Red Laser Scanning UK demonstrates 3D laser scanning capabilities at Rockwool facility in Wales

When cataloging and detailing a plant layout, making mistakes in the design process or finding them too late can result in tens of thousands of pounds in lost time and rework.

Unfortunately, the layout is not always accurate or updated, which

There is a degree of uncertainty when installing new equipment and rebuilding facilities.

It also leads to wasted movement when employees have to go to the field to perform measurements, take photos, and take notes to remember important details to avoid mistakes.

The good news is that laser scanning technology can open up many possibilities for manufacturing.

The technology can be profitable, and today's modern point cloud software and applications support the work of the layout design process with great speed and efficiency.

3D laser scanning put to the test

London-based Red Laser Scanning, a surveying building surveying and 3D laser scanning company serving the building, construction and infrastructure industries, recently offered their expertise to a Rockwool plant in Wales to demonstrate the power of 3D laser scanning.

With a factory in Bridgend, South Wales, and more than 500 employees in the UK, the company offers a full range of high performance and sustainable insulation products to the construction industry.

In this particular case, the company sought to document a 9,585 square metre area of its South Wales plant in order to establish an interface with the required equipment upgrades.

To achieve this, Red Laser Scanning uses the FARO® Focus Premium laser scanner, the FARO Focus S70 and the total station. Scans are registered - registration is the process of aligning multiple scans in the parent coordinate system using common reference positions between scans - target registration using spheres, checkerboard, and manual targets. Red laser scanning also applies measurement control.

One of the main challenges of the project involved measuring the confined Spaces of the plant, as most of the equipment was placed close to each other. In order for the red laser scan to capture all the necessary details, they had to make several additional scans, positioning the scanner in the gap between the devices.

Complex simulation and forensic 3D visualization

Thanks to the company's expertise and FARO technology, including hardware, software and its cloud-based SaaS collaboration platform, the project was successfully completed with the delivery of point clouds in the relevant regions.

Data processing and registration takes place in FARO SCENE software and is delivered in Autodesk® RECAP (.rCP) format. SCENE enables users to create impressive 3D visualizations of real-world objects and environments and export that data in a variety of formats. Red Laser Scanning also benefits from the use of FARO WebShare, a web-based project management tool.

The various tools that Red Laser Scanning brought to the project once again proved their value in a variety of metrics, including data visualization and communication, the ability to quickly gather detailed information, and the simulation and verification of data.

"We aim to build long-term relationships with industry professionals by providing efficient service, high quality and accurate as-built drawings and models, and a flexible approach," says Pawel Sipta, Managing Director of Red Laser.

"And the FARO Focus Premium laser scanner helps us achieve that goal."

Nick Forrest, the company's business development manager, elaborated further, highlighting other advantages of using FARO technology:

Point Cloud functionality: A point cloud is an excellent information carrier that can easily be used as a visual aid for meetings, or just to refresh your memory of a location. It also offers the possibility of viewing and checking locations remotely.

Powerful measurement possibilities: Measurement possibilities allow single point and distance measurements without worrying about interfering with objects. This method can replace the current methods of measuring the flatness of buildings and ground to a certain extent.

Sophisticated software: Software like SCENE enables advanced simulation and validation of existing and future layouts, models, and installations. In addition, parts of the point cloud can be colored, hidden, removed, copied, or transformed, and existing 2D layout diagrams or 3D models can be attached and validated relative to the point cloud. And the attached object can be simulated by collision collision or difference.

FARO's 3D laser scanning technology is a future success

Ultimately, the Red Laser Scanning team said that by using FARO 3D laser scanning technology, the Rockwool project was completed much faster, saving the company a lot of money. Rockwool also gained significant advantages and said it plans to rely on red laser scanning for future facility upgrades and enhancements.

Source: Laser Network