3D Scanning Engineering in Perth
Perth is Australia’s engineering capital for mining and resources. While many of Western Australia’s largest assets are located in remote and harsh environments such as the Pilbara, Goldfields, and Mid-West, the engineering that supports them is overwhelmingly designed, reviewed, and approved in Perth.
Hamilton By Design specialises in engineer-led 3D scanning engineering in Perth, combining on-site 3D LiDAR laser scanning with Perth-based mechanical and structural engineering, 3D CAD modelling, FEA, and fabrication-ready drafting. This workflow enables projects to be engineered with confidence and delivered efficiently—without the need for constant site attendance.
Perth as a digital engineering hub for mining and resources
Perth-based engineering teams support some of the largest and most demanding industrial assets in the world, including:
- Iron ore operations in the Pilbara
- Gold, nickel, and lithium mining across WA
- Bulk materials handling and export infrastructure
- Ports, processing plants, and energy facilities
Because these assets are remote and costly to access, Perth has developed a strong culture of remote engineering delivery. The city’s strength lies in capturing accurate site data once, then converting it into robust, buildable engineering outcomes from Perth.
This model is central to how modern WA mining and industrial projects are delivered.
3D point clouds: the foundation of remote engineering
At the core of Perth’s remote engineering capability is the 3D point cloud. High-accuracy point clouds provide a true digital representation of existing assets, allowing engineers to design from reality rather than assumptions—critical when second chances are expensive.
Our article 3D Point Clouds Are a Game-Changer for Your Projects explains how expert modelling from point-cloud data improves accuracy, coordination, and constructability on complex projects.
For Perth-based engineers, point clouds enable:
- Confident mechanical and structural design
- Reduced reliance on incomplete or outdated drawings
- Early clash detection and fit-up verification
- Fewer site changes, rework, and shutdown delays
3D laser scanning of mining and industrial sites
Hamilton By Design delivers high-accuracy 3D Scanning across mining and industrial sites throughout Western Australia and remote regions of Australia. Scanning is typically completed during short, controlled site visits, aligned with FIFO access and shutdown windows.
3D laser scanning is particularly valuable for:
- Remote FIFO-based mining operations
- Brownfield processing plants and infrastructure
- Assets operating continuously in harsh environments
- Projects with limited tolerance for rework
Once scanning is complete, all data is transferred back to Perth for processing and engineering.
Perth-based experts in 3D laser scanning and mechanical design
Hamilton By Design integrates scanning and engineering as a single, engineer-led service. This approach is outlined in Your Experts in 3D Laser Scanning & Mechanical Design, where scanning is treated as the foundation of design—not a standalone deliverable.
By combining scanning with mechanical and structural engineering expertise, Perth-based engineers can:
- Design directly from real site geometry
- Understand existing load paths, fatigue drivers, and constraints
- Optimise layouts for constructability, transport, and installation
This is especially important for mining and heavy industry projects where reliability, durability, and access are critical.
Engineering without constant site attendance
With accurate scan data and point clouds available, the majority of engineering work can be completed remotely from Perth. This allows:
- Mechanical and structural design without repeated site visits
- Digital design reviews with stakeholders and fabricators
- Reduced FIFO travel, cost, and safety exposure
- Better use of experienced engineers’ time
For asset owners, this approach delivers predictable outcomes and fewer site-based surprises.
3D CAD modelling built from real site conditions
Scan data is converted into detailed 3D CAD Modelling using SolidWorks and related platforms. Models reflect what actually exists on site, forming a reliable digital baseline for current and future work.
These models support:
- Mechanical upgrades and plant modifications
- Structural additions such as platforms, conveyors, and supports
- Integration of new equipment into operating facilities
- Long-term digital asset management
This scan-to-CAD workflow is essential for WA’s remote and long-life assets.
Coordinated mechanical and structural engineering
Working within a single digital environment allows Perth engineers to coordinate mechanical and structural design efficiently. This reduces clashes, improves constructability, and limits late-stage design changes—particularly important in congested brownfield mining environments where access is limited.
FEA and verification completed in Perth
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is applied to scan-based models to verify performance, fatigue life, and compliance. Perth-based FEA supports:
- Structural capacity and load checks
- Fatigue and vibration assessment for continuous operations
- Verification of modified or existing assets
- Engineering approval and sign-off
Because analysis is based on real geometry and operating conditions, results better reflect real-world performance.
Fabrication-ready drafting that fits first time
Final designs are issued as fabrication-ready drawings suitable for Perth and regional workshops. Drawings are developed directly from coordinated 3D models, improving clarity and reducing errors during fabrication, transport, and installation.
This is critical for WA projects where logistics and rework are costly.
Perth delivering engineering outcomes across Western Australia
Perth’s role as a digital engineering centre continues to grow as mining, resources, and industrial projects rely more heavily on scan-based and model-driven workflows. Hamilton By Design uses this Perth-based approach to support projects across Western Australia and Australia—capturing site reality once and engineering with confidence.
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