3D Laser Scanning and CAD Modelling Services | Hamilton By Design


There are two things weโ€™ve always believed at Hamilton By Design:

  1. Accuracy matters.
  2. If you can model it before you make it, do it.

Thatโ€™s why when the FARO Focus S70 hit the scene in 2017, we were early to the party โ€” not just because it was shiny and new (though it was), but because we knew it would change how we support our clients in mining, processing, and manufacturing environments.

The S70 didnโ€™t just give us a tool โ€” it gave us a superpower: the ability to see an entire site, down to the bolt heads and pipe supports, in full 3D before anyone picked up a wrench. Dust, heat, poor lighting โ€” no problem. With its IP54 rating and extended temperature range, this scanner thrives where other tools tap out.

And weโ€™ve been putting it to work ever since.

3D laser scan of mechanical plant

โ€œMeasure Twice, Cut Onceโ€ Just Got a Whole Lot More Real

Laser scanning means we no longer rely on outdated drawings, forgotten markups, or that sketch someone did on the back of a clipboard in 2004.

Weโ€™re capturing site geometry down to millimetres, mapping full plant rooms, structural steel, conveyors, tanks, ducts โ€” you name it. And the moment we leave site, weโ€™ve already got the data we need, registered and ready to drop into SolidWorks.

Which, by the way, weโ€™ve been using since 2001.

Yes โ€” long before CAD was cool, we were deep into SolidWorks building models, simulating loads, tweaking fit-ups, and designing smarter mechanical solutions for complex environments. Itโ€™s the other half of the story โ€” scan it, then model it, all in-house, all under one roof.

Safety by Design โ€“ Literally

Hereโ€™s the part people often overlook: 3D laser scanning isnโ€™t just about accuracy โ€” itโ€™s about safety.

Weโ€™ve worked across enough plants and mine sites to know that the real hazards are often the things you donโ€™t see in a drawing. Tight access ways. Awkward pipe routing. Obstructions waiting to drop something nasty when a shutdown rolls around.

By scanning and reviewing environments virtually, we can spot those risks early โ€” hazard identification before boots are even on the ground. We help clients:

  • Reduce time-on-site
  • Limit the number of field visits
  • Minimise exposure to high-risk zones
  • Plan safer shutdowns and installations

Thatโ€™s a big win in any plant or processing facility โ€” not just for compliance, but for peace of mind.

SolidWorks 3D Modelling
CAD model from site scan

From Point Cloud to Problem Solved

Since 2017, our scanning and modelling workflows have supported:

  • Brownfield upgrade projects
  • Reverse engineering of legacy components
  • Fabrication and installation validation
  • Creation of digital twins
  • Asset audits and documentation updates

And when you pair that with 24 years of SolidWorks expertise, you get more than just a pretty point cloud โ€” you get practical, buildable, fit-for-purpose engineering solutions backed by deep industry knowledge.


Thinking about your next project? Letโ€™s make it smarter from the start.

Weโ€™ll scan it, model it, and engineer it as we have been doing for decades โ€” with zero guesswork and full confidence.

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www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au

3D LiDAR scanning and 3D modelling service button โ€” laser scanner capturing a point cloud for engineering and CAD modelling
Mechanical engineering services

Mechanical Engineering | Structural Engineering

Mechanical Drafting | Structural Drafting

3D CAD Modelling | 3D Scanning

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3D LiDAR Scanning Darwin for engineering surveys, laser scanning, reality capture and point cloud modelling services
3D LiDAR Scanning Australia engineering services for laser scanning, reality capture, scan-to-CAD, Scan-to-BIM and as-built documentation across Australia
3D LiDAR scanning services on the Central Coast providing engineering-grade laser scanning, point cloud capture, scan-to-CAD modelling and industrial reality capture for infrastructure and industrial projects.
3D LiDAR Scanning Perth for engineering surveys, laser scanning, reality capture and point cloud modelling services
3D LiDAR Scanning Sydney for engineering surveys, laser scanning, reality capture and point cloud modelling services
3D LiDAR Scanning Brisbane for engineering surveys, laser scanning, reality capture and point cloud modelling services
3D LiDAR Scanning Canberra for engineering surveys, laser scanning, reality capture and point cloud modelling services
3D LiDAR Scanning Newcastle for engineering surveys, laser scanning, reality capture and point cloud modelling services
3D LiDAR Scanning Adelaide for engineering surveys, laser scanning, reality capture and point cloud modelling services

3D Modellingย 

SolidWorks 3D Modelling

 By Hamilton By Design | www.hamiltonbydesign.com.au

In the 1980s through to the early 2000s, AutoCAD ruled supreme. It revolutionised the way engineers and designers approached 2D drafting, enabling technical drawings to be created and shared with speed and precision across industries. For two decades, it set the benchmark for visual communication in engineering and construction. But that era has passed.

Today, we live and work in a three-dimensional world โ€” not only in reality, but in design.

From 2D Drafting to Solid Modelling: The New Standard

At Hamilton By Design, we see 3D modelling not just as a tool, but as an essential evolution in how we think, design, and manufacture. The transition from 2D lines to solid geometry has reshaped the possibilities for every engineer, machinist, and fabricator.

With the widespread adoption of platforms like SolidWorks, design engineers now routinely conduct simulations, tolerance analysis, motion studies, and stress testing โ€” all in a virtual space before a single part is made. Companies like Tesla, Ford, Eaton, Medtronic, and Johnson & Johnson have integrated 3D CAD tools into their product development cycles with great success, dramatically reducing rework, increasing precision, and accelerating innovation.

Where 2D design was once enough, now solid models drive machining, laser cutting, 3D printing, automated manufacturing, and finite element analysis (FEA) โ€” all from a single digital source.

A Growing Ecosystem of Engineering Capability

It’s not just the software giants making waves โ€” a global network of specialised engineering services is helping bring 3D design to life. Companies like Rishabh Engineering, Shalin Designs, CAD/CAM Services Inc., Archdraw Outsourcing, and TrueCADD provide design and modelling support to projects around the world.

At Hamilton By Design, we work with and alongside these firms โ€” and others โ€” to deliver scalable, intelligent 3D modelling solutions to the Australian industrial sector. From laser scanning and site capture to custom steel fabrication, we translate concepts into actionable, manufacturable designs. Our clients benefit not only from our hands-on trade knowledge but also from our investment in cutting-edge tools and engineering platforms.

So Whatโ€™s Next? The Future Feels More Fluid Than Solid

With all these tools now at our fingertips โ€” FEA simulation, LiDAR scanning, parametric modelling, cloud collaboration โ€” the question becomes: what comes after 3D?

Weโ€™ve moved from pencil to pixel, from 2D lines to intelligent digital twins. But now the line between design and experience is beginning to blur. Augmented reality (AR), generative AI design, and real-time simulation environments suggest that the next wave may feel more fluid than solid โ€” more organic than mechanical.

Weโ€™re already seeing early glimpses of this future:

  • Generative design tools that evolve geometry based on performance goals
  • Real-time digital twins updating with sensor data from operating plants
  • AI-driven automation that simplifies design iterations in minutes, not days

In short: the future of 3D design might not be โ€œ3Dโ€ at all in the traditional sense โ€” it could be interactive, immersive, adaptive.

At Hamilton By Design โ€” Weโ€™re With You Now and Into the Future

Whether youโ€™re looking to upgrade legacy 2D drawings, implement laser-accurate reverse engineering, or develop a full-scale 3D model for simulation or manufacturing โ€” Hamilton By Design is here to help.

We bring hands-on trade experience as fitters, machinists, and designers, and combine it with the modern toolset of a full-service mechanical engineering consultancy. We’re not just imagining the future of design โ€” we’re building it.

Letโ€™s design smarter. Letโ€™s think in 3D โ€” and beyond.

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Mechanical engineering services

 

Our Clients

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Mechanical engineering services

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Mechanical Engineering | Structural Engineering


Structural Drafting Australia

Structural drafting services workflow showing mining plant infrastructure, CAD structural steel model and fabrication drawings.

Structural Drafting Services

Structural Steel Detailing for Industrial and Mining Projects

Hamilton By Design provides structural drafting services for mining, industrial, and infrastructure projects across Australia. Our team prepares clear and accurate structural drawings that support fabrication, installation, and plant upgrades.

Many industrial sites require modifications to existing structures to support new equipment, conveyors, pipework systems, and maintenance access platforms. Our drafting services ensure these changes are documented with precise engineering drawings that contractors and fabricators can confidently work from.


Structural Steel Drafting for Industrial Facilities

Structural steel plays a critical role in most industrial plants. Hamilton By Design supports projects requiring structural drafting for:

  • Equipment support structures
  • Conveyor and materials handling structures
  • Pipework support frames
  • Access platforms and walkways
  • Plant structural modifications

Our drafting workflow ensures that structural designs integrate correctly with existing infrastructure, reducing installation issues and rework during construction.


Structural drafting services workflow showing mining plant infrastructure, CAD structural steel model and fabrication drawings.
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Mechanical engineering services

Capturing Existing Conditions Before Drafting

One of the challenges in structural modifications is understanding the existing plant conditions before design begins. Hamilton By Design uses engineering-grade 3D laser scanning to capture accurate site geometry.

Laser scanning allows us to produce highly accurate point cloud data that can be used to develop detailed structural models and drawings.

Learn more about our scanning services:

Engineering-grade laser scanning for mining and industrial plants

Engineering-Grade 3D Laser Scanning Across Australia

3D laser scanning services across Australia

Capturing existing conditions before plant upgrades


From Point Cloud to Engineering Drawings

After scanning, point cloud data can be converted into accurate CAD models and structural layouts. This workflow allows engineers and fabricators to understand how new structural steel will interact with existing plant equipment.

More information about this workflow can be found here:


Supporting Mining and Industrial Projects

Hamilton By Design regularly supports projects including:

  • Mining plant upgrades
  • Processing plant modifications
  • Structural upgrades during shutdowns
  • Materials handling infrastructure

These projects often occur during limited shutdown windows where accurate drawings are essential for efficient installation.

You can learn more about how laser scanning supports shutdown projects here:


Structural Drafting Services Across Australia

Hamilton By Design supports engineering teams, contractors, and plant operators requiring structural drafting services for industrial environments. Our services combine practical engineering experience with modern digital capture technologies to deliver reliable structural documentation.

Learn more about our broader engineering services here:

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3D LiDAR Scanning Perth for engineering surveys, laser scanning, reality capture and point cloud modelling services
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3D LiDAR Scanning Adelaide for engineering surveys, laser scanning, reality capture and point cloud modelling services

Drafting

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Mechanical & Structural Drafting Services

Precision Drafting & LiDAR Scanning Services

At Hamilton By Design, we deliver high-quality mechanical and structural drafting services backed by engineering expertise and integrated 3D LiDAR scanning. Our team produces technically accurate, standards-compliant documentation that supports every stage of your project โ€” from initial concept and detailed design through to fabrication and construction.

Whether youโ€™re detailing complex machinery, developing steel structures, or capturing existing site conditions with advanced LiDAR scanning, our drafting outputs are engineered for clarity, accuracy, and reliable build-ready execution.

Why Work With Us

Accurate drafting is fundamental to reducing errors, improving communication, and keeping your project on schedule. Our drafting solutions help you:

  • Create fabrication-ready drawings compliant with Australian standards (e.g., AS 1100, AS 4100, AS 4041).
  • Enhance collaboration between design, engineering, and fabrication teams.
  • Minimise delays, costly rework, and onsite clashes.
  • Simplify procurement, workshop fabrication, and site installation.
  • Incorporate real-world site data using precise 3D LiDAR scans.

What We Produce

Structural Drafting: Detailed plans for steel frameworks, foundations, platforms, and industrial structures, prepared for compliance and constructability. Key outputs include structural layouts, foundation details, connection drawings, and shop drawings for fabricators.

Mechanical Drafting: Comprehensive documentation for plant layouts, machinery, piping systems, and assemblies. Deliverables include detailed part and assembly drawings, P&IDs, equipment layouts, bills of materials, and support for pressure piping and HVAC systems.

Detail Drafting & As-Built Capture

Our detail drafting services define every component clearly and accurately, ready for fabrication. By integrating high-accuracy 3D LiDAR scanning, we capture existing site geometry to support retrofit design, clash detection, reverse engineering, digital twin development, and upgrade planning.

Tools & Technologies

We use industry-standard software to deliver precise, efficient outcomes, including:

  • AutoCAD
  • SolidWorks
  • Inventor
  • FARO/Scene point cloud tools
  • Navisworks for coordination and review

Industries We Support

Our drafting and scanning services help across multiple sectors, such as:

  • Mining โ€“ structural platforms, conveyors, processing plant layouts.
  • Construction โ€“ steel detailing, infrastructure documentation.
  • Manufacturing โ€“ custom machinery and fabrication documentation.

Our clients

Precision Drafting Solutions by Hamilton By Design


Hamilton By Design logo displayed on a blue tilted rectangle with a grey gradient background
3D LiDAR scanning and 3D modelling service button โ€” laser scanner capturing a point cloud for engineering and CAD modelling
Mechanical engineering services

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Mechanical engineering services