3D Laser Scanning for Engineering
At Hamilton By Design, we deliver high-accuracy 3D laser scanning tailored specifically for engineering projects across mining, heavy industry, manufacturing, buildings and infrastructure.
Whether you’re planning a shutdown upgrade, solving a site fit-up problem or updating critical as-built documentation, our engineering-grade scans give your team the confidence to design, fabricate and install with millimetre-level accuracy.
Choosing the Right Scanner for the Right Engineering Discipline
One of the most overlooked aspects of 3D laser scanning is scanner selection.
Different scanners are designed for different forms of engineering work:
- Civil works / road works scanners prioritise coverage and speed
- Structural engineering scanners require higher accuracy across steelwork and vertical alignment
- Mechanical engineering demands the highest level of precision for equipment tie-ins, rotating machinery, platework and interfaces
While some overlap exists between these disciplines, a single scanner cannot deliver optimal accuracy across all engineering environments. Using one device for civil, structural and mechanical scopes inevitably leads to accuracy losses, which then flow into the design, fabrication and installation phases.
At Hamilton By Design, we select the scanner and workflow that best matches your engineering discipline, ensuring the data you receive aligns with the tolerances required for your project—not just a “one-size-fits-all” output.
Why 3D Laser Scanning for Engineering Projects?
Traditional tape-measure surveys and hand sketches simply can’t keep up with the complexity of modern plants and structures.
3D laser scanning for engineering replaces guesswork with precise digital data:
- Capture true as-built conditions – including twists, deflections, corrosion losses and historic modifications
- Eliminate rework and site clashes – check new designs against the point cloud before fabrication
- Speed up shutdowns – reduce on-site measuring time and keep personnel out of hazardous areas
- Create a single source of truth – supporting design, maintenance, safety and future expansion
Our 3D Laser Scanning Services
We provide end-to-end scanning solutions, from on-site data capture through to fabrication-ready models and documentation.
1. On-Site 3D Laser Scanning
- High-accuracy terrestrial 3D LiDAR scanners matched to engineering discipline
- Safe data capture in operational plants and confined access locations
- Registration aligned to site grid, survey control or local benchmarks
- Colourised or greyscale point clouds depending on scope needs
2. Engineering-Grade 3D Modelling
Using the scan data, we develop high-fidelity models in SolidWorks and other CAD platforms:
- Structural steel, access systems and platforms
- Chutes, hoppers, vessels, tanks and ductwork
- Conveyors, transfer stations and materials handling systems
- Mechanical equipment envelopes, mounting points and tie-ins
- Building interiors, architectural features and services layouts
3. As-Built Documentation & Drawings
We produce clear, fabrication-ready documentation, including:
- As-built GA drawings and layout packages
- Detailed fabrication drawings and BOMs
- Connection and interface detailing
- Clearance envelopes and clash-review drawings for shutdown planning
4. Digital Quality Assurance
Our scanning workflows verify installation accuracy and compliance:
- Compare new steelwork or equipment against the design model
- Check critical dimensions pre- and post-shutdown
- Provide QA evidence for clients, regulators and insurers
Industries We Support
Our engineering scanning services support:
- Mining & CHPPs – draglines, bucket-wheel reclaimers, conveyors, chutes, screen decks, process plant steelwork
- Power stations & energy – boilers, turbine halls, pipe racks, coal handling and ash systems
- Heavy manufacturing – workshops, cranes, production lines, process equipment
- Buildings & infrastructure – plant rooms, services, heritage structures, refurbishment projects
- Data centres & critical facilities – equipment layouts, cable pathways, HVAC and expansion planning
If your project demands tight interfaces, shutdown precision or difficult-to-measure geometry, 3D laser scanning provides immediate value.
Our Typical Workflow
1. Scope & Planning
We meet with engineers, supervisors and project managers to define accuracy requirements, scanning areas and deliverables.
2. On-Site Scanning
We mobilise to site, complete inductions and capture the plant with minimal disruption.
3. Registration & QA
Scans are unified into a verified point cloud referenced to known control.
4. 3D Modelling & Design Support
We create engineering-grade models that integrate seamlessly into your CAD workflow.
5. Deliverables & Review
Point clouds, models and drawings are provided in your requested formats, with remote or in-person review.
6. Ongoing Support
Need to add new platforms, chutes or modifications later? We can extend the model and reuse existing scan data.
Benefits for Engineering Teams
Partnering with Hamilton By Design delivers:
- Reduced shutdown risk – fewer installation surprises
- Better design decisions – engineers see the actual plant, not outdated drawings
- Shorter site time – thousands of measurements captured in hours
- Improved safety – less exposure to heights, confined spaces and live equipment
- Clear communication – 3D visualisations improve stakeholder understanding
Accuracy, Equipment & Data Formats
We use engineering-grade LiDAR scanners capable of millimetre-level accuracy at typical working distances—selected specifically to match your engineering discipline.
Typical deliverables include:
- Registered point clouds (E57, RCP/RCS, LAS)
- SolidWorks and STEP models
- 2D DWG/DXF drawings
- PDF QA reports and review packs
- Navisworks-ready models for clash detection
We tailor outputs to fit your preferred software environment.
Why Work with Hamilton By Design?
- Mechanical and structural engineering expertise – we scan with design intent in mind
- Extensive heavy-industry background – mining, CHPPs, power and processing plants
- Complete end-to-end capability – scanning, modelling, engineering and drawings
- Australia-wide service – Central Coast, Hunter Valley, Newcastle, Bowen Basin, Surat Basin, Pilbara, Perth, Adelaide, Sydney and more
When you combine accurate data with real-world engineering experience, you get designs that are safe, buildable and cost-effective.
Ready to Talk About Your Next Project?
If you’re planning a shutdown, upgrade or complex retrofit, now is the perfect time to integrate 3D laser scanning for engineering into your workflow.
📞 Call:
📧 Email:
🌐 Website: www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au
We’re ready to review your scope, assess your drawings and help you de-risk your next project.
Ready to Talk About Your Next Project?
If you’re planning a shutdown, upgrade or complex retrofit, now is the perfect time to integrate 3D laser scanning for engineering into your workflow.
We’re happy to review your scope, look over existing drawings and recommend how scanning and 3D modelling can de-risk your next project.