The development of brownfield projects depends on as-built documentation. However, the capacity to transform decades’ worth of operating knowledge and experience from multiple sources and systems into “relevant information” is a barrier for existing or brownfield assets. As-built records need to be more accurate and updated, making them untrustworthy. Data correctness and currentness are crucial in the design environment.
The source data is what determines if the design will work. Remodelling takes time, necessitating several design revisions and back and forth.
Fortunately, 3D laser scanning survey technology can speed manufacturing, decrease risk, and enhance efficiency. A non-contact method known as a 3D laser survey uses laser light to measure the three dimensions of actual items.
Collecting and verifying as-built papers might take several months and many site visits, which drives up project costs and adds needless delays. The complexity and confusion are frequently increased by unreported changes and rework on the facilities.
The top five advantages of 3D laser scanning are listed below.
- As-built and 3D modelling designers
The latest and most accurate information, including pipe size, length, and structural cross-section data, is made available to designers using laser scan data. For conflict checks with modelled and referenced objects, brownfield laser data can be utilised. Additionally, the perspectives on orthographic drawings may be referenced using this method. Hundreds of hours of modelling work are saved because of the resulting as-built data and digital metadata.
- Quick and efficient
It takes a lot of time to conduct traditional surveys with a tape measure. It often requires an entire day, many follow-up trips to the location, and missing measurements or errors. Whereas 3D laser scanning may be completed in as little as 30 minutes, depending on the size of the site. A whole scan takes about two minutes!
You won’t need to return to the site again because all the data has been recorded and registered back in the office. You may easily measure a portion of the site or object from your workstation by pulling up the scan. It is equally simple to distribute to other project stakeholders.
- Design
By starting with a real-world object and using it to create a computer-aided design (CAD) model, 3D scanning may be used during the design stage. Designers frequently have to work with or adapt their ideas to work with already existing items. These mating components may also be scanned and included in the design, leading to consistently better-fitting pieces. Reverse engineering or reverse modelling describes creating a CAD model from an already produced item. Reverse engineering is a technique that allows new designs to include and enhance engineering optimisation already available in the manufactured product.
- Production
Tool or part modifications made on the shop floor can be recorded via 3D scanning. In order to give a product the ultimate desirable appearance and polish, tooling is sometimes “hand adjusted”. To guarantee that all manufactured components match after production, 3D scanning may be used to transfer manual adjustments and optimisations from tool to tool. In addition, it may be used to assess and describe tool wear during production, and if done correctly, it can even be utilised to forecast or avoid tool failure. In the case of tool failure, the optimal part may be remade using the 3D scan data.
- Safe
A 3D laser scanning survey may enhance worker safety on construction sites. With tiny 3D laser scanners, you can take accurate measurements several hundred metres away. However, it is necessary to carefully control proximity when the survey area is hazardous due to its geographic or poisonous circumstances, such as chemical or nuclear plants. The technology allows operators to react quickly to these situations, reducing their exposure. This way, operators can be kept safe.
