In the 1980s, AutoCAD was revolutionary. It replaced drafting boards and sharpened pencils with a digital drawing tool. Architects, engineers, and designers suddenly had a new way to bring ideas to life — faster, cleaner, and more accurate than ever before.
But here’s the problem: it’s 2025 now, and AutoCAD is still trying to breathe the same thin air it did back then.
Stuck in 2D While the World Moved On
Today’s engineering isn’t about drawing — it’s about designing. It’s about simulating real-world forces, visualizing assemblies, testing tolerances, and producing manufacturable parts before a single prototype is built.
AutoCAD, at its core, is still a 2D drafting platform trying to wear a 3D mask. The workflows are fragmented, the feature set feels patched together, and it lacks the intelligence modern teams demand.
By contrast, SOLIDWORKS was built for this century — fully parametric, model-driven, and collaborative. When you make a change to a design in SOLIDWORKS, every part, drawing, and assembly updates instantly. That’s not an upgrade; that’s evolution.
Design Needs Intelligence, Not Layers
AutoCAD still asks you to think in layers and lines — the language of draftsmen. SOLIDWORKS speaks the language of relationships, assemblies, and constraints — the language of engineers and innovators.
Modern design tools must integrate simulation, visualization, and manufacturability. They must predict behavior, test fit, and optimize before production. AutoCAD just can’t breathe in that environment anymore — it’s stuck flipping between tabs while SOLIDWORKS users are already printing parts.
Collaboration and Data: The New Oxygen
The world doesn’t design in isolation anymore. Teams are global, deadlines are tighter, and innovation cycles are shorter. AutoCAD’s file-based approach is like passing blueprints across a fax machine.
SOLIDWORKS integrates cloud data management, real-time collaboration, and digital twin technology — letting design teams iterate and innovate in real time, anywhere in the world.
The Future Is 3D — and It’s Already Here
You wouldn’t build an electric vehicle using a typewriter. So why design modern products with 1980s software?
SOLIDWORKS represents the present and the future — intelligent modeling, simulation-driven design, and integrated manufacturing tools that push boundaries instead of tracing them.
Final Thoughts
AutoCAD made history — no one can deny that. But history belongs in the museum, not the manufacturing floor.
If your software is still gasping for air in a 2D world, maybe it’s time to give it a well-earned retirement. SOLIDWORKS doesn’t imitate innovation — it defines it.
3D Laser Scanning & Mechanical Engineering Solutions
In today’s fast-paced engineering and construction industries, precision and efficiency are everything. Whether you’re managing a large-scale infrastructure project in Brisbane, creating a mechanical prototype in Perth, or needing accurate as-built data for a site in the Hunter Valley, 3D laser scanning and expert mechanical design services are game changers.
At Hamilton Design, we specialise in connecting cutting-edge scanning technology with skilled mechanical designers and structural drafting services to deliver seamless, accurate solutions for every stage of your project.
The Power of 3D Laser Scanning
3D laser scanning is transforming the way engineers, architects, and manufacturers work. By capturing millions of data points with millimetre accuracy, laser scanning creates a highly detailed 3D representation of your asset, site, or structure.
Our team provides 3D laser scanning services in Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne, as well as laser scanning in the Hunter Valley, helping clients save time and avoid costly rework. This technology is ideal for:
Capturing as-built conditions before design or construction.
Supporting plant upgrades and facility expansions.
Documenting heritage structures and complex geometries.
Reducing site visits with accurate digital models.
Reverse Engineering & Mechanical Design
In addition to scanning, we offer reverse engineering services in Perth and beyond. By combining point cloud data with CAD modelling, we can recreate components, optimise designs, and prepare manufacturing-ready files.
Our mechanical engineers and mechanical designers bring years of experience in 3D mechanical engineering, design and manufacturing mechanical engineering, and problem-solving for a wide range of industries. From bespoke machinery to process equipment, we deliver solutions that work.
Structural Drafting & Project Support
No project is complete without clear, accurate documentation. Our skilled drafters in Hamilton and across Australia provide high-quality structural drafting services that integrate seamlessly with your workflows.
Whether you need shop drawings, fabrication details, or BIM-ready models, our team ensures every line and dimension is correct — saving you time and cost on-site.
Why Choose Hamilton Design?
Nationwide Reach: Serving clients with 3D scanning services in Perth, Brisbane, and Melbourne, and supporting projects in the Hunter Valley.
Complete Solutions: From scanning to modelling to mechanical engineering design.
Accuracy & Efficiency: Reduce project risk and improve decision-making with reliable data.
Experienced Team: Skilled mechanical engineers and drafters who understand your industry.
Ready to Get Started?
If you’re looking for mechanical engineering companies that deliver precision, innovation, and reliability, Hamilton Design is ready to help. Whether you need laser scanning in Perth or Brisbane, structural drafting, or full mechanical design services, our team can support your next project from concept to completion.
📞 Contact us today to discuss your project requirements and find out how our 3D laser scanning and mechanical engineering design solutions can save you time and money.
Collaboration is increasingly centred around 3D data. Modern platforms now let teams review, comment on, and markup native 3D models directly inside the design environment. Instead of relying solely on screenshots or static drawings, stakeholders can spin, section, and measure live models for better context. Real-time update notifications and cloud-connected revision control ensure that scanned 3D data and parametric CAD models stay synchronized — critical when working with reality capture data that represents the as-built environment. Hybrid data management options combine local PDM systems with cloud platforms, supporting distributed teams handling massive point clouds or mesh data. This tight integration means that model changes — whether from new design iterations or updated scans — propagate instantly across the project team. Decision-making becomes more visual and informed, keeping everyone aligned around a single, authoritative 3D dataset. Collaboration is no longer a separate process but embedded into daily 3D workflows.
2. Smarter Part Modelling
3D modelling tools are now more intelligent and better suited for working with scan-derived geometry. Designers can quickly apply chamfers, fillets, and shells across complex surfaces, even those imported from meshes or point cloud extractions. Automated bend notch creation and sheet metal tools are optimized to work with geometry derived from scanning existing parts, making reverse-engineering and fabrication preparation much faster. Reference geometry patterning allows engineers to build parametric frameworks over point cloud regions, speeding up master model creation. Cleanup utilities now support selectively removing unnecessary features or smoothing noisy scan data without rebuilding the entire model history. These advances turn what used to be a labour-intensive process into a streamlined workflow that transforms raw reality capture data into production-ready models. The focus is on reducing friction between physical and digital — allowing engineers to move quickly from scan to design, then to manufacturing.
3. Large Assembly Performance
Point cloud and mesh datasets are often extremely large, so performance improvements are critical. Modern CAD platforms now handle assemblies containing both traditional parametric models and massive scan data without bringing systems to a crawl. Engineers can duplicate components while maintaining mates, overlay scans onto assemblies to check fit, and perform interference detection even in lightweight modes. Visualization performance has been tuned for high-density point clouds, allowing smooth pan, zoom, and rotate interactions even with billions of points. Simplification and decimation tools let users strip out unneeded scan detail for faster load times while retaining critical geometry. Seamless transitions between lightweight review and full edit mode make it possible to work interactively with scanned environments. This capability is especially valuable for plant layout, construction validation, and retrofitting projects, where the ability to handle large, mixed-format 3D datasets directly within assemblies is a competitive advantage.
4. Enhanced Drawings and Documentation
Although 3D is the primary medium, 2D documentation remains essential — especially for suppliers and manufacturing partners. Modern CAD environments generate drawings directly from parametric models or scan-based reconstructions, ensuring that documentation matches the latest as-built conditions. Multi-approval stamps, BOM quantity overrides, and standards compliance tools make it easy to document parts created from reverse engineering or field measurement data. Automatic view generation and model-based definition (MBD) help reduce the reliance on fully manual drawings, embedding dimensions and tolerances directly into the 3D model where possible. For projects using scans, section views can be cut through the point cloud or mesh to produce accurate reference drawings without redrawing geometry. These improvements ensure that documentation is both faster to produce and more accurate — giving fabrication teams confidence that the deliverables reflect real-world conditions rather than idealized design intent.
5. Seamless ECAD/MCAD Integration
The convergence of 3D scanning and electronics integration is enabling more precise mechatronic design. Point cloud models of housings, enclosures, and factory floors can be combined with PCB outlines and component data for fit validation. Modern tools allow importing copper traces, vias, and keep-out regions into the mechanical model to run thermal or clearance checks directly against scanned geometry. This prevents collisions and ensures proper heat management early in the design cycle. Real-time synchronization between ECAD and MCAD domains means that if a scanned housing reveals unexpected tolerances, electrical designers can adjust their board layout accordingly. The result is a more accurate digital twin that accounts for both the designed and as-built states. This tighter integration avoids costly late-stage changes, shortens time-to-market, and ensures that mechanical and electrical systems are developed with a shared, reliable 3D reference that reflects physical reality.
6. Performance and Visualization
Visualization is where 3D scanning truly shines. GPU-accelerated engines now render massive point clouds, meshes, and parametric geometry in real time, allowing teams to virtually “walk through” captured environments or inspect reverse-engineered parts at full fidelity. Silhouette-based defeature tools can strip away irrelevant details while maintaining enough geometry for accurate reviews and clash detection. Cached mass property calculations extend to mesh and hybrid models, giving accurate weight and center of gravity data even from scan-derived parts. Photorealistic rendering using real-time ray tracing allows stakeholders to experience designs exactly as they will look, bridging the gap between scanned reality and proposed modifications. This level of visual fidelity improves collaboration, reduces the need for physical mock-ups, and accelerates stakeholder buy-in. High-quality 3D visualization is no longer a luxury — it is a daily tool for engineers, designers, and decision-makers alike.
7. Future Outlook
The future of 3D modelling is increasingly driven by AI and reality capture. Expect CAD platforms to automatically recognize features within point clouds — holes, slots, threads — and generate parametric features with minimal user input. Cloud-native workflows will make it easier to process extremely large scan datasets without local performance bottlenecks. Automated drawing generation and model-based definition will continue to reduce documentation overhead, while digital twin technology will tie live sensor data to scanned geometry for ongoing validation. Generative design powered by AI will be able to work directly with scanned environments, proposing optimized solutions that account for real-world constraints. This convergence of scanning, modelling, and simulation promises a future where physical and digital coexist seamlessly — enabling engineers to capture, design, simulate, and validate with unprecedented speed and accuracy, ultimately transforming how products, factories, and infrastructure are created and maintained.
When it comes to precision engineering, structural drafting, and mechanical design services, Hamilton by Design leads the way. We provide advanced 3D laser scanning solutions across Perth, Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and the Hunter Valley — giving clients accurate data for smarter decisions and efficient project delivery.
3D Laser Scanning Across Australia
Our 3D laser scanning services capture exact measurements of your site, plant, or equipment to create detailed 3D point clouds and as-built documentation. This reduces rework, saves time, and improves project planning.
We offer:
3D Laser Scanning Perth & Fremantle – Industrial plant surveys, mining site scanning, and reverse engineering.
3D Laser Scanning Sydney & Melbourne – Building surveys, renovation planning, and structural inspections.
3D Laser Scanning Brisbane & Hunter Valley – Factory layouts, conveyor drive design, and structural scanning.
3D Laser Scanning for Engineering & Mining – Point cloud scanning, clash detection, and 3D modelling.
Our team uses the latest 3D scanning and LiDAR technology to produce millimetre-accurate results that engineers, architects, and builders can trust.
Structural Drafting & Design Services
Hamilton by Design provides structural drafting services across Australia, including:
Structural Design and Drafting – For residential, commercial, and industrial projects.
Steel Detailing & Shop Drawings – Produced to Australian drafting standards.
Structural Scanning Services Brisbane & Sydney – Helping engineers assess existing structures for upgrades or repairs.
Our experienced structural design engineers work closely with builders, architects, and civil engineers in Hamilton and beyond to deliver reliable, build-ready plans.
In the mining industry, system uptime isn’t just a goal—it’s a necessity. Transfer points such as chutes, hoppers, and conveyors are often the most failure-prone components in processing plants, especially in high-wear environments like HPGR (High Pressure Grinding Rolls) circuits. Abrasive ores, heavy impact, fines accumulation, and moisture can all combine to reduce flow efficiency, damage components, and drive up maintenance costs.
At Hamilton By Design, we help mining clients minimise downtime and extend the life of their material handling systems by applying advanced 3D scanning, DEM simulation, smart material selection, and modular design strategies. This ensures that transfer points operate at peak efficiency—day in, day out.
Here’s how we do it:
Optimised Flow with DEM-Based Chute & Hopper Design
Flow blockages and misaligned velocities are among the biggest contributors to transfer point failure in the mining industry. That’s why we use Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations to model bulk material flow through chutes, hoppers, and transfer transitions.
Through DEM, we can simulate how different ores—ranging from dry coarse rock to sticky fines—move, compact, and impact structures. This allows us to tailor chute geometry, outlet angles, and flow paths in advance, helping:
Prevent material buildup or arching inside hoppers and chutes
Align material velocity with the conveyor belt speed using hood & spoon or trumpet-shaped designs
Reduce wear by managing trajectory and impact points
Not all wear is the same—and neither are the materials we use to combat it. By studying the abrasion and impact zones in your chute and hopper systems, we strategically apply wear liners suited to each application.
Our engineering team selects from:
AR (Abrasion-Resistant) steels for high-wear areas
Ceramic liners in fines-rich or ultra-abrasive streams
Rubber liners to absorb shock and reduce noise
This approach reduces liner replacement frequency, improves operational safety, and lowers the risk of unplanned shutdowns at key transfer points.
3. Dust and Spillage Control: Cleaner, Safer Operation
Dust and spillage around conveyors and transfer chutes can lead to extensive cleanup time, increased maintenance, and health hazards. At Hamilton By Design, we treat this as a core design challenge.
We design chutes and hoppers with:
Tight flange seals at interface points
Enclosed transitions that contain dust at the source
Controlled discharge points to reduce turbulent material drops
This reduces environmental risk and contributes to more consistent plant performance—especially in confined or enclosed processing facilities in the mining industry.
4. Modular & Accessible Designs for Faster Maintenance
When liners or components need replacement, every minute counts. That’s why our chute and hopper systems are built with modular sections—each engineered for fast removal and reinstallation.
Key maintenance-driven design features include:
Bolt-on panels or slide-in liner segments
Accessible inspection doors for safe visual checks
Lightweight modular components for easy handling
These details reduce labour time, enhance safety, and keep your plant online longer—especially critical in HPGR zones where throughput is non-stop.
5. Precision 3D Scanning & 3D Modelling for Retrofit Accuracy
One of the most powerful tools we use is 3D scanning. In retrofit or brownfield projects, physical measurements can be inaccurate or outdated. We solve this by conducting detailed laser scans that generate accurate point cloud data—a precise digital twin of your plant environment.
That data is then transformed into clean 3D CAD models, which we use to:
Design retrofits that precisely match existing structure
Identify interferences or fit-up clashes before fabrication
Reduce install time by ensuring right-first-time fits
This scan-to-CAD workflow dramatically reduces rework and error margins during installation, saving time and cost during shutdown windows.
Real-World Application: HPGR & Minerals Transfer Systems
In HPGR-based circuits, transfer points between crushers, screens, and conveyors experience high rates of wear, dust generation, and blockages—particularly where moisture-rich fines are present.
Here’s how Hamilton By Design’s methodology addresses these pain points:
DEM-based flow modelling ensures the HPGR discharge flows cleanly into chutes and onto conveyors without buildup.
Hood/spoon geometries help track material to belt velocity—minimising belt wear and reducing misalignment.
Strategic liner selection extends life in critical wear zones under extreme abrasion.
Modular chute designs allow for fast liner swap-outs without major disassembly.
3D scanning & CAD design ensures new chute sections fit seamlessly into existing HPGR and conveyor frameworks.
By designing smarter transfer systems with these technologies, we enable operators to reduce downtime, increase liner life, and protect critical assets in high-throughput mining applications.
Faster maintenance turnarounds during scheduled shutdowns
3D scanning & CAD integration
Precise fit, reduced installation time, fewer errors during retrofit
Final Word: Engineering That Keeps the Mining Industry Moving
At Hamilton By Design, we combine mechanical engineering expertise with 3D modelling, material flow simulation, and smart fabrication practices to deliver high-performance chute, hopper, and transfer point systems tailored for the mining industry.
Whether you’re dealing with a problematic HPGR discharge, spillage issues, or planning a brownfield upgrade, our integrated design process delivers results that improve reliability, extend service life, and protect uptime where it matters most.
Looking to retrofit or upgrade transfer systems at your site? Let’s talk. We bring together 3D scanning, DEM modelling, practical engineering, and proven reliability to deliver systems that work—from concept through to install.
In the 1980s through to the early 2000s, AutoCAD ruled supreme. It revolutionised the way engineers and designers approached 2D drafting, enabling technical drawings to be created and shared with speed and precision across industries. For two decades, it set the benchmark for visual communication in engineering and construction. But that era has passed.
Today, we live and work in a three-dimensional world — not only in reality, but in design.
From 2D Drafting to Solid Modelling: The New Standard
At Hamilton By Design, we see 3D modelling not just as a tool, but as an essential evolution in how we think, design, and manufacture. The transition from 2D lines to solid geometry has reshaped the possibilities for every engineer, machinist, and fabricator.
With the widespread adoption of platforms like SolidWorks, design engineers now routinely conduct simulations, tolerance analysis, motion studies, and stress testing — all in a virtual space before a single part is made. Companies like Tesla, Ford, Eaton, Medtronic, and Johnson & Johnson have integrated 3D CAD tools into their product development cycles with great success, dramatically reducing rework, increasing precision, and accelerating innovation.
Where 2D design was once enough, now solid models drive machining, laser cutting, 3D printing, automated manufacturing, and finite element analysis (FEA) — all from a single digital source.
At Hamilton By Design, we work with and alongside these firms — and others — to deliver scalable, intelligent 3D modelling solutions to the Australian industrial sector. From laser scanning and site capture to custom steel fabrication, we translate concepts into actionable, manufacturable designs. Our clients benefit not only from our hands-on trade knowledge but also from our investment in cutting-edge tools and engineering platforms.
So What’s Next? The Future Feels More Fluid Than Solid
With all these tools now at our fingertips — FEA simulation, LiDAR scanning, parametric modelling, cloud collaboration — the question becomes: what comes after 3D?
We’ve moved from pencil to pixel, from 2D lines to intelligent digital twins. But now the line between design and experience is beginning to blur. Augmented reality (AR), generative AI design, and real-time simulation environments suggest that the next wave may feel more fluid than solid — more organic than mechanical.
We’re already seeing early glimpses of this future:
Generative design tools that evolve geometry based on performance goals
Real-time digital twins updating with sensor data from operating plants
AI-driven automation that simplifies design iterations in minutes, not days
In short: the future of 3D design might not be “3D” at all in the traditional sense — it could be interactive, immersive, adaptive.
At Hamilton By Design — We’re With You Now and Into the Future
Whether you’re looking to upgrade legacy 2D drawings, implement laser-accurate reverse engineering, or develop a full-scale 3D model for simulation or manufacturing — Hamilton By Design is here to help.
We bring hands-on trade experience as fitters, machinists, and designers, and combine it with the modern toolset of a full-service mechanical engineering consultancy. We’re not just imagining the future of design — we’re building it.
Let’s design smarter. Let’s think in 3D — and beyond.
