Mechanical Engineering | 3D Scanning | 3D Modelling
Tag: Scan to CAD Services
Explore articles and resources on Scan to CAD services, including converting laser scan and point cloud data into editable CAD models, engineering drawings, as-built documentation, and digital design deliverables.
Hamilton By Design – Mechanical Engineering, 3D Scanning & Digital QA
At Hamilton By Design, we combine on-site laser scanning, practical mechanical engineering, and fabrication-ready documentation to help your projects go together first time, every time. Below are answers to our most common client questions.
General
What does Hamilton By Design do?
We specialise in:
3D LiDAR / laser scanning and point-cloud capture
3D modelling and drafting in SolidWorks
Reverse engineering and design reviews
FEA and mechanical design (as needed)
Fabrication-ready drawings
Digital quality assurance before components leave the workshop
We reduce rework, installation issues, and shutdown risk by providing accurate measurements and engineering clarity.
Where are you based and what areas do you service?
We are based on the NSW Central Coast and service:
Sydney and Greater Sydney
Newcastle & the Hunter Valley
Central Coast & Mid-North Coast
Bowen Basin, Mount Isa and regional QLD
Heavy-industry sites across Australia
Travel for remote projects can be arranged.
Who do you typically work with?
Our clients include:
Fabrication and machining workshops
CHPP / coal-handling and mineral processing plants
Industrial and manufacturing facilities
Infrastructure and construction contractors
Power stations, energy producers and utilities
If your plant or structure needs to be measured, upgraded, repaired or documented, we can help.
3D Laser Scanning & Point Clouds
What is 3D laser scanning and why would I use it?
3D laser scanning captures millions of precise points (a “point cloud”) of your site or equipment. Benefits include:
Accurate measurements with minimal downtime
Major reduction in rework
Improved safety by avoiding risky manual measurements
Better decisions during planning, design and shutdowns
What environments can you scan?
We can scan:
Processing plants (CHPP, quarries, hard-rock, mineral plants)
Pipe racks, conveyors and service corridors
Structural steel, platforms and stairs
Chutes, hoppers, bins and transfer points
Mechanical equipment and spools
Plant rooms, commercial buildings and services risers
What accuracy can I expect?
Typically within a few millimetres depending on distance and environment—ideal for fabrication, piping, structural fit-up and mechanical integration.
What deliverables do I receive?
Depending on your scope:
Registered point cloud files
3D models (SolidWorks, STEP, IGES, etc.)
2D fabrication drawings
Clash detection visuals
As-built vs As-designed comparison reports
Engineering Design & Documentation
Do you only scan, or can you also provide engineering design?
We do both. We can scan, model, engineer, draft and deliver fabrication-ready documentation—or simply provide accurate models for your internal engineers.
Which software do you use?
Primarily SolidWorks for modelling and drafting, along with professional point-cloud registration software. Deliverable formats can be tailored to your systems.
Can you reverse engineer existing components?
Yes—chutes, frames, pipe spools, wear parts, mechanical items and more. We reconstruct accurate models based on scan data.
Do you provide drawings ready for fabrication?
Yes. Our drawings include:
Clear part/assembly details
Weld notes and symbols
Materials and thicknesses
Tolerances where required
Practical workshop considerations
Digital Quality Assurance
What is digital QA before shipping to site?
Digital QA checks a fabricated item in the workshop using scan data, ensuring:
Flanges line up
Bolt holes align
Angles and offsets are correct
Clearances and interfaces match design
Problems found in the workshop cost far less than problems discovered during a shutdown.
Can you compare new designs against existing plant?
Yes. New models can be overlaid onto point cloud data to confirm alignment, detect clashes and verify maintenance clearances.
High-Risk Environments & Special Access
Can you perform scans in high-risk environments such as confined spaces, inside plant rooms, in an EWP, or at heights?
Yes. Our team includes personnel with current high-risk licences, such as:
EWP (Elevated Work Platform) high-risk licence
Working at Heights certification
Confined Space Entry permits
White Cards & site-specific inductions
We perform task-specific risk assessments and comply with your permit-to-work and isolation systems to ensure scanning is performed safely.
Project Process, Timing & Pricing
How do we start a project?
Initial discussion & scope
Proposal with deliverables and pricing
Site scan / data collection
Modelling, engineering and drafting
Client review & refinements
Final deliverables
How quickly can you respond to a job?
Depending on complexity and location, we can often mobilise within days. Shutdown-critical or remote work is scheduled in consultation with your operations team.
How is pricing structured?
Usually fixed-price quotes that include:
Scan time
Modelling/engineering effort
Travel & logistics (if required)
Deliverables
For open-ended scopes, hourly billing with agreed limits is available.
Data, Files & Intellectual Property
Who owns the scan data and models?
Upon full payment, you own the final deliverables for the stated purpose. We retain archived copies for QA and backup unless otherwise agreed.
How are files delivered securely?
Typically via secure cloud transfer, or your internal file-sharing system. Additional security requirements can be accommodated.
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