Why 3D Laser Scanning Might Be the Best Thing You Haven’t Tried Yet

In the world of building, maintaining, and improving anything physical — from mining sites to machinery and industrial plants — accuracy isn’t a bonus; it’s essential.

That’s where 3D laser scanning comes in. And if you haven’t explored how it works (or how easy it is to use), it’s worth taking a moment to learn how Hamilton By Design is using it to help companies all over Australia.

Visit the full page here: Hamilton By Design – 3D Laser Scanning


What Is 3D Laser Scanning – and Why Should You Care?

Imagine being able to get an exact digital version of a building, a plant room, or even a set of steel structures — all without needing to stop production or bring in tape measures and ladders. That’s what 3D laser scanning does.

Using advanced scanning equipment, we can capture every detail of a structure or environment and turn it into a highly accurate digital model. No guesswork. No rework. No surprises.

Think of it like Google Street View — but for your machinery, plant, or site.




Who Uses It – And What For?

At Hamilton By Design, we work with clients across the country in industries like:

  • Mining and minerals

  • Heavy industry

  • Construction and engineering

  • Manufacturing

  • Energy and infrastructure

They use 3D scans for things like:

  • Upgrading plant rooms without taking things apart first

  • Modifying equipment without clashing into existing structures

  • Creating “as-built” records of facilities for safety and compliance

  • Planning shutdowns with fewer risks and unknowns

Whether you’re fixing, building, or upgrading, scanning gives you a smarter way to plan.


The Real Value: Less Downtime, More Certainty

One of the biggest wins our clients see is speed. A scan that takes a day can save weeks of redesigns, measurement errors, or clashes down the track.

We’ve scanned conveyor systems, CHPP facilities, tank farms, processing equipment, and even confined spaces — all while the client kept working. The result? Better decisions, cleaner installs, and safer planning.


What Happens After the Scan?

After the scanning is complete, we deliver a digital 3D model of your asset. You can use this model to:

  • Design upgrades

  • Check clearances

  • Add new equipment into the space

  • Or just have a clean, accurate reference for future work

Our team also provides 3D CAD modelling, so if you want a fully engineered solution — not just the scan — we can help turn the model into your next design.


We’re Local — But We Work Nationally

With offices and scanners based in Perth, Brisbane, Central Coast, Mount Isa, and Melbourne, we’re never too far from where you are. And we work with all sorts of clients — from large mine operators to local manufacturers.

Our flexibility is what clients value most — whether it’s a one-day site visit or an ongoing partnership.


Why Hamilton By Design?

We’re not just a scanning company. We’re mechanical design engineers who know what comes after the scan. That means your data isn’t just collected — it’s actually useful, actionable, and ready for design, manufacturing, or project planning.

We’ve helped teams reduce rework, avoid shutdown delays, and get projects right the first time.


Ready to See What It Looks Like?

Whether you’re a site supervisor, a plant engineer, or just looking for a smarter way to manage infrastructure, 3D scanning could be the tool that makes your job easier.

👉 Check out the full details here:

www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au/3d-laser-scanning

Or, if you’d prefer to talk through how it might work for your site, we’re just a call or email away.

Elevating Engineering Precision with 3D CAD, Laser Scanning & Simulation

Elevating Engineering Precision: 3D CAD Design, Laser Scanning, and Simulation for Custom Steel Fabrication

 

In modern engineering, accuracy, efficiency, and adaptability are not just desired—they are essential. At Hamilton By Design, we combine cutting-edge tools like 3D CAD design, 3D laser scanning, and SolidWorks FEA Simulation with practical expertise in custom steel fabrication to deliver intelligent, end-to-end solutions for complex engineering projects.

From detailed CAD Modelling to field-accurate Faro Scanning, our consultancy supports Australian industries with precise, timely, and cost-effective design solutions.

The Role of 3D CAD Design in Modern Engineering

3D CAD design (Computer-Aided Design) forms the foundation of most modern engineering workflows. It transforms initial concepts into detailed digital models, enabling design validation, collaboration, and modification long before anything is physically built.

Using tools like SolidWorks, our experienced 3D CAD designers create accurate representations of components, assemblies, and entire systems. This not only reduces costly errors during fabrication but also allows clients to visualise and interact with their product in a virtual environment.

With 3D CAD design at the core, we help clients navigate engineering challenges—from product development to mechanical infrastructure—faster and with greater confidence.


3D Modelling: Bridging Concept and Construction

Closely integrated with CAD design is 3D modelling, which allows designers to create digital prototypes of physical objects. At Hamilton By Design, 3D modelling is used not just for form but also for function. Our models include precise dimensions, material properties, tolerances, and interaction points.

Whether it’s reverse engineering an existing plant structure or designing custom brackets for a conveyor system, our 3D modelling ensures high fidelity and interoperability across platforms.


The Power of 3D Laser Scanning for Engineering Accuracy

To capture as-built environments with unmatched accuracy, we use 3D laser scan for engineering projects of all sizes. Leveraging Faro scanning technology, we generate detailed point clouds that map real-world environments down to millimetre accuracy.

This Faro scan data is then converted into actionable geometry for further CAD modelling or simulation. It’s particularly valuable in retrofit, maintenance, or upgrade projects, where existing site data is often incomplete or outdated.

Whether you’re updating mechanical systems in a processing plant or ensuring compliance in a structural audit, 3D laser scanning delivers the reliable data you need for precise engineering decisions.


From Scan to Simulation: Enhancing Designs with SolidWorks FEA

After creating a digital model, it’s crucial to understand how it will perform under real-world conditions. That’s where SolidWorks FEA simulation comes in.

SolidWorks Simulation allows our team to perform finite element analysis (FEA) on assemblies, evaluating factors such as stress, strain, fatigue, and thermal distribution. By integrating FEA into the design process, we validate designs before they are fabricated—saving both time and material costs.

This proactive approach is particularly useful in custom steel fabrication, where load-bearing components must meet stringent safety and performance criteria.


CAD Modelling in Custom Steel Fabrication

Custom steel fabrication is both an art and a science. It requires a deep understanding of materials, tolerances, and manufacturing techniques. At Hamilton By Design, we combine advanced CAD modelling with practical fabrication experience to create components that meet your exact requirements.

Whether you need custom brackets, enclosures, chutes, or full-scale structural assemblies, our models are production-ready and tailored to your fabrication process. We provide DXFs, laser-cutting files, and BOMs that integrate seamlessly with your shop floor operations.


Why Choose a 3D CAD Designer?

A skilled 3D CAD designer does more than just draw. They anticipate fitment issues, consider manufacturing constraints, and collaborate across disciplines to create practical, buildable designs.

At Hamilton By Design, our team brings over a decade of experience across heavy industry, defence, mining, and manufacturing. We understand the nuances of real-world engineering and tailor our CAD services to each project’s unique needs.


Integrating Faro Scanning with SolidWorks

One of our key differentiators is the seamless integration of Faro scan data into SolidWorks. This workflow allows us to:

  • Overlay scanned data onto CAD designs

  • Identify deviations between as-built and as-designed models

  • Rapidly develop retrofit solutions with accurate field measurements

  • Conduct clash detection and ensure proper clearances

This end-to-end capability reduces rework, shortens project timelines, and increases overall design quality.


Applications Across Industry

Our services benefit a broad range of industries, including:

  • Mining & Processing – Reverse engineering plant infrastructure, scanning for shutdown planning, custom chute design

  • Manufacturing – Tooling, jigs, and production line modifications

  • Defence – CAD design and simulation for retrofit and upgrade works

  • Construction – Structural steel design and site validation

Whether you’re fabricating a single part or overseeing a multi-million-dollar infrastructure upgrade, our tools and experience help you deliver with confidence.


The Difference

At Hamilton By Design, we don’t just deliver drawings—we provide engineering certainty. By combining the precision of 3D CAD, the power of SolidWorks simulation, and the real-world accuracy of Faro scanning, we help clients design, assess, and fabricate with confidence.

If you’re looking for an Australian mechanical engineering consultancy that delivers intelligent design, detailed modelling, and practical support for custom steel fabrication projects, we’re ready to help.


Let’s Work Together

Visit www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au to learn more or contact us to discuss how we can support your next engineering challenge.

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