Scan to BIM Services Queensland | 3D Laser Scanning & BIM

Scan to BIM services Queensland using 3D laser scanning, LiDAR point clouds and engineering-led BIM modelling for industrial, mining and infrastructure projects.

Scan to BIM Services Queensland | 3D Laser Scanning & BIM Modelling

Across Queensland, asset owners, engineering teams and project managers are increasingly working with facilities where the available drawings no longer accurately represent what exists on site.

Industrial plants are modified. Structural steel is added or removed. Pipework routes change. Equipment is replaced. Buildings are refurbished. Mining infrastructure develops over decades.

For organisations responsible for multiple facilities, the problem becomes even greater: how do you establish a consistent and reliable digital record of existing conditions across assets located throughout Queensland?

Hamilton By Design provides Scan to BIM services across Queensland, combining engineering-grade 3D laser scanning, LiDAR point-cloud processing and engineering-led 3D modelling to convert existing physical assets into accurate digital information that can support future engineering, construction and asset-management decisions.

Our broader Scan to BIM Australia capability supports projects where existing buildings, industrial plants and infrastructure need to be accurately captured before design work begins.

What Is Scan to BIM?

Scan to BIM is the process of capturing an existing physical environment using 3D laser scanning or LiDAR technology and using that measured information to develop an accurate digital model.

Rather than relying entirely on historical drawings, tape measurements or assumptions about existing construction, a 3D laser scanner captures millions of spatial measurements from the actual asset.

These measurements form a 3D point cloud representing the existing geometry.

The point cloud can then be processed and used as the dimensional reference for developing BIM, CAD and engineering models.

Hamilton By Design approaches this process from an engineering perspective. The objective is not simply to produce an attractive three-dimensional model. The objective is to capture and model the information needed to support the next engineering, construction or asset-management decision.

Our broader 3D laser scanning services support engineering projects throughout Australia, including Queensland and regional industrial centres.

The Queensland Scan to BIM Problem

Queensland presents a particular challenge for organisations managing geographically distributed assets.

A business may have its engineering or project-management team based in Brisbane while operating facilities hundreds or thousands of kilometres away.

Assets may be located across:

Brisbane and South East Queensland, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Emerald, Mackay, the Bowen Basin, Townsville, Mount Isa and other regional or remote areas.

The documentation available for these facilities can also vary significantly.

One site may have relatively current CAD information, while another may rely on drawings produced decades earlier. Modifications undertaken during shutdowns or maintenance campaigns may never have been incorporated into the original drawings.

This creates uncertainty.

When a new conveyor, pipe route, platform, piece of machinery, building service or structural modification needs to be designed, the engineering team first needs to establish:

What is actually there?

Scan to BIM provides a method of answering that question consistently.

One Reality-Capture Workflow Across Queensland

For multi-site asset owners, one of the major advantages of Scan to BIM is the ability to establish a repeatable process.

Instead of every project beginning with a different measurement method, Hamilton By Design can use a common workflow:

Site capture → scan registration → point-cloud processing → engineering interpretation → BIM/CAD modelling → verification → project deliverables.

In Brisbane and South East Queensland, our LiDAR scanning Brisbane services support industrial facilities, infrastructure, manufacturing plants and other engineering environments requiring accurate point-cloud data.

The same fundamental process can then be applied to regional facilities, providing organisations with greater consistency between projects and sites.

Step 1 – Define What the Model Needs to Achieve

A successful Scan to BIM project should begin before the scanner is switched on.

The first question should be:

What will the captured information ultimately be used for?

The answer affects both the scan strategy and the modelling requirements.

Potential applications include:

brownfield plant modifications
equipment replacement
structural upgrades
refurbishment projects
construction planning
shutdown engineering
clash detection
fabrication
pipework modifications
building refurbishment
asset documentation
digital engineering
development of digital twins.

A model intended to document the general arrangement of a facility does not necessarily require the same information as one being used to design fabrication interfaces.

This is why engineering involvement at the beginning of the scanning process can be important.

Hamilton By Design’s wider engineering services integrate LiDAR capture with modelling, engineering and fabrication-oriented outcomes rather than treating reality capture as an isolated survey activity.

Step 2 – Capture Existing Conditions with 3D LiDAR

Once the required outcome is understood, the existing facility can be captured.

Terrestrial 3D laser scanning can rapidly record complex geometry that would otherwise require extensive manual measurement.

Depending on the project, this may include:

structural columns and beams
buildings
floor levels
equipment
conveyors
transfer stations
chutes
tanks
pipework
access platforms
stairs
handrails
machinery
surrounding infrastructure.

This is particularly valuable in congested industrial environments where conventional measurement can become difficult.

The scanner records the physical geometry visible from each scan position. Multiple scan positions are subsequently combined to create a coordinated representation of the facility.

For projects specifically located in the Queensland capital, our existing Scan to BIM Brisbane service provides a dedicated Brisbane-focused pathway from LiDAR capture through point-cloud modelling and engineering-led documentation.

Step 3 – Register and Process the Point Cloud

Individual scanner positions need to be aligned or registered into a common coordinate system.

The result is a measurable three-dimensional point-cloud dataset.

Depending on project requirements, processing may include:

scan registration
removal of unnecessary data
coordinate alignment
establishing project datums
checking scan coverage
segmentation of areas
preparation for CAD or BIM modelling.

Point clouds may subsequently be supplied in formats such as E57, RCP or RCS depending on the client’s required workflow.

This registered dataset becomes the measured reference against which the digital model can be developed.

Step 4 – Convert Required Geometry into BIM or CAD

The next stage is where Scan to BIM becomes more than reality capture.

Not everything visible in a point cloud necessarily needs to be modelled.

The question should instead be:

What information does the project team actually need?

For a commercial building, Revit may provide the appropriate BIM environment.

For an industrial plant, however, the solution may involve a combination of BIM and mechanical CAD.

Hamilton By Design’s SolidWorks Brisbane capability, for example, allows LiDAR information to feed into detailed mechanical modelling, reverse engineering and fabrication-oriented workflows.

This can be particularly important for Queensland mining, mineral-processing and industrial facilities where the existing environment contains significant mechanical equipment rather than conventional building elements alone.

Revit Is Not Always the Whole Answer

Scan to BIM is frequently associated with Autodesk Revit, but industrial facilities can require several modelling environments.

A useful Queensland industrial workflow might include:

Revit for buildings and BIM-oriented structural information.

SolidWorks for mechanical equipment, machinery and fabricated assemblies.

AutoCAD for 2D engineering documentation.

Navisworks for coordination and model review.

FARO SCENE and Autodesk ReCap for point-cloud registration, management and preparation.

The final deliverable should therefore be selected according to the project requirement rather than forcing every captured asset into a single software environment.

Supporting Brownfield and Shutdown Projects

One of the strongest applications for Scan to BIM is brownfield engineering.

Unlike greenfield projects, existing facilities contain constraints that cannot simply be moved because they conflict with a new design.

Existing steelwork, conveyors, services, pipework and operating equipment all need to be considered.

Accurate reality capture therefore gives designers an opportunity to identify potential conflicts before fabrication or construction begins.

This becomes particularly important where access to the plant is restricted or site attendance must occur during limited shutdown windows.

Hamilton By Design also provides 3D scanning for mining shutdown projects, where captured site information can support mechanical upgrades, structural verification, Scan-to-CAD modelling and plant-layout assessment.

Scan Once – Use the Data for Multiple Engineering Tasks

A well-planned scan can support more than one immediate project.

The point cloud may provide a reference for:

existing-condition verification
concept development
mechanical design
structural drafting
fabrication planning
clash checking
accessibility reviews
equipment replacement
future maintenance planning.

This is particularly valuable for remote Queensland assets.

Returning to a regional or remote site simply because one critical dimension was missed can be expensive and disruptive.

The scan strategy should therefore consider not only what is immediately obvious but also what information the engineering team may reasonably need later in the project.

Hamilton By Design applies this approach to SMP project delivery using 3D laser scanning, where reality capture establishes a reliable baseline of structural, mechanical and piping conditions for subsequent engineering activities.

Scan to BIM Deliverables

Deliverables can be configured around the needs of the client’s software environment and project team.

These may include:

registered point clouds
E57 files
RCP/RCS datasets
Revit models
IFC models
SolidWorks parts and assemblies
STEP or SAT geometry
DWG and DXF files
general arrangement drawings
sections and elevations
PDF engineering drawings
measurable digital models.

The objective is to deliver information that the engineering, construction or asset-management team can actually use.

Scan to BIM Services Across Queensland

Hamilton By Design supports Queensland projects where reliable existing-condition information is required before engineering work proceeds.

Projects may range from commercial and infrastructure facilities in Brisbane through to industrial, mining and processing assets in regional Queensland.

The common objective remains the same:

Capture the existing condition accurately, convert the required information into usable digital geometry, and provide the project team with a more reliable basis for engineering decisions.

For multi-site organisations, that also creates an opportunity to establish a consistent reality-capture and modelling methodology across facilities rather than beginning every project with a different approach.

Frequently Asked Questions – Scan to BIM Queensland

What is Scan to BIM?

Scan to BIM combines 3D laser scanning with digital modelling. Existing buildings, structures, plant and equipment are captured as a point cloud, which is then used as the dimensional reference for developing BIM or CAD models.

Does Scan to BIM always mean Revit?

No. Revit is commonly used for BIM, particularly for buildings and building services, but industrial projects may also require SolidWorks, AutoCAD, IFC, STEP or other CAD formats. The appropriate deliverable depends on how the information will ultimately be used.

Can Scan to BIM be used for mining and industrial facilities?

Yes. Reality capture can be particularly valuable for brownfield mining and industrial environments containing structural steel, conveyors, machinery, pipework, platforms and other complex existing infrastructure.

Can you provide the point cloud as well as the model?

Yes. Depending on the agreed project scope, deliverables can include registered point-cloud datasets as well as CAD, BIM and engineering documentation.

Why use laser scanning instead of existing drawings?

Existing drawings can be incomplete, outdated or may not include modifications made during the operating life of an asset. Laser scanning captures the physical conditions present at the time of the survey, providing the design team with a current dimensional reference.

Can Scan to BIM help reduce site revisits?

Yes. A properly planned scan captures extensive dimensional information during the initial site visit. This can allow engineers and designers to take additional measurements digitally from the point cloud later, although critical project dimensions and coverage requirements should always be identified before scanning.

Can the same process be used across several Queensland facilities?

Yes. This is one of the strongest applications for multi-site asset owners. A consistent scanning, registration and modelling methodology can be applied across metropolitan, regional and remote facilities, helping standardise the digital information available to engineering teams.

What Queensland projects are suitable for Scan to BIM?

Suitable projects can include industrial facilities, mining infrastructure, mineral-processing plants, manufacturing facilities, commercial buildings, utilities, transport infrastructure, brownfield upgrades and major refurbishment projects.

What should we determine before requesting a Scan to BIM quotation?

The most useful starting point is to establish what the final information will be used for. Providing the site location, approximate area, required model format, intended engineering application and expected level of modelling detail helps determine the appropriate scanning and modelling scope.

Talk to Hamilton By Design

If outdated drawings, inaccessible dimensions or inconsistent site information are creating uncertainty for an engineering project, Scan to BIM can provide a reliable starting point.

Hamilton By Design provides engineering-led Scan to BIM services across Queensland, connecting 3D LiDAR reality capture with point-cloud processing, CAD modelling, BIM and engineering documentation for industrial, mining, infrastructure and brownfield projects.

Start with the existing condition. Build the engineering from measured information.

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3D Point Cloud Scanning in Brisbane

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7 August 20268 September 2026

Mine Process Plant Asset Capture Mudgee NSW | Hamilton By Design

Mine process plant asset capture in Mudgee NSW using engineer-led LiDAR scanning and point-cloud modelling

Mine Process Plant Asset Capture Mudgee NSW

Existing mine process plants are complex engineering environments. Mechanical equipment, pipework, structural steel, conveyors, chutes, access platforms, guarding and services are frequently installed within constrained spaces and across multiple elevations.

Over the operating life of a mine, these assets may also be modified, replaced or extended during maintenance programs, shutdowns and plant-expansion projects. As a result, the physical plant can progressively differ from the engineering drawings and models originally produced for the facility.

For engineers planning brownfield modifications, this creates a practical challenge:

How can existing process equipment be captured accurately when direct manual measurement is difficult, restricted or potentially exposes personnel to unnecessary plant hazards?

Hamilton By Design provides engineer-led mine process plant asset capture in Mudgee NSW and surrounding Central West mining areas, using terrestrial LiDAR scanning, registered point clouds and engineering CAD workflows to establish reliable existing-condition information.

The purpose is not simply to generate a visually impressive point cloud. The objective is to produce measurable engineering information that can support plant modifications, equipment replacement, shutdown preparation, fabrication and future asset management.

The Engineering Problem: Existing Plant Can Be Difficult to Measure Safely

Traditional field measurement remains valuable for many engineering activities. However, process plants often contain areas where comprehensive manual measurement becomes inefficient or difficult to undertake safely.

Existing equipment may be:

elevated above operating plant;
located behind guarding;
surrounded by pipework and services;
installed within congested structural framing;
positioned close to moving equipment;
accessible only during limited shutdown periods;
surrounded by hot or process-sensitive surfaces;
located beneath conveyors or transfer structures; or
difficult to view from conventional measuring positions.

A mechanical engineer may need the location of a flange, equipment centreline, shaft position or support interface but find that direct physical access is restricted.

The engineering problem becomes more significant when the project requires an understanding of the complete three-dimensional relationship between several assets, rather than a single isolated dimension.

Hamilton By Design’s approach to engineering 3D scanning for mining and process plants uses reality capture as part of the engineering process, allowing structures, mechanical equipment, piping and surrounding plant to be recorded as measurable spatial data.

Why Engineer-Led Asset Capture Matters

Reality capture should ideally begin with an understanding of the engineering problem.

A scanning technician may ask:

Where can the scanner obtain coverage?

An engineer must also ask:

What information will be required to design the modification?

That distinction influences the quality and usefulness of the final dataset.

An engineer considering an equipment replacement may recognise the importance of capturing:

equipment mounting interfaces;
flange faces;
pipework connections;
shaft or pulley centres;
equipment removal routes;
surrounding structural steel;
maintenance clearances;
access platforms; and
nearby services that could interfere with installation.

Hamilton By Design’s engineer-led approach is therefore intended to connect site capture directly with downstream engineering requirements.

The workflow can extend beyond point-cloud delivery into CAD modelling, equipment design, structural interfaces, drawings and fabrication-support information.

The value is not merely obtaining more scan data. It is capturing the right engineering information for the project.

What Mine Process Plant Assets Can Be Captured?

Engineering-grade reality capture can be applied to a broad range of mining and processing infrastructure.

Typical assets may include:

crushers and screens;
pumps and pump skids;
tanks and vessels;
bins and hoppers;
chutes and transfer points;
conveyors;
pipework and valves;
flanges and nozzles;
structural steel;
equipment supports;
platforms and walkways;
stairs and handrails;
machine guarding;
ducts;
cable trays;
concrete plinths;
foundations; and
interfaces between existing and proposed equipment.

The ability to capture surrounding context is particularly important.

A replacement pump, for example, does not exist independently. Its position may be constrained by foundations, pipework, structural members, walkways, lifting access and surrounding equipment.

A point cloud provides a digital reference to these relationships.

How Does LiDAR Asset Capture Reduce Personnel Exposure?

The objective of LiDAR scanning is not to replace site safety controls.

Plant isolations, permits, exclusion zones, working-at-height controls and client procedures remain essential.

However, terrestrial LiDAR can reduce the amount of close-contact manual measuring required in some plant environments.

A scanner can record a large volume of dimensional information from an appropriate stand-off position.

This may reduce the need for personnel to repeatedly:

approach machinery;
climb structures to obtain individual dimensions;
work behind guards;
access difficult corners of plant; or
return to the same area for missing measurements.

Hamilton By Design’s work on engineering-grade 3D laser scanning for mining plant upgrades demonstrates how reality capture can establish existing-condition information before brownfield plant modifications are developed.

The key benefit is therefore not that scanning makes a mine site inherently safe.

It is that well-planned reality capture can reduce unnecessary exposure while improving the quantity of usable dimensional information collected during site access.

Capture Once, Measure as the Engineering Develops

One of the limitations of conventional field measurement is that engineers must anticipate every dimension required before detailed design begins.

This is not always practical.

A project engineer may collect the dimensions believed to be necessary, return to the office and commence modelling. During design, another interface may become important.

This creates the familiar cycle:

Measure → model → identify missing information → return to site → remeasure → revise

A registered LiDAR point cloud provides a different approach.

The site environment is captured comprehensively, allowing many additional dimensions to be obtained from the digital dataset after leaving site.

A useful principle is:

Capture comprehensively during the available site access, then measure selectively as the engineering develops.

This can be particularly valuable for Mudgee-region projects where engineering teams, specialist contractors or fabricators may be located considerable distances from the mine site.

Registering the Point Cloud

Terrestrial LiDAR projects generally involve multiple scanner locations.

Each scanner position records a portion of the plant from a different viewpoint.

These individual scans are subsequently processed and registered into a coordinated point-cloud dataset.

The resulting point cloud can provide measurable information including:

equipment centres;
flange positions;
nozzle locations;
structural member locations;
elevations;
equipment footprints;
pipe routes;
clearances;
support geometry;
floor levels; and
maintenance envelopes.

The point cloud becomes a digital record of the visible plant condition at the time of scanning.

It should not, however, automatically be regarded as the final engineering deliverable.

The point cloud is often the evidence base from which further engineering information is developed.

Verifying Legacy Drawings Against Existing Conditions

Mining process plants may operate for several decades.

During this period, equipment replacement, shutdown repairs and production modifications can progressively alter the plant configuration.

Changes may include:

relocated equipment;
replacement pumps or motors;
rerouted pipework;
new supports;
modified steelwork;
added platforms;
additional services; and
changed equipment interfaces.

Existing drawings remain important engineering records, but critical dimensions should not necessarily be assumed to represent current conditions without verification.

The point cloud allows project teams to compare historical information with the physical plant.

This can help identify discrepancies before new equipment is designed or fabricated.

From Point Cloud to Engineering CAD

Some projects require only a measurable point-cloud dataset.

Others require selected assets to be reconstructed into CAD geometry.

Hamilton By Design’s Scan to BIM services for mining and industrial facilities provide one pathway for converting existing-condition LiDAR data into usable digital engineering information.

Depending on the project, modelling may include:

mechanical equipment;
tanks and vessels;
structural steel;
pipework;
platforms;
conveyors;
chutes;
equipment interfaces; and
surrounding clearance envelopes.

The modelling strategy should be fit for purpose.

A project involving pump replacement may require detailed flange and support interfaces but only simplified representations of surrounding plant.

A structural modification may require accurate steel geometry while nearby equipment remains within the point cloud.

This avoids unnecessary modelling effort while maintaining the information required for engineering decisions.

Reducing Fabrication and Installation Risk

One of the most important applications of process-plant asset capture is verifying proposed modifications against existing conditions before fabrication.

A component can be manufactured accurately to a drawing and still fail to fit the plant if the original existing-condition information was incorrect.

Potential consequences include:

fabrication rework;
cutting or welding on site;
revised pipe spools;
altered structural connections;
additional crane time;
installation delays; and
extended shutdown duration.

By developing the proposed design against registered scan data, engineers can identify many interface problems earlier.

The objective is simple:

Identify the dimensional conflict digitally before discovering it during installation.

Supporting Shutdown Planning

Process-plant modifications are frequently completed during scheduled mine shutdowns.

Shutdown periods may provide only limited access to equipment that cannot otherwise be approached while operating.

This makes preparation particularly important.

Hamilton By Design’s CHPP 3D scanning and shutdown engineering workflows demonstrate how captured site geometry can progress through point-cloud processing, engineering modelling and fabrication documentation before shutdown execution.

Reality capture can assist shutdown preparation by improving:

understanding of existing conditions;
fabrication confidence;
installation planning;
interface verification;
equipment-removal planning;
clash identification; and
engineering readiness before the shutdown begins.

Scanning cannot eliminate every shutdown risk.

It can, however, improve the quality of the engineering information available when those risks are assessed and managed.

Mine Process Plant Asset Capture in Mudgee NSW

Mudgee is positioned within an established Central West NSW mining region, with major mining and processing activity around Mudgee, Ulan, Gulgong and Wollar.

Hamilton By Design can provide engineer-led reality capture for mining and industrial projects throughout:

Mudgee;
Ulan;
Gulgong;
Wollar; and
surrounding Central West NSW mining areas.

The service is particularly relevant for existing brownfield facilities where equipment has been progressively modified, access is restricted or accurate engineering information is required before new plant is designed.

Tools Supporting the Asset-Capture Workflow

Depending on project requirements, Hamilton By Design can combine several technologies.

FARO Focus S70 can provide detailed terrestrial LiDAR capture of process equipment and surrounding infrastructure.

FARO Orbis may provide supplementary mobile capture where appropriate to the project.

FARO SCENE supports scan registration and point-cloud processing.

Autodesk ReCap can prepare point-cloud data for engineering workflows.

SolidWorks supports mechanical equipment modelling, reverse engineering and fabrication-focused design.

Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD can support plant layouts, mechanical modelling and technical drawings.

Navisworks can assist with large-model coordination and clash review.

Revit may be appropriate where structured BIM information is required.

Potential deliverables can include E57, RCP, RCS and LAS point clouds together with SolidWorks, STEP, SAT, Parasolid, DWG, DXF, eDrawings and PDF engineering information.

The tools are important, but they remain secondary to the engineering purpose.

The principal deliverable is reliable information about the existing plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mine process plant asset capture?

Mine process plant asset capture uses technologies such as terrestrial LiDAR scanning to record the three-dimensional geometry of existing equipment, structures, pipework and surrounding plant.

Why use LiDAR instead of manual measurements?

Manual measurement remains useful, but complex process plants may require hundreds of spatial relationships to be documented. LiDAR can capture much broader existing-condition information from suitable scanner positions.

Can scanning reduce the need to access difficult plant areas?

In some circumstances, yes. LiDAR can capture visible geometry from stand-off positions, potentially reducing the amount of close-contact measurement required. Normal mine-site safety procedures and access controls still apply.

Can measurements be obtained after the scanning is complete?

Yes. Once correctly registered, point-cloud datasets can be measured during later engineering stages, subject to the geometry being visible and adequately captured.

Can old engineering drawings be checked against the scan?

Yes. Point-cloud information can be compared with drawings and models to help identify differences between documented and installed conditions.

Can the point cloud be converted into CAD?

Yes. Selected equipment, structures and interfaces can be reconstructed as CAD or BIM geometry according to the engineering purpose of the project.

Can asset capture help with equipment replacement?

Yes. Existing mounting points, pipe connections, structural interfaces and surrounding clearances can be captured before replacement equipment is designed or selected.

Can LiDAR scanning support shutdown projects?

Yes. Reality capture can improve existing-condition information before or during shutdown access and support subsequent engineering, fabrication and installation planning.

What file formats can Hamilton By Design provide?

Depending on the agreed project scope, deliverables may include E57, RCP, RCS and LAS point clouds, CAD models, STEP, SAT, Parasolid, DWG, DXF, eDrawings and PDF documentation.

What areas around Mudgee can Hamilton By Design support?

Hamilton By Design can support mine and industrial projects throughout Mudgee, Ulan, Gulgong, Wollar and surrounding Central West NSW mining regions.

Mine Process Plant Asset Capture Mudgee NSW

Existing process plants can be difficult to measure comprehensively when equipment is operating, access is constrained or engineering teams have only limited opportunities to enter particular plant areas.

Engineer-led terrestrial LiDAR provides a practical method of capturing equipment, structures and surrounding interfaces as a measurable existing-condition dataset.

Hamilton By Design combines reality capture with point-cloud processing, CAD modelling and mechanical engineering to help project teams progress from site condition to engineering information.

For mine operators and project teams in Mudgee and Central West NSW, the principle is straightforward:

Capture safely where practical. Verify the installed condition. Engineer from measurable reality. Reduce uncertainty before fabrication and shutdown execution.

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7 August 202611 September 2026

Mine Transfer Station Scanning Muswellbrook NSW | Hamilton By Design

Mine transfer station scanning in Muswellbrook NSW using engineering-grade 3D LiDAR and point-cloud modelling

Mine Transfer Station Scanning Muswellbrook NSW

Engineering-Grade 3D Laser Scanning for Congested Transfer Stations, Chutes and Conveyor Upgrades

Mine transfer stations are among the most spatially complex areas within coal-handling and bulk-material-handling infrastructure.

Within a relatively small footprint, a transfer station may contain conveyors, head pulleys, transfer chutes, structural steel, access platforms, walkways, guarding, dust extraction ducting, pipework, electrical services and maintenance zones. These systems must operate together while remaining accessible for inspection, maintenance and future modification.

For engineering teams, this creates a practical problem:

Transfer stations are highly congested and can be difficult to measure accurately using conventional methods.

Hamilton By Design provides mine transfer station scanning services in Muswellbrook NSW and throughout the Upper Hunter, using engineering-grade terrestrial LiDAR scanning, registered point clouds and CAD modelling to capture the actual installed condition of existing mining infrastructure.

The objective is not simply to create a visual 3D representation. It is to establish a reliable, measurable engineering dataset that can support conveyor modifications, chute replacements, structural upgrades, shutdown planning and brownfield plant development.

Why Transfer Stations Are Difficult to Measure

Transfer stations are different from relatively open conveyor galleries. They are typically vertical, congested structures in which multiple mechanical and structural systems intersect.

An existing transfer station may include:

incoming and outgoing conveyors;
head and discharge pulleys;
transfer chutes;
hoppers;
structural columns and beams;
maintenance platforms;
stairs and ladders;
handrails;
conveyor guarding;
pipework;
dust extraction systems;
cable trays;
concrete floors and plinths; and
surrounding plant interfaces.

As mining infrastructure is progressively modified, the installed arrangement may also diverge from original drawings.

A chute may have been replaced during a previous shutdown. Steelwork may have been strengthened. Platforms may have been modified. Additional services may have been installed around the original plant.

Hamilton By Design’s work with 3D laser scanning for conveyor transfer towers addresses this problem by capturing the true geometry of conveyors, chutes, structural steel and surrounding plant before engineering modifications are developed.

The Cost of Incomplete Site Information

Traditional field measurement remains useful, but it becomes increasingly difficult when an engineering project depends on hundreds of spatial relationships.

An engineer may visit site, obtain the dimensions considered necessary at the time and then return to the office to begin design.

Once modelling progresses, another critical dimension may be identified.

This can produce a repeated cycle:

Site measure → design → discover missing dimension → return to site → remeasure → revise design

For mine sites, repeated access can be costly because site visits may involve inductions, travel, permits, shutdown access and coordination with operations.

The engineering issue is therefore not merely the time required to measure one dimension. It is the uncertainty created when the wider installed environment has not been comprehensively captured.

Terrestrial LiDAR scanning changes that approach by recording millions of spatial measurements throughout the transfer station.

The resulting point cloud can subsequently be interrogated as the engineering develops.

A simple value proposition is:

Capture the transfer station once and continue measuring digitally from the registered point cloud.

Who Can Benefit from Transfer Station Scanning?

Mine transfer station scanning can support a wide range of technical stakeholders, including:

mine owners and operators;
engineering managers;
project engineers;
mechanical engineers;
structural engineers;
maintenance superintendents;
reliability teams;
shutdown planners;
CHPP personnel;
conveyor contractors;
chute specialists;
EPCM organisations;
fabrication contractors; and
drafting teams.

The important consideration is not who wants a 3D model.

The real question is:

Who requires reliable information about the existing transfer station to make an engineering decision?

For example, a project engineer may need accurate pulley centres before designing a replacement chute. A structural engineer may need existing beam locations before modifying supporting steel. A shutdown planner may need to understand removal paths and maintenance access before work begins.

Each discipline may use the same captured dataset differently.

Define the Engineering Requirement

Before scanning begins, the purpose of the project should be established.

Typical transfer-station projects may involve:

new transfer chute installation;
chute replacement;
conveyor modification;
pulley replacement;
structural strengthening;
new platforms or walkways;
guarding upgrades;
dust extraction modifications;
equipment replacement; or
plant expansion.

Understanding the engineering requirement determines the required scan coverage.

The objective is not to collect unnecessary data. It is to ensure that all critical interfaces are captured before the project moves into detailed design.

Capture the Existing Transfer Station

Terrestrial LiDAR scanners are positioned at multiple levels and viewpoints throughout the transfer station.

Each scan records the three-dimensional relationship between visible surfaces.

Because the scanner captures a broad field of view, the resulting dataset can include much more than the component initially being modified.

For example, a scan undertaken for a chute replacement may also capture surrounding beams, existing platforms, maintenance access, adjacent pipework, guarding, floor levels and nearby equipment.

This contextual information may become important later in the project.

For mining transfer points specifically, Hamilton By Design combines scanning with engineering analysis through its work on 3D scanning of chutes, hoppers and mining transfer points, where captured geometry can support retrofit accuracy, chute design and material-flow improvements.

Register the Point Cloud

Individual scans are processed and registered into a coordinated point-cloud dataset.

This creates a measurable digital representation of the transfer station at the time of capture.

Engineering personnel can then review dimensions away from site.

Typical information may include:

conveyor centrelines;
pulley locations;
chute flange positions;
structural member coordinates;
equipment offsets;
platform elevations;
available clearances;
service locations; and
maintenance access envelopes.

This is particularly useful where project teams are geographically separated or where physical access to the transfer station is restricted.

Convert the Scan into Engineering CAD

Point-cloud data may be sufficient for some projects.

For others, selected infrastructure can be reconstructed as engineering CAD geometry.

Depending on the project, the model may include:

conveyor centrelines;
pulleys;
transfer chute geometry;
structural steel;
platforms;
equipment envelopes;
maintenance clearances; and
surrounding plant interfaces.

The appropriate modelling philosophy is fit for purpose.

It is rarely necessary to model every nut, bolt, bracket and cable tray.

The objective is to represent the geometry required to answer the engineering question accurately.

For brownfield work, Hamilton By Design applies this type of reality-capture workflow through its engineering-led 3D scanning for brownfield industrial upgrades, where existing plant conditions are used as the basis for practical retrofit and shutdown engineering.

Design Against the Actual Installed Condition

Once the existing transfer station has been captured, the proposed modification can be developed directly against the point cloud or CAD model.

This can help engineers assess:

equipment clearances;
structural interfaces;
conveyor alignment;
chute fit-up;
installation pathways;
maintenance access;
guarding requirements; and
potential clashes.

The objective is straightforward:

Identify the interference during design rather than during the shutdown.

This is particularly important in brownfield mining environments where fabrication may occur off site and components must arrive ready to install.

Unexpected site modifications during a shutdown can affect labour, crane planning, production and overall project schedule.

Transfer Chutes and Material-Flow Problems

Not every transfer-station problem is dimensional.

Some are operational.

Examples include:

chute blockages;
material buildup;
excessive wear;
poor trajectory;
spillage;
dust generation;
impact damage; and
belt loading problems.

In these cases, scanning provides the actual installed geometry, while engineering analysis can investigate why the transfer point is not performing as intended.

Where appropriate, discrete element modelling can also be used to analyse material behaviour through the chute.

Hamilton By Design’s broader mining engineering services combine LiDAR capture, mechanical design and fabrication-focused engineering for brownfield mining and asset modification projects.

Conveyor Transfer Chute Design

Transfer chute performance is closely connected to conveyor reliability.

Poor chute geometry can contribute to material buildup, excessive wear, impact loading, spillage and belt-tracking problems.

Where the existing transfer point is being modified, the point cloud can be used to establish the installed geometry before a replacement or upgraded chute is developed.

Hamilton By Design provides conveyor transfer chute design for mining, combining practical mechanical engineering with existing-condition capture to support retrofit and brownfield projects.

Coal Chute Design

Coal transfer systems require consideration of more than dimensional fit.

Flow direction, material properties, liner arrangement, wear zones, impact velocity and maintenance access can influence chute performance.

For coal-handling applications, Hamilton By Design’s coal chute design services provide an additional engineering pathway where captured transfer-station geometry can be combined with chute redesign and materials-handling analysis.

Conveyor Reliability and Failure Reduction

Transfer stations are often closely associated with conveyor reliability problems.

Misalignment, wear, spillage, poor transfer geometry and structural movement can all contribute to operational issues.

Hamilton By Design’s technical resource on common conveyor failures in mining plants provides further context on how engineering, inspection and digital modelling can support more reliable conveyor systems.

Bulk Material Handling Engineering

Transfer stations should not always be considered in isolation.

They form part of a wider bulk-material-handling system connecting ROM infrastructure, conveyors, stockpiles, processing plant and product handling systems.

Hamilton By Design’s bulk material handling engineering for mining considers the wider relationship between conveyors, chutes, transfer stations and supporting mine infrastructure.

This broader systems view can be particularly useful when a transfer-station modification affects upstream or downstream equipment.

Mine Transfer Station Scanning in Muswellbrook NSW

Muswellbrook is strategically located within the Upper Hunter mining region and is surrounded by substantial coal-mining and materials-handling infrastructure.

This makes the area particularly relevant for services associated with:

conveyor upgrades;
CHPP modifications;
transfer-station refurbishments;
structural upgrades;
chute replacement;
shutdown engineering; and
mine plant life-extension projects.

Hamilton By Design can support projects throughout Muswellbrook, Denman, the Upper Hunter and the wider Hunter Valley region.

The service is particularly valuable where existing infrastructure is ageing, heavily modified or difficult to access.

Tools Supporting the Workflow

A practical mine transfer-station scanning workflow may incorporate several tools.

FARO Focus S70 can provide detailed terrestrial LiDAR capture of transfer towers and surrounding infrastructure.

FARO Orbis may support supplementary mobile capture where appropriate.

FARO SCENE can be used to register individual scans into a coordinated point cloud.

Autodesk ReCap can assist with point-cloud preparation and CAD interoperability.

SolidWorks can support mechanical components, chute geometry and fabrication models.

Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD can support broader plant modelling, layouts and drafting.

Navisworks can assist with coordination and clash review between existing-condition data and proposed models.

Where material-flow performance is part of the engineering problem, Rocky DEM may assist with analysing particle trajectories, impact locations, wear zones and transfer behaviour.

The technology should, however, remain secondary to the engineering objective.

The primary deliverable is reliable information that supports better engineering decisions.

Typical Project Deliverables

Depending on client requirements, deliverables may include:

registered E57 point clouds;
RCP and RCS datasets;
LAS files;
measurable point-cloud data;
existing-condition CAD models;
SolidWorks models;
STEP or Parasolid files;
DWG and DXF drawings;
general arrangement drawings;
sections and elevations;
proposed-versus-existing models;
clash-review models;
eDrawings; and
PDF engineering documentation.

Some projects may require only scan data.

Others may progress through:

Scan → Register → Model → Engineer → Detail → Fabricate

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mine transfer station scanning?

Mine transfer station scanning uses terrestrial LiDAR to capture the three-dimensional geometry of conveyors, chutes, structural steel, platforms, services and surrounding plant within a transfer station.

Why are transfer stations difficult to measure manually?

Transfer stations are typically congested and multi-level structures. Conveyor systems, chute geometry, steelwork, access platforms, guarding and services can occupy the same restricted space, making comprehensive manual measurement difficult.

Can additional dimensions be obtained after leaving site?

Yes. Once scans are registered into a measurable point cloud, engineering teams can obtain many additional dimensions digitally without necessarily returning to site.

Can transfer station scanning support chute replacement?

Yes. LiDAR can capture existing pulley positions, chute interfaces, structural steel, surrounding equipment and maintenance clearances before a replacement chute is designed.

Can the point cloud be converted into CAD?

Yes. Relevant infrastructure can be reconstructed as CAD geometry according to the engineering requirement. The appropriate level of modelling depends on how the information will ultimately be used.

Can scanning assist with structural modifications?

Yes. Existing structural members, columns, beams, platforms and equipment interfaces can be captured to support brownfield structural modifications and strengthening projects.

Is DEM required for every transfer station project?

No. DEM is most relevant where material-flow behaviour, trajectory, wear, blockage or impact is part of the problem. For dimensional fit-up and structural modifications, LiDAR and CAD may be sufficient.

What areas do you service around Muswellbrook?

Hamilton By Design can support mine and industrial projects throughout Muswellbrook, Denman, the Upper Hunter and the wider Hunter Valley NSW region.

Mine Transfer Station Scanning Muswellbrook NSW

For transfer-station upgrades, reliable knowledge of the existing plant can significantly reduce engineering uncertainty.

Terrestrial LiDAR scanning provides a practical way to capture congested conveyors, chutes, structural steel, platforms and surrounding services as a measurable digital dataset.

That dataset can then support engineering modelling, structural upgrades, conveyor modifications, shutdown planning and fabrication.

For brownfield mine projects in Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter, the principle is simple:

Capture the congested transfer station accurately. Develop the engineering from measured reality. Verify the modification before it reaches site.

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Surface Mine 3D LiDAR Scanning for Hunter Valley, Singleton, Muswellbrook & Upper Hunter NSW

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Surface Mine Scan to CAD Hunter Valley NSW

Mine Transfer Station Scanning Across Muswellbrook & the Hunter Valley

Explore related Hamilton By Design services supporting mine transfer stations, CHPPs, conveyors, bulk materials handling, shutdown engineering, LiDAR scanning and Scan-to-CAD projects across Muswellbrook, Singleton, the Upper Hunter, Hunter Valley and mining operations throughout NSW.

Mechanical Engineering Muswellbrook NSW

Mechanical engineering support for Muswellbrook mines, CHPP facilities, conveyor systems, transfer towers, coal handling infrastructure and brownfield plant modifications.

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3D LiDAR Scanning Hunter Valley

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3D Laser Scanning Singleton & Hunter Valley

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Capture complex conveyor transfer towers containing chutes, structural steel, platforms, guarding and surrounding equipment before modification or replacement.

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Surface Mine Scan to CAD Hunter Valley NSW

Convert mine-site LiDAR point clouds into practical CAD geometry for conveyor modifications, structural interfaces, equipment upgrades and brownfield engineering.

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Reverse engineering and CAD modelling for worn, obsolete or undocumented open-cut mine machinery and fixed-plant components across Muswellbrook and the Upper Hunter.

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7 August 20268 September 2026

Mine Conveyor 3D Scanning Singleton NSW | Hamilton By Design

Mine conveyor 3D scanning in Singleton NSW using engineering-grade LiDAR, point-cloud modelling and CAD design

Mine Conveyor 3D Scanning Singleton NSW

Engineering-Grade LiDAR Scanning for Conveyor Upgrades, Maintenance and Plant Expansion

Mine conveyor systems are rarely static assets. Over their operating life, conveyors may be extended, shortened, re-aligned, reinforced or modified to suit changing production requirements. Transfer chutes are replaced, drives are upgraded, supporting structures are altered and access platforms are added around existing plant.

As these modifications accumulate, the physical conveyor system can progressively differ from the original engineering drawings.

This creates a practical problem for project and maintenance teams:

Conveyor upgrades can require repeated field measurements because available drawings do not always represent the installed condition accurately.

Hamilton By Design provides mine conveyor 3D scanning services in Singleton NSW and throughout the Hunter Valley, using engineering-grade terrestrial LiDAR scanning, registered point clouds and CAD modelling to capture existing conveyor systems and surrounding mine infrastructure.

The objective is to reduce repeated site measuring and provide engineers with a measurable digital representation of the actual installed plant before modification work begins.

For broader open-cut mining environments, Hamilton By Design also provides surface mine 3D LiDAR scanning across the Hunter Valley NSW, supporting existing-condition capture of mining, processing and materials-handling infrastructure.

The Problem: Repeated Field Measurements During Conveyor Upgrades

Brownfield conveyor projects frequently begin with incomplete information.

Existing drawings may show the original plant layout, but subsequent modifications may not have been fully incorporated into the available engineering documentation.

Typical discrepancies can include:

altered chute geometry;
modified structural steel;
replacement pulleys;
relocated equipment;
additional pipework and services;
changes to access platforms;
revised guarding;
undocumented shutdown modifications; and
differences between nominal and installed dimensions.

A project engineer may initially visit site to measure a conveyor upgrade area, return to the office and begin modelling, only to discover that another dimension is required.

This can produce an inefficient cycle:

Measure → design → identify missing information → return to site → remeasure → revise design.

Engineering-grade LiDAR scanning changes this process by capturing the wider plant environment rather than relying solely on isolated manual measurements.

The resulting registered point cloud allows additional measurements to be obtained digitally as the design develops.

A simple way to express the value is:

Capture once on site. Measure repeatedly from the point cloud.

What Mine Conveyor Infrastructure Can Be Scanned?

A conveyor scanning project can include much more than the belt itself.

Depending on the scope, terrestrial LiDAR can capture:

conveyor gantries;
stringers;
head pulleys;
tail pulleys;
take-up systems;
drive stations;
transfer towers;
chutes;
hoppers;
feeders;
idler arrangements;
structural steel;
walkways;
platforms;
stairs;
guards;
pipework;
cable trays;
concrete structures; and
adjacent equipment.

This wider capture is important because conveyor modification projects depend on the spatial relationship between multiple assets.

For example, a replacement chute must fit between the conveyor discharge point, receiving equipment, supporting steel and surrounding maintenance access.

The engineering problem is therefore not simply measuring one component.

It is understanding the complete installed environment around the component being modified.

Who Can Benefit from Mine Conveyor 3D Scanning?

Mine conveyor 3D scanning can assist:

mine owners and operators;
engineering managers;
project engineers;
mechanical engineers;
maintenance superintendents;
reliability teams;
shutdown planners;
CHPP engineers;
conveyor maintenance contractors;
EPCM organisations;
structural engineers;
fabricators; and
drafting teams.

For companies working across NSW coal operations, Hamilton By Design’s wider mining engineering and 3D scanning services in NSW can support projects beyond individual conveyor systems, including processing plant, structural and mechanical infrastructure.

The common requirement is reliable information about the existing plant before engineering decisions are made.

From Conveyor to Registered Point Cloud

1. Define the Engineering Requirement

Before scanning begins, the project team should establish the intended modification.

This may include:

chute replacement;
conveyor extension;
drive upgrade;
pulley replacement;
conveyor re-alignment;
transfer-station modification;
structural strengthening;
walkway modification; or
installation of new conveyor equipment.

Understanding the engineering requirement determines the scan coverage and level of detail required.

2. Capture the Existing Conveyor System

Terrestrial LiDAR scanners are positioned around the conveyor and surrounding infrastructure.

Each scan records a large number of three-dimensional spatial measurements.

Multiple scan positions allow equipment to be captured from different viewpoints and reduce areas hidden by surrounding structures.

This approach is particularly useful in complex brownfield environments where manual measurement would require numerous individual dimensions.

3. Register the Scan Data

Individual scans are processed and combined into a coordinated point-cloud dataset.

The resulting point cloud becomes a measurable record of the plant condition at the time of scanning.

Engineering personnel can then interrogate the dataset away from site and obtain additional dimensions as required.

This is particularly valuable where physical access is limited or where repeated measuring trips would interrupt engineering progress.

From Point Cloud to Engineering CAD

The point cloud may be sufficient for some projects, but other conveyor upgrades require selected infrastructure to be converted into CAD geometry.

Hamilton By Design provides surface mine Scan-to-CAD services throughout the Hunter Valley NSW to convert captured existing conditions into practical engineering models for brownfield design and plant modification.

Depending on the project, CAD geometry may include:

conveyor centreline;
pulley centres;
belt path;
structural steel;
chute geometry;
equipment interfaces;
support frames;
floor levels;
access structures; and
surrounding plant envelopes.

The objective is not to model every visible component unnecessarily.

Instead, the digital model should contain the information required to solve the engineering problem.

Designing Conveyor Upgrades Against Existing Conditions

Once the conveyor environment has been captured, proposed equipment can be developed directly against the existing point-cloud or CAD geometry.

This can support:

clearance assessment;
clash detection;
structural interfaces;
installation planning;
equipment positioning;
maintenance access;
conveyor alignment;
chute fit-up;
fabrication interfaces; and
shutdown preparation.

This allows potential problems to be identified before fabrication.

A strong engineering objective is therefore:

Find the interference digitally before finding it during installation.

This becomes increasingly important during mine shutdowns where installation windows may be short and delays can affect plant availability.

Conveyor and CHPP Projects in Singleton NSW

Singleton is located within one of Australia’s most significant coal-mining regions, with extensive materials-handling and coal-processing infrastructure throughout the surrounding Hunter Valley.

Conveyors form critical connections between mining, ROM handling, crushing, stockpiling and coal preparation systems.

Hamilton By Design’s CHPP 3D scanning services in Singleton NSW provide a closely related application where conveyor systems, transfer stations, chutes, structural steel and surrounding processing infrastructure can be captured to support shutdowns and brownfield modifications.

This makes conveyor scanning particularly relevant for:

CHPP upgrades;
transfer-station modifications;
new chute installations;
conveyor extensions;
structural changes;
equipment replacement; and
plant-expansion projects.

Reverse Engineering Existing Conveyor and Mining Equipment

Mining operations can also contain equipment for which reliable manufacturing information is no longer available.

Components may have been modified during previous shutdowns, suppliers may no longer support older equipment, or drawings may not reflect current configurations.

In these cases, reality capture can provide the starting geometry for reverse engineering.

Hamilton By Design’s open-cut mine machinery reverse-engineering services in Muswellbrook NSW demonstrate how LiDAR and engineering modelling can support legacy mining equipment and replacement-component development.

For conveyor projects, this approach may be useful for:

guards;
frames;
supports;
chute components;
equipment interfaces;
access structures; and
other existing mechanical assemblies.

The objective is not necessarily to copy an existing component exactly. Captured geometry can also provide the basis for a modified or improved replacement.

Practical Tools for Conveyor 3D Scanning

A mine conveyor 3D scanning project may involve several complementary technologies.

FARO Focus S70

Terrestrial LiDAR scanning can provide dense spatial capture of conveyor systems, transfer stations and surrounding infrastructure.

FARO Orbis

Mobile scanning may provide supplementary capture where rapid coverage is beneficial and appropriate to the engineering requirement.

FARO SCENE

Scan data can be processed and registered into coordinated point-cloud datasets.

Autodesk ReCap

Point clouds can be prepared for use within CAD and engineering software.

SolidWorks

Mechanical components, chute systems, equipment and fabrication models can be developed from captured geometry.

Autodesk Inventor and AutoCAD

These tools can support plant modelling, layouts, engineering drawings and mechanical design.

Navisworks

Large point clouds and proposed design models can be reviewed together for coordination and clash checking.

Rocky DEM

Where a project involves chute or transfer-point performance, discrete element modelling can assist with analysing material flow, trajectories, wear zones and impact behaviour.

Rocky DEM is not required for every conveyor project, but it can become valuable when the engineering problem extends beyond dimensional fit-up into bulk-material behaviour.

Typical Deliverables

Depending on the scope, mine conveyor scanning deliverables may include:

registered E57 point clouds;
RCP and RCS datasets;
LAS files;
measurable point-cloud datasets;
existing-condition CAD models;
SolidWorks models;
STEP files;
Parasolid files;
DWG and DXF drawings;
general arrangement drawings;
sections and elevations;
existing-versus-proposed models;
clash-review models;
eDrawings; and
PDF engineering documentation.

Some projects may require only a registered point cloud.

Others may extend through:

Scan → Register → Model → Engineer → Draw → Fabricate.

Mine Conveyor 3D Scanning Singleton NSW

For conveyor upgrades, one of the greatest sources of engineering uncertainty is incomplete knowledge of the existing plant.

Repeated site visits may provide additional dimensions, but they can also interrupt design progress, increase travel requirements and still leave important spatial relationships undocumented.

Engineering-grade terrestrial LiDAR provides an alternative approach.

By capturing the conveyor and surrounding infrastructure as a registered point cloud, project teams can obtain a reusable digital record of the installed condition.

This information can then support CAD modelling, brownfield engineering, fabrication planning, shutdown preparation and future plant modifications.

For mine operators and contractors working throughout Singleton and the Hunter Valley NSW, the principle is straightforward:

Capture the conveyor once. Measure digitally as the engineering develops. Design against what is actually installed.

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Scan for Conveyor Transfers

Why Conveyor Transfer Chute Design Matters

Engineering Preparation for Coal Plant Shutdowns

Reducing Shutdown Risk Using Digital Engineering Models

Detailing Transfer Stations in the Age of Digital Engineering

AS 1755 Conveyor Safety

4 August 20268 September 2026

3D Laser Scanning and Mechanical Engineering Services Hawaii

3D Laser Scanning and Mechanical Engineering Services in Hawaii

Hamilton By Design provides engineer-led 3D laser scanning, LiDAR reality capture, mechanical engineering, 3D CAD modelling and drafting support for industrial, marine, infrastructure and commercial projects in Hawaii.

Our integrated approach connects accurate existing-condition capture with practical engineering development.

Rather than providing a point cloud as an isolated deliverable, we can use captured site information to support equipment modifications, brownfield upgrades, mechanical layouts, reverse engineering, clash reviews, installation planning and fabrication documentation.

Services can be scoped for projects across Oʻahu, Maui, Hawaiʻi Island, Kauaʻi and other accessible locations throughout the Hawaiian Islands.

Engineering-Grade 3D Laser Scanning in Hawaii

Existing drawings are not always sufficiently accurate for plant modifications, equipment replacement or retrofit projects.

Buildings, machinery, services and structures may have been altered without the original drawings being updated. This creates uncertainty during design and increases the risk of clashes, fabrication changes and installation delays.

Hamilton By Design uses terrestrial LiDAR scanning to capture measurable existing conditions.

A registered point cloud can document visible features such as:

industrial machinery
marine equipment
structural steel
pipework
tanks and vessels
conveyors
platforms and stairs
plant rooms
building interiors
overhead services
ports and waterfront infrastructure
manufacturing equipment
utilities and service corridors

The captured information can provide an accurate spatial reference for engineering, modelling, planning and documentation.

Learn more about our engineering-grade 3D laser scanning services.

Mechanical Engineering Support for Existing Facilities

Mechanical engineering projects in operating facilities often involve working around existing machinery, structures, services and access restrictions.

Hamilton By Design can use measured site information to support:

equipment replacement
machinery relocation
plant modifications
mechanical layouts
maintenance-access improvements
conveyor and chute upgrades
pump and pipework arrangements
tank and vessel modifications
access-platform development
machine guarding
reverse engineering
fabrication planning
shutdown preparation
installation sequencing

The engineering scope can be developed incrementally, beginning with site capture and progressing through modelling, concept development and detailed documentation.

Explore our broader mechanical and digital engineering services.

Scan-to-CAD Modelling

A point cloud provides a detailed record of the visible environment, but it may not be the final deliverable required by the project team.

Hamilton By Design can convert selected point-cloud information into practical CAD geometry.

Depending on the project, Scan-to-CAD outputs may include:

existing-condition 3D models
machinery envelopes
structural reference models
equipment arrangements
general arrangement drawings
floor plans
elevations and sections
pipe and service routes
installation interfaces
fabrication reference geometry
clash-review models

It is not always necessary to model every object captured by the scanner.

The modelling scope can focus on the machinery, structures and services that directly influence the project. The remainder of the point cloud can stay available as a measurable spatial reference.

Learn more about 3D CAD modelling and mechanical drafting.

Industrial and Manufacturing Facilities

Hawaii contains food-production facilities, workshops, warehouses, processing operations, maintenance facilities and other industrial assets that may require accurate existing-condition documentation.

3D laser scanning and mechanical engineering can support:

factory layout changes
machinery installations
production-line modifications
packaging equipment upgrades
processing equipment replacement
equipment relocation
conveyor installation
utility coordination
access and clearance reviews
brownfield factory upgrades

Proposed machinery can be positioned within the scanned facility to assess fit, maintenance access and surrounding constraints before installation begins.

For projects involving factory and production equipment, see our Manufacturing Layout Design Australia service.

Marine and Ship-Repair Engineering

Marine environments often contain complex arrangements of machinery, structures, pipework, confined spaces and curved surfaces.

3D laser scanning may support marine and ship-repair projects involving:

vessel machinery spaces
engine rooms
deck equipment
marine pipework
structural modifications
equipment replacement
retrofit projects
access platforms
lifting arrangements
shore-based marine facilities
shipyard workshops
dry-dock infrastructure

The registered point cloud can provide a measurable reference for developing equipment layouts, replacement components and installation documentation.

For marine projects, the scope should account for access restrictions, vessel movement, corrosion, confined spaces and the required project coordinate system.

Ports and Waterfront Infrastructure

Hawaii’s island geography places significant importance on ports, harbours and waterfront infrastructure.

Engineering-grade reality capture can support projects involving:

cargo-handling equipment
wharf structures
loading facilities
conveyors
access platforms
maintenance structures
pipework and services
warehouses
terminals
mechanical equipment
utility upgrades
equipment replacement

LiDAR scanning can document existing conditions before maintenance, refurbishment or equipment installation work begins.

The captured information may also support contractor coordination, fabrication planning, as-built documentation and future asset-management requirements.

Energy and Utility Infrastructure

Reliable energy, water and utility infrastructure is particularly important in island environments.

Hamilton By Design can support existing-condition capture and mechanical documentation for:

power-generation facilities
pump stations
water-treatment assets
wastewater facilities
pipework systems
tanks
plant rooms
mechanical equipment
utility corridors
renewable-energy infrastructure
backup-generation equipment
cooling and ventilation systems

3D scanning can be valuable where plant areas are congested or where existing drawings do not accurately represent the installed condition.

Food and Beverage Production

Food and beverage facilities can include tightly coordinated machinery, conveyors, packaging lines, tanks, pipework and washdown services.

Manufacturing-layout and scanning services may support:

production-line rearrangements
packaging equipment installations
conveyor modifications
tank and vessel replacement
pipework coordination
hygienic access planning
washdown-area documentation
drainage coordination
maintenance-clearance reviews
equipment-removal planning

Accurate site capture can help document facilities that have changed progressively through multiple production upgrades.

Hotels, Resorts and Commercial Facilities

Hawaii’s commercial and hospitality facilities may also require accurate existing-condition information for refurbishment and upgrade projects.

Potential applications include:

plant-room documentation
mechanical-services coordination
back-of-house facilities
kitchen and laundry equipment layouts
utility upgrades
retail and tenancy modifications
structural interfaces
refurbishment planning
existing-condition floor plans
Scan-to-BIM documentation

Scanning can reduce reliance on incomplete plans and provide designers with a measurable reference before demolition or new installation work begins.

Brownfield Engineering and Retrofit Projects

Brownfield projects involve modifying an existing operating asset.

These projects can be challenging because the proposed design must fit around existing machinery, structural elements, services and operational constraints.

A scan-led engineering workflow can help identify:

structural clashes
equipment conflicts
restricted access
inadequate maintenance clearances
installation constraints
service-routing conflicts
difficult lifting requirements
incomplete drawing information

Identifying these issues during design can reduce uncertainty during fabrication and installation.

Typical applications include:

plant upgrades
machinery replacement
retrofit components
access improvements
piping modifications
conveyor changes
equipment relocation
structural interfaces
shutdown work
refurbishment projects

Reverse Engineering

Replacement parts and legacy equipment are not always supported by reliable drawings or original manufacturer information.

Hamilton By Design can use scanning, site measurements and CAD modelling to support reverse engineering of:

machinery components
guards and covers
housings
frames
brackets
equipment interfaces
pipework
structural connections
obsolete parts
custom retrofit components

The required level of accuracy depends on the function of the component, manufacturing method and available access.

Reverse-engineering work should begin with a clear definition of the required output, tolerances and intended manufacturing process.

Mechanical and Structural Drafting

Point-cloud information and engineering concepts can be developed into coordinated drawings.

Typical drafting outputs may include:

general arrangement drawings
equipment layouts
fabrication drawings
installation drawings
sections and elevations
assembly drawings
detail drawings
structural-steel details
access-platform drawings
machine-guarding drawings
pipe-support arrangements
bills of materials

Available formats may include DWG, DXF and PDF, together with suitable 3D model formats.

Deliverable Formats

Project deliverables can be selected according to the client’s software, contractor requirements and intended use.

Point-cloud formats may include:

E57
RCP
RCS
LAS
registered scan projects

CAD and model formats may include:

STEP
SAT
Parasolid
SolidWorks
Autodesk Inventor
DWG
DXF
Navisworks-compatible models
PDF drawing packages

The required coordinate system, file structure, modelling detail and drawing standards should be agreed before site capture begins.

Clash Detection and Constructability Reviews

Proposed equipment and supplier models can be positioned within the scanned environment to identify potential conflicts.

A coordination review may assess:

machinery fit
structural clearances
pipework clashes
overhead services
access requirements
installation paths
maintenance zones
lifting arrangements
equipment-removal envelopes
contractor work areas

This process can support design reviews before equipment is fabricated, shipped or installed.

For island projects, reviewing equipment fit before shipment may be particularly valuable because late changes can increase freight, mobilisation and installation costs.

Shutdown and Installation Planning

Industrial shutdowns often require significant work to be completed within a limited period.

3D scanning and coordinated modelling may support:

shutdown work packs
equipment-removal planning
lifting studies
temporary access planning
installation sequencing
clash reviews
prefabrication
contractor coordination
dimensional verification
post-installation as-built capture

Capturing accurate existing conditions before the shutdown can allow more engineering and fabrication work to be completed offsite.

A Staged Project Process

Hamilton By Design can deliver Hawaii projects through a staged process.

Stage 1 — Project definition

The site, asset, intended modification and required deliverables are reviewed.

Stage 2 — Existing-information review

Available drawings, photographs, supplier models and specifications are assessed.

Stage 3 — Site mobilisation and scanning

The relevant facility, equipment or structure is captured using appropriate scanning methods.

Stage 4 — Point-cloud registration

Individual scans are combined into a coordinated dataset.

Stage 5 — Existing-condition review

The point cloud is checked against the project requirements and modelling scope.

Stage 6 — CAD modelling

Selected machinery, structures and services are converted into usable engineering geometry.

Stage 7 — Engineering development

Proposed modifications, equipment arrangements or replacement components are developed.

Stage 8 — Coordination and review

Clashes, access requirements, interfaces and installation constraints are assessed.

Stage 9 — Drawings and deliverables

The agreed models, drawings and point-cloud files are issued.

Stage 10 — Installation or as-built support

Additional verification, site support or final-condition capture can be completed where required.

Project Planning for Hawaii

Hawaii projects require careful planning because mobilisation, freight, inter-island travel, site access and equipment transport can influence the project scope.

Before mobilisation, Hamilton By Design would normally confirm:

island and site location
required inductions
security requirements
available access hours
scanner transport arrangements
inter-island travel requirements
shutdown or operating restrictions
local site support
required coordinate system
required deliverables
applicable standards and approval requirements

Where practical, project information can be reviewed remotely before site attendance so the scanning and engineering scope is clearly defined.

Engineering Standards and Local Requirements

Projects in Hawaii may be governed by United States federal, state, county, client or facility-specific requirements.

Applicable standards should be confirmed at the beginning of the project.

Depending on the work, requirements may involve:

occupational health and safety
building and structural codes
mechanical systems
machine safety
marine requirements
electrical clearances
fire and life-safety provisions
environmental approvals
port or defence-site requirements
professional engineering registration

Hamilton By Design can provide scanning, modelling, drafting and engineering-support services within an agreed scope. Where local professional certification or statutory approval is required, the project may also need review by an appropriately licensed Hawaii or United States professional.

Areas That May Be Supported

Subject to project scope, travel and site-access requirements, services may be provided for projects on:

Oʻahu
Honolulu
Pearl Harbor
Kapolei
Kalaeloa
Campbell Industrial Park
Maui
Kahului
Hawaiʻi Island
Hilo
Kailua-Kona
Kauaʻi
Līhuʻe
other accessible Hawaiian locations

Regional and inter-island projects can be considered where the required mobilisation is commercially practical.

Why Use an Engineer-Led Scanning Service?

A scanning provider may capture the site, but engineering projects normally require more than a visual point cloud.

Hamilton By Design combines:

mechanical engineering
trade and fabrication experience
terrestrial LiDAR scanning
point-cloud registration
reverse engineering
3D CAD modelling
mechanical drafting
structural drafting
installation planning

This integrated approach helps turn measured site information into practical engineering outputs.

Discuss a Hawaii Project

Hamilton By Design can assist with 3D laser scanning, Scan-to-CAD modelling, mechanical engineering, reverse engineering and drafting for industrial, marine, manufacturing, infrastructure and commercial projects in Hawaii.

To establish an appropriate scope, provide:

the island and site location
a description of the asset
available drawings or photographs
the intended modification
required model and drawing formats
access or security restrictions
the preferred project timing

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Engineering-Grade 3D Laser Scanning

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3D Laser Scanning Services

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Industrial 3D Scanning Services

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Point Cloud to CAD Australia

Conversion of measured LiDAR point clouds into practical CAD geometry, layouts and engineering models.

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Point Cloud to AutoCAD

AutoCAD models, existing-condition plans and engineering drawings developed from registered point-cloud data.

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Scan to CAD Sydney

Engineering-led Scan-to-CAD modelling for industrial facilities, machinery, structures and brownfield projects.

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Scan to CAD Brisbane

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Scan to CAD Perth

Point-cloud conversion for machinery, processing plants, fabrication workshops and mining-support facilities.

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Scan to BIM Services

Reality capture and coordinated BIM modelling for existing facilities, infrastructure and building upgrade projects.

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Scan to BIM Australia

Engineering-led point-cloud processing and BIM development for industrial, commercial and infrastructure assets.

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Mechanical and Digital Engineering Services

Integrated mechanical engineering, LiDAR scanning, CAD modelling, drafting and engineering assessment services.

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SolidWorks Engineering and Drafting

SolidWorks assemblies, equipment models, mechanical drawings and fabrication-ready engineering documentation.

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Structural Drafting Australia

Structural layouts, steelwork details and fabrication drawings developed from engineering and point-cloud information.

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Manufacturing and Production Services

Engineering support for operating plants, production equipment, factory modifications and industrial upgrades.

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Manufacturing Layout Design Australia

Factory layouts, production-line planning, machinery arrangements and brownfield facility coordination.

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Reverse Engineering with 3D Scanning

Measured capture and CAD reconstruction of existing machinery, components, interfaces and legacy equipment.

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Scan-to-CAD for Fabrication Drawings

Converting existing physical components into coordinated CAD models and fabrication-ready engineering drawings.

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LiDAR capture of port infrastructure, mechanical assets, steelwork and waterfront facilities.

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1 August 20268 September 2026

3D LiDAR Scanning for Mineral Processing Marlborough QLD

Engineer using a terrestrial 3D LiDAR scanner to capture conveyors, crushers and structural steel at a mineral-processing plant near Marlborough, Queensland.

3D LiDAR Scanning for Mineral Processing in Marlborough, Queensland

We provide engineering-grade 3D LiDAR scanning for mines, beneficiation plants and mineral-processing infrastructure throughout Marlborough and the surrounding Central Queensland region.

Our engineering-grade 3D laser scanning services capture the existing geometry of conveyors, crushers, screens, processing equipment, pipework and structural steel.

Registered point-cloud data can then be used for:

Brownfield plant upgrades
Shutdown planning
Scan-to-CAD modelling
Mechanical engineering
Structural-steel modifications
Dimensional verification
Replacement-equipment design
Fabrication and installation planning
As-built documentation

We support mining companies, mineral processors, engineering consultants, fabricators and maintenance contractors working throughout:

Marlborough
Kunwarara
Yaamba
Livingstone Shire
Rockhampton
Parkhurst
Clarke Creek
Central Queensland

Engineering-grade reality capture for mineral-processing plants

Mineral-processing facilities frequently contain tightly arranged equipment, complex structural steel and infrastructure that has been modified over many years.

Existing drawings may no longer represent the installed plant accurately. Manual measurement can also be difficult around operating conveyors, elevated structures, enclosed processing areas and restricted-access equipment.

Terrestrial LiDAR scanning captures millions of spatial measurements from multiple scanner positions. These measurements are registered into a coordinated three-dimensional point cloud representing the plant as it exists at the time of scanning.

The resulting dataset provides a reliable foundation for:

Brownfield modifications
Replacement-equipment design
Conveyor and chute upgrades
Structural-steel additions
Pipework modifications
Access-platform design
Plant-layout verification
Clash detection
Fabrication modelling
Shutdown planning

Our broader 3D laser scanning for engineering projects service combines site capture with engineering-ready models and drawings.

Supporting mineral processing around Marlborough

The Marlborough region is associated with magnesite resources, open-pit mining, screening, washing, beneficiation and bulk-material transport.

After extraction, magnesite ore may pass through several processing stages, including:

Selective open-pit mining
Run-of-mine screening
Primary crushing
Washing and scrubbing
Beneficiation
Dewatering
Graded stockpiling
Transport to downstream processing facilities
Blending and grinding
Calcination and high-temperature processing
Product crushing, sizing and dispatch

Each stage contains mechanical equipment, supporting structures and materials-handling systems that may require accurate existing-condition capture before an upgrade or replacement project begins.

LiDAR scanning for crushing and screening plants

Crushing and screening areas contain equipment that can be difficult to document using conventional hand measurements.

A coordinated laser scan can capture:

Run-of-mine receival areas
Feed hoppers
Grizzlies
Apron and vibrating feeders
Jaw crushers
Secondary crushers
Vibrating screens
Transfer chutes
Conveyor structures
Walkways
Access platforms
Equipment foundations
Guards
Maintenance clearances

The point cloud can be used to develop an accurate plant model before replacement equipment, support steel or access structures are designed.

This is particularly valuable where a new crusher, feeder or screen must fit within an existing structure with limited installation clearance.

Scanning for beneficiation and washing plants

Magnesite beneficiation may include screening, washing, scrubbing, separation, dewatering and controlled stockpiling.

We can scan beneficiation infrastructure including:

Washing screens
Scrubbers
Pumps
Pipework
Launders
Sumps
Tanks
Dewatering equipment
Cyclones
Process-water systems
Structural supports
Access stairs
Platforms and walkways

An engineering-grade scan provides a coordinated record of mechanical equipment, pipework, floor levels and supporting steelwork.

This information can be used to plan equipment replacements, modify pipe routes, improve access or design new processing modules.

Conveyor and transfer-point scanning

Conveyors and transfer stations are among the most common areas requiring dimensional verification within mineral-processing facilities.

Even small differences between existing drawings and the installed plant can create problems during fabrication or installation.

LiDAR scanning can capture:

Conveyor centre lines
Head and tail pulley locations
Drive arrangements
Take-up systems
Stringers and trestles
Transfer chutes
Skirting systems
Impact beds
Belt cleaners
Walkways
Platforms
Guards
Adjacent pipework
Electrical trays and services

The scan data can support the design of replacement chutes, skirts, guards, access systems and conveyor components.

Point-cloud models can also be incorporated into a structured mining-infrastructure engineering model for upgrade planning, fabrication and installation review.

Chute and hopper engineering

Chutes, hoppers and bins are exposed to abrasive material and may experience wear, corrosion, blockage, spillage and uncontrolled material flow.

Laser scanning allows the surrounding steelwork and equipment interfaces to be captured without relying entirely on original drawings.

The point cloud can support:

Replacement chute design
Chute-liner layouts
Wear-plate detailing
Hopper modifications
Spout and transition design
Transfer-point redesign
Structural-support modifications
Fabrication drawings
Installation clash checks

Accurate existing-condition data is particularly important when a replacement chute must connect to existing conveyors, skirts, support steel and discharge equipment.

Further information is available through our mining conveyor transfer chute design and chute design for mining services.

Plant shutdown scanning

Shutdown periods provide limited opportunities to access equipment that is normally operating, guarded, enclosed or otherwise difficult to approach.

A planned LiDAR survey can capture multiple plant areas during one site mobilisation. Engineers can then return to the point cloud after the shutdown to extract additional measurements without repeatedly returning to site.

Shutdown scanning may support:

Existing-condition capture
Replacement-equipment design
Tie-in verification
Structural modifications
Pipe-spool design
Maintenance planning
Installation sequencing
Post-installation verification
As-built documentation

Our 3D scanning for mining shutdown projects service is designed specifically for plant upgrades and time-sensitive shutdown work.

Structural-steel and access-system scanning

Mineral-processing plants commonly contain extensive structural steel supporting conveyors, screens, bins, platforms and processing equipment.

Terrestrial laser scanning can record:

Columns and beams
Equipment support frames
Conveyor trestles
Platforms
Stairs
Handrails
Ladders
Bracing
Floor penetrations
Existing connection locations
Available installation clearances

This information can be converted into an engineering model for new platforms, access improvements or equipment-support modifications.

The point cloud also allows designers to position proposed steelwork within the existing plant and identify potential clashes before fabrication begins.

Pipework and ducting surveys

Processing plants can contain dense networks of process-water pipes, slurry lines, compressed-air services, dust-extraction ducts and drainage systems.

Laser scanning captures the visible route and external geometry of these services within a common coordinate system.

Point-cloud data can assist with:

Pipe-routing studies
New tie-in locations
Replacement pipe spools
Pump and valve modifications
Process-water upgrades
Dust-collection upgrades
Duct-routing studies
Support-steel design
Clash detection
Shutdown installation planning

Critical connection dimensions can also be verified using direct measurement where the required fabrication tolerance is tighter than the general point-cloud survey tolerance.

Magnesia-processing plant applications

Following beneficiation, magnesite may be transported to a downstream processing facility for stockpiling, blending, grinding and thermal conversion into magnesium oxide products.

Typical downstream plant stages may include:

Ore receival
Stockpiling
Reclaiming
Blending
Grinding
Air classification
Calcination
Briquetting
Shaft-kiln processing
Electrofusion
Cooling
Product crushing
Screening
Packaging
Dispatch

LiDAR scanning can support engineering work around:

Truck receival hoppers
Reclaim conveyors
Grinding mills
Air classifiers
Calcination equipment
Vertical shaft kilns
Briquetting presses
Furnace buildings
Electrode systems
Cooling systems
Dust collectors
Exhaust ductwork
Product crushing and sizing equipment
Packaging and dispatch facilities

These areas frequently contain complex steelwork, ducts, pipework and mechanical equipment. Comprehensive reality capture can reduce reliance on incomplete or outdated legacy drawings.

Scan-to-CAD modelling

Point-cloud data can be converted into simplified or detailed CAD geometry depending on the engineering outcome.

Our 3D CAD modelling services can produce:

Existing-condition 3D models
Structural-steel models
Equipment-envelope models
Conveyor layouts
Chute and hopper models
Pipe-routing models
General arrangements
Plans, sections and elevations
Fabrication models
Installation drawings

Models can be developed around the plant areas directly relevant to the project rather than recreating the entire facility unnecessarily.

This targeted approach can reduce modelling time while providing the level of detail required for engineering, fabrication and installation planning.

Reverse engineering of plant components

Mineral-processing equipment may remain in service long after original drawings, models or suppliers are no longer available.

Laser scanning and detailed measurement can support the reverse engineering of:

Chute sections
Hoppers
Guards
Machine frames
Bearing housings
Duct transitions
Pipework interfaces
Wear liners
Access platforms
Obsolete mechanical components

Our reverse engineering with 3D scanning process can be used to develop replacement geometry while considering fit-up, manufacturing and installation requirements.

Clash detection and design verification

Proposed plant components can be positioned within the point cloud before fabrication.

This allows the project team to assess potential interference with:

Existing structural steel
Conveyors
Pipework
Electrical trays
Guards
Handrails
Platforms
Maintenance-removal paths
Mobile equipment routes
Crane and lifting access

Designing against captured plant geometry helps identify potential problems before steelwork or equipment arrives on site.

This can reduce site rework, emergency modifications and installation delays during a restricted shutdown window.

Point-cloud and engineering deliverables

Depending on the project scope, deliverables may include:

Registered colourised point clouds
E57 point-cloud files
Autodesk ReCap RCP or RCS files
LAS files
Scan-location plans
Existing-condition CAD models
SolidWorks models
Autodesk Inventor models
AutoCAD DWG drawings
STEP models
Parasolid models
General arrangements
Plans, sections and elevations
Fabrication drawings
As-built verification reports
Clash-review models

Deliverables are selected according to the client’s design platform, internal workflow and intended use of the survey.

Why use terrestrial LiDAR scanning?

Reduce manual measurement

A scanner captures complete visible surfaces and surrounding infrastructure rather than a limited number of isolated dimensions.

Reduce repeat site visits

Project teams can revisit the registered point cloud to obtain additional dimensions after the initial survey.

Design around actual plant conditions

The scan records the installed position of equipment and structures rather than relying exclusively on old drawings.

Improve fabrication confidence

Proposed components can be checked digitally against the surrounding plant before manufacturing begins.

Improve shutdown preparation

Interfaces, clearances, access restrictions and potential clashes can be assessed before the shutdown starts.

Improve safety during measurement

The scanner can capture elevated and difficult-to-reach surfaces from accessible locations, subject to line-of-sight limitations and site controls.

Create an enduring site record

The point cloud provides a dated three-dimensional record of the facility for future engineering, maintenance and asset-management projects.

Engineering-led LiDAR scanning

We combine reality capture with practical mechanical engineering, drafting and bulk-materials-handling experience.

Our capabilities include:

Engineering-grade 3D laser scanning across Australia
Point-cloud registration
Scan-to-CAD modelling
Mechanical design
Conveyor and chute design
Reverse engineering
Structural-steel detailing
Fabrication drawings
Existing-condition studies
Wear and erosion assessments
Shutdown engineering support

This enables the survey to be planned around the required engineering outcome rather than treated as an isolated scanning exercise.

Mineral-processing equipment we can capture

Our LiDAR scanning services can be applied to:

Crushers
Screens
Feeders
Conveyors
Transfer stations
Chutes
Hoppers
Bins
Scrubbers
Cyclones
Pumps
Tanks
Mills
Classifiers
Briquetting presses
Kilns
Furnaces
Dust collectors
Exhaust ducts
Pipework
Structural steel
Platforms
Stairs and access systems

Service area

Project-based scanning and engineering support is available for mineral-processing and industrial facilities throughout Marlborough and the broader Central Queensland region.

Potential service locations include:

Marlborough
Kunwarara
Yaamba
The Caves
Parkhurst
Rockhampton
Gracemere
Livingstone Shire
Clarke Creek
Gladstone
Central Queensland mining regions

Regional and remote work can be planned around site inductions, shutdown access, travel requirements and operating constraints.

Frequently asked questions

What is 3D LiDAR scanning?

3D LiDAR scanning uses laser measurements to capture the position and shape of visible surfaces within an operating environment.

The measurements are combined into a three-dimensional point cloud that can be viewed, measured and used as a reference for engineering design.

Can an operating mineral-processing plant be scanned?

Yes. Many external plant areas can be captured while the facility remains operational, subject to site rules, exclusion zones and safe access.

Some equipment interfaces may be better captured during a planned shutdown.

Can point-cloud data be used in SolidWorks?

Yes. Point-cloud data can be used as a spatial reference while developing SolidWorks equipment, structural and fabrication models.

The most appropriate workflow depends on the dataset size, required modelling accuracy and level of detail.

Can AutoCAD drawings be created from the scan?

Yes. Registered point-cloud data can be used to prepare AutoCAD general arrangements, plans, sections, elevations and mechanical drawings.

Can LiDAR scanning measure plant wear?

LiDAR scanning can assist with documenting accessible surface loss, deformation and geometric change.

Its suitability depends on the required accuracy, surface visibility, scan density and whether reliable baseline geometry is available.

Can conveyors and transfer chutes be scanned?

Yes. Conveyors, transfer stations, chutes, skirts, walkways, guards and supporting structures are common industrial scanning applications.

What scanning accuracy can be achieved?

The achievable accuracy depends on factors including scanner position, capture distance, surface characteristics, registration methodology and site conditions.

The scanning and verification plan should be established around the tolerances required for the engineering, fabrication or inspection task.

Is scanning-only available?

Yes. A project can include registered point-cloud data only or a combined scope involving scanning, CAD modelling, mechanical design and engineering drawings.

3D LiDAR scanning for Marlborough mineral-processing projects

Accurate existing-condition information is essential when upgrading operating mines and mineral-processing facilities.

Engineering-led LiDAR scanning can support the design, fabrication and installation of plant modifications throughout Marlborough, Kunwarara and Central Queensland.

Whether a project involves a conveyor upgrade, replacement chute, beneficiation-plant modification, new access platform or shutdown survey, the objective is to provide a dependable three-dimensional record of the plant before detailed design begins.

Contact us to discuss 3D LiDAR scanning, Scan-to-CAD modelling or mechanical engineering support for a mineral-processing project in Marlborough or Central Queensland.

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One Reality-Capture Workflow Across Queensland

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Step 2 – Capture Existing Conditions with 3D LiDAR

Step 3 – Register and Process the Point Cloud

Step 4 – Convert Required Geometry into BIM or CAD

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Can Scan to BIM be used for mining and industrial facilities?

Can you provide the point cloud as well as the model?

Why use laser scanning instead of existing drawings?

Can Scan to BIM help reduce site revisits?

Can the same process be used across several Queensland facilities?

What Queensland projects are suitable for Scan to BIM?

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Mine Process Plant Asset Capture Mudgee NSW

The Engineering Problem: Existing Plant Can Be Difficult to Measure Safely

Why Engineer-Led Asset Capture Matters

What Mine Process Plant Assets Can Be Captured?

How Does LiDAR Asset Capture Reduce Personnel Exposure?

Capture Once, Measure as the Engineering Develops

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From Point Cloud to Engineering CAD

Reducing Fabrication and Installation Risk

Supporting Shutdown Planning

Mine Process Plant Asset Capture in Mudgee NSW

Tools Supporting the Asset-Capture Workflow

Frequently Asked Questions

What is mine process plant asset capture?

Why use LiDAR instead of manual measurements?

Can scanning reduce the need to access difficult plant areas?

Can measurements be obtained after the scanning is complete?

Can old engineering drawings be checked against the scan?

Can the point cloud be converted into CAD?

Can asset capture help with equipment replacement?

Can LiDAR scanning support shutdown projects?

What file formats can Hamilton By Design provide?

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Mine Process Plant Asset Capture Mudgee NSW

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