Three-dimensional (3D) scanning technology is now being successfully used to generate highly accurate 3D models of on-site conditions, allowing for more accurate and effective design and installation of chute solutions.

According to transfer point specialist Weba Chute Systems & Solutions, greater accuracy keeps rework costs in design and manufacturing to a minimum and reduces any downtime during the installation phase. Detailed 3D scan data allows all elements of the existing infrastructure to be considered during the preliminary design stage, so that the customer is assured of a reliable costing in a project’s early feasibility stages.

“The accuracy of 3D scanning means that we can rapidly gather detailed measurements of large infrastructure on a customer’s site,” says Weba Chute Systems & Solutions technical director Alwin Nienaber. “This data allows us to generate highly accurate 3D models of on-site conditions, which refines the accuracy of the equipment and componentry we develop and install in that environment.”

Nienaber highlights that there may be numerous deformations or undocumented alterations in the customer’s existing infrastructure that could complicate the design and execution of a project and manual measurement of dimensions may not deliver the levels of accuracy required.

“Especially when we are replacing transfer points or chutes, we can significantly de-risk the process with our capacity to reverse-engineer the solution within the existing constraints,” he says. “The scanned data is superimposed on our design intent, alerting us to interference that will disrupt smooth installation.”

The company explains that the precision and portability of modern laser scanners have made the technology invaluable in designing, building and extending technical facilities. It further asserts that the accurate costing and seamless project roll-out enabled by the 3D scanning system is increasingly important as mines drive productivity and prioritise uptime, with many retrofit or maintenance projects required to be conducted during the strict shutdown periods on mines.