydesign.com.au

📍 Based in Sydney — servicing Chatswood, Parramatta, and the Eastern Suburbs
📧 info@hamiltonbydesign.com.au
🌐 www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au

Capture. Model. Verify. Deliver.
Hamilton By Design — ensuring every project across Sydney fits perfectly, down to the last millimetre.

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Building Sydney Smarter: How 3D Scanning and LiDAR Are Transforming Construction Accuracy

A New Era of Construction Accuracy in Sydney

Sydney’s construction industry is booming — from commercial towers and infrastructure upgrades to industrial developments and complex refurbishments. But as sites become more congested and designs more complex, achieving perfect alignment between fabricated and installed components has never been more challenging.

That’s where 3D scanning and LiDAR technology come in. At Hamilton By Design, we provide high-precision digital capture and 3D modelling services that ensure every element of your construction project fits seamlessly together, saving time, cost, and effort onsite.

Digital strategy | 3D Scanning Improved Safety | Digital Twin | 3D Modelling | SolidWorks

Capturing the Real Site with LiDAR Scanning

Using LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) scanners, we capture millions of laser measurements per second to create an exact 3D digital record — known as a point cloud — of your construction site or structure.

This means we can document existing conditions, monitor progress, and verify installations with millimetre-level precision. For Sydney builders, engineers, and contractors, that data eliminates the guesswork and drastically reduces costly clashes and rework later on.

From Point Cloud to 3D Model

Once the LiDAR data is captured, it’s processed into detailed 3D CAD and BIM models compatible with leading design software such as Revit, AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and Navisworks.

These accurate models allow design teams to:

  • Validate and update as-built conditions before fabrication
  • Detect clashes and misalignments before installation
  • Plan modifications and extensions with confidence
  • Coordinate between mechanical, structural, and architectural disciplines

By working from a true digital twin of your Sydney site, you can be sure every part — from prefabricated frames to pipe runs — will fit exactly where it should.

Why Sydney Construction Projects Are Turning to 3D Scanning

  • Reduced Rework: Identify design and fabrication issues before they reach site.
  • Improved Safety: Capture high or restricted areas without scaffolding or shutdowns.
  • Shorter Installation Times: Minimise downtime and delays during fit-up.
  • Precise Documentation: Maintain accurate records for QA and handover.
  • Better Collaboration: Integrate real-world data into your BIM environment.

From commercial fit-outs to infrastructure projects across Greater Sydney, 3D scanning provides a single source of truth for every stakeholder.

Typical Sydney Projects Using LiDAR and 3D Modelling

Hamilton By Design supports a range of construction and engineering clients, including:

  • Commercial and residential developments in the CBD and inner suburbs
  • Industrial plant upgrades across Western Sydney
  • Transport and infrastructure projects under NSW Government programs
  • Refurbishment and brownfield works requiring detailed as-built verification

Each project benefits from faster delivery, greater precision, and stronger communication between designers, builders, and clients.

Digital strategy | 3D Scanning Improved Safety | Digital Twin | 3D Modelling | SolidWorks | Hamilton By Design

Partner with Hamilton By Design

If you’re working on a Sydney construction or infrastructure project and need accurate 3D site data, as-built modelling, or fit-up verification, Hamilton By Design can help.

Our experienced mechanical and design specialists combine field scanning with advanced 3D modelling to deliver practical, reliable results that make construction smoother — and smarter.

Mechanical Engineers in Sydney

Mechanical Engineering | Structural Engineering

3D Scanning Sydney

Engineering Services

get in touch

sales@hamiltonbydesign.com.au

📍 Based in Sydney — working across NSW and Australia
📧 info@hamiltonbydesign.com.au
🌐 www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au

Capture. Model. Verify. Deliver — precision that builds Sydney better.

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Precision in Every Millimetre: 3D Scanning, LiDAR, and 3D Modelling for Perfect Fit-Up on Site

Meta Description (for SEO):
Discover how Hamilton By Design uses 3D scanning, LiDAR technology, and advanced 3D modelling to ensure every part fits perfectly on site. Reduce rework, improve accuracy, and build with confidence.

The Future of Engineering Accuracy

When it comes to engineering, fabrication, and site installation — accuracy is everything. Even a few millimetres out can mean costly rework, delays, and lost time.

At Hamilton By Design, we bring together 3D scanning, LiDAR technology, and precision 3D modelling to capture the real-world geometry of your site and convert it into usable, reliable digital models. The result? Components that fit together seamlessly — first time, every time.

What Is LiDAR 3D Scanning?

LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) uses laser light to map physical environments in extraordinary detail. Our scanners capture millions of data points per second, creating a precise digital “point cloud” of your plant, equipment, or structure.

Unlike traditional surveying, LiDAR scanning provides high-resolution, three-dimensional measurements that reflect the exact conditions on site — no assumptions, no approximations.

This allows engineers and designers to work with accurate as-built data, reducing the risk of design clashes and installation errors.

From Scan to Model: Turning Data Into Design Confidence

After scanning, Hamilton By Design processes the LiDAR data into intelligent 3D CAD models. These models can be imported into major design platforms such as AutoCAD, SolidWorks, Revit, and Plant3D — ensuring complete compatibility with your existing workflows.

Our experienced mechanical designers use this data to:

  • Validate and verify existing plant layouts
  • Model new mechanical components and assemblies
  • Check alignment and clash detection before fabrication
  • Create fabrication-ready models and installation drawings

This digital workflow ensures every piece — from piping spools to structural frames — fits perfectly when installed on site.

The Benefits of 3D Scanning and LiDAR Modelling

✅ Unmatched Accuracy: Sub-millimetre precision that eliminates rework.
✅ Time Efficiency: Rapid data capture across complex or hard-to-access areas.
✅ Improved Safety: Remote scanning reduces time spent in high-risk environments.
✅ Reduced Downtime: Capture plant data without interrupting operations.
✅ Seamless Integration: Easily merge mechanical, structural, and piping models.

Applications Across Industries

Our 3D scanning and LiDAR services support projects in:

  • Mining and mineral processing
  • Oil, gas, and energy facilities
  • Water and wastewater plants
  • Manufacturing and industrial upgrades
  • Brownfield and retrofit projects

No matter the scale or complexity, accurate digital capture means faster delivery and fewer surprises once the project reaches site.

Real-World Results

Clients who incorporate 3D scanning into their project planning often report:

  • Up to 50% reduction in on-site rework
  • Shorter installation times
  • Improved cross-discipline collaboration
  • Higher fabrication quality

By identifying spatial conflicts before fabrication, Hamilton By Design helps ensure your project runs smoother — saving both time and money.

Talk to Hamilton By Design

If your next project involves tight tolerances, plant upgrades, or complex mechanical fit-ups, our 3D scanning and modelling team can help.

📍 Based in Australia, working nationwide
📧 info@hamiltonbydesign.com.au
🌐 www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au

Capture. Model. Design. Deliver — with precision every millimetre of the way.

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Bridging Reality and Design: How 3D Scanning + 3D Modelling Supercharge Mining Process Plants

In mining and mineral processing environments, small mis-fits, outdated drawings, or inaccurate assumptions can translate into shutdowns, costly rework, or worse, safety incidents. For PMs, superintendents, engineering managers and plants operating under heavy uptime and safety constraints, combining 3D scanning and 3D modelling isn’t just “nice to have” — it’s becoming essential. At Hamilton By Design, we’ve leveraged this combination to deliver greater predictability, lower cost, and improved safety across multiple projects.

What are 3D Scanning and 3D Modelling?

  • 3D Scanning (via LiDAR, laser, terrestrial/mobile scanners): captures the existing geometry of structures, equipment, piping, chutes, supports, tanks, etc., as a dense point cloud. Creates a digital “reality capture” of the plant in its current (often messy) state.
  • 3D Modelling: turning that data (point clouds, mesh) into clean, usable engineering-geometry — CAD models, as-built / retrofit layouts, clash-detection, wear mapping, digital twins, etc.

The power comes when you integrate the two — when the reality captured in scan form feeds directly into your modelling/design workflows rather than being a separate survey activity that’s then “interpreted” or “assumed.”

Why Combine Scanning + Modelling? Key Benefits

Here are the main advantages you get when you deploy both in an integrated workflow:

BenefitWhat it Means for PMs / Engineering / Plant OpsExamples / Impacts
Accuracy & Reality VerificationVerify what’s actually in the plant vs what drawings say. Identify deformations, misalignments, wear, obstructions, or changes that weren’t captured in paper drawings.Mill liner wear profiles; chute/hopper buildup; misaligned conveyors or supports discovered post-scan.
Reduced Risk, Safer AccessScanning can be done with limited or no shutdown, and from safer vantage points. Less need for personnel to enter hazardous or confined spaces.Scanning inside crushers, under conveyors, or at height without scaffolding.
Time & Cost SavingsFaster surveying; fewer repeat field trips; less rework; fewer surprises during shutdowns or retrofit work.Scan once, model many; clashes found in model instead of in the field; pre-fabrication of replacement parts.
Better Shutdown / Retrofit PlanningUse accurate as-built models so new equipment fits, interferences are caught, installation time is optimized.New pipelines routed without conflict; steelwork/supports prefabricated; shutdown windows shortened.
Maintenance & Asset Lifecycle ManagementScan history becomes a baseline for monitoring wear or deformation. Enables predictive maintenance rather than reactive.Comparing scans over time to track wear; scheduling relining of chutes; monitoring structural integrity.
Improved Decision Making & VisualisationEngineers, superintendents, planners can visualise the plant as it is — space constraints, access routes, clearances — before making decisions.Clash-detection between new and existing frames; planning maintenance access; safety audits.
Digital Twin / Integration for Future-Ready PlantOnce you have accurate geometric models you can integrate with IoT, process data, simulation tools, condition monitoring etc.Digital twins that simulate flow, energy use, wear; using scan data to feed CFD or FEA; feeding into operational dashboards.

Challenges & How to Overcome Them

Of course, there are pitfalls. Ensuring scanning + modelling delivers value requires attention to:

  • Planning the scanning campaign (scan positions, control points, resolution) to avoid shadow zones or missing data.
  • Choosing hardware and equipment that can operate under plant conditions (dust, vibration, temperature, restricted access).
  • Processing & registration of point clouds, managing the large data sets, and ensuring clean, usable models.
  • Ensuring modelling workflow aligns with engineering design tools (CAD systems, formats, tolerances) so that the scan data is usable without excessive cleanup.
  • Maintaining the model: when plant layouts or equipment change, keeping the scan or model up to date so your decisions are based on recent reality.

At Hamilton By Design we emphasise these aspects; our scan-to-CAD workflows are built to align with plant engineering needs, and we help clients plan and manage the full lifecycle.

Real World Applications in Mining & Process Plants

Here’s how combined scanning + modelling is applied (and what you might look for in your own facility):

  • Wear & Relining: scanning mill, crusher liners, chutes or hoppers to model wear profiles; predict failures; design replacement parts that fit exactly.
  • Retrofits & Expansions: mapping existing steel, pipe racks, conveyors, etc., creating accurate “as built” model, checking for clashes, optimizing layouts, prefabricating supports.
  • Stockpile / Volumetric Monitoring: using scans or LiDAR to measure stockpile volumes for planning and reporting; integrating with models to monitor material movement and flow.
  • Safety & Clearance Checking: verifying that walkways, egress paths, platforms have maintained their clearances; assess structural changes; check for deformation or damage.
  • Shutdown Planning: using accurate 3D models to plan the scope, access, scaffold/frame erection, pipe removal etc., so shutdown time is minimised.

Why Choose Hamilton By Design

To get full value from the scan + model combination, you need more than just “we’ll scan it” or “we’ll make a model” — you need a partner who understands both the field realities and the engineering rigour. Here’s where Hamilton By Design excels:

  • Strong engineering experience in mining & processing plant settings, so we know what level of detail, what tolerances, and what access constraints matter.
  • Proven tools & workflows: from LiDAR / laser scanner work that captures site conditions even under harsh conditions, to solid CAD modelling/reporting that aligns with your fabrication/installation requirements.
  • Scan-to-CAD workflows: not just raw point clouds, but models that feed directly into design, maintenance, procurement and operations.
  • Focus on accuracy, safety, and reduced downtime: ensuring that field work, design, installation etc., are as efficient and risk-averse as possible.
  • Use of modern digital techniques (digital twins, clash detection etc.) so that data isn’t just stored, but actively used to drive improvements.

Practical Steps to Get Started / Best Practice Tips

If you’re managing a plant or engineering project, here are some steps to adopt scanning + modelling optimally:

  1. Define Clear Objectives: What do you want from this scan + model? Wear profiles, retrofit, layout changes, safety audit etc.
  2. Survey Planning: Decide scan positions, control points, resolution (density) based on the objectives and site constraints. Consider access, safety, shutdown windows.
  3. Use Appropriate Hardware: Choose scanners suited to environment (dust, heat), also ensure regulatory and IP protection etc.
  4. Data Processing & Modelling Tools: Have the capacity/software to register, clean, mesh or extract CAD geometry.
  5. Integrate into Existing Engineering Processes: Ensure the outputs are compatible with your CAD standards, procurement, installation etc.
  6. Iterate & Maintain: Frequent scans over time to track changes; update models when plant changes; feed maintenance, design and operations with new data.

Conclusion

In mining process plants, time, safety, and certainty matter. By combining 3D scanning with sound 3D modelling you don’t just get a snapshot of your plant — you gain a powerful toolset to reduce downtime, avoid rework, improve safety, and enhance decision-making.

If you’re responsible for uptime, capital works, maintenance or process improvements, this integration can reshape how you plan, maintain, and operate. At Hamilton By Design, we’re helping clients in Australia harness this power — turning reality into design confidence, and giving stakeholders peace of mind that the layout, equipment, and safety are aligned not to yesterday’s drawings but to today’s reality.

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