Recently I talked to InterTech’s Reinaldo Camacho and Zachary Clevenger about how these 3D scans and the maps they create provide value to their clients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diana Adams:<\/strong> Your<\/strong> FARO Focus S70 3D scanner uses laser imaging to scan the surrounding area in an existing structure. Can you explain how that is beneficial to your clients who want an accurate takeoff?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reinaldo Camacho: <\/strong>Imagine how difficult it is to get an accurate measurement of any manufacturing plant – especially a large one. Measuring manually is labor intensive and time consuming, plus it doesn’t provide the level of accuracy needed for efficient and cost-saving plant modifications. Most takeoffs only focus on the larger piping and rarely capture other items like light fixtures, low voltage electrical conduits, sprinkler systems, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Since our 3D scanner is portable, we can visit a plant one time and take a series of scans over a day or two, which are then used to produce a 3D plant map with incomparable accuracy. It captures all items within the area of scanning and locates all piping, electrical conduit or tray, sprinkler system and fixtures exactly where they are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diana Adams:<\/strong> What happens after you take the scans? What’s the next step of the process?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Zachary Clevenger:<\/strong> When we get back to our offices, we upload the files from the scanner into our computers. We use a proprietary software to piece together all the scans, which is when we create an overall 3D map of the entire manufacturing plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In InterTech’s CAD department, we can also import the scans into our AutoCAD software. This allows us to manipulate them into our 3D designer software. We can then see the exact position of everything in the manufacturing plant, with an accuracy of up to 1 millimeter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Reinaldo Camacho: <\/strong>Exactly, and with our 3D design software, we can position new equipment or pipes, or increase operational efficiency by suggesting the relocation of existing equipment. In other words, if the equipment is feasible in the software, we know with confidence that it will be feasible in the physical space. We can avoid interferences and problems before they even get to the construction phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Diana Adams: Can you tell me about an experience you’ve had when the 3D map you created gave your client new information for their takeoff?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Zachary Clevenger: <\/strong>Although this scan is useful for any plant manager to have on hand, it’s especially useful for existing plants that want to add onto their systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With the help of our 3D scanner, we can show our clients exactly where everything is located. For example, without this scan, they might only be able to use the 2D drawings from the architect or other engineering firms. However, after those drawings were produced, the actual installation may have changes that were undocumented, like moved a conveyor or a wall 6 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Recently, we experienced both of these scenarios upon completion of a scan. This kind of detailed information would remain unknown unless you had your facility scanned and compared to the original drawings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not long ago, we were completing a project where the drawings showed the roof deck to be located at 34 feet. The equipment our client wanted to install was 33 feet, 2 inches tall. With the clearance required for the cap removal, we actually needed a clear height of 33 feet and 6 inches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We visited the site and completed a scan of the work area. When we completed the scan and located the roof cross members and the sprinkler system, we were able to strategically place the equipment to avoid all hindrances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We realized that the previous location of the equipment would not have worked and we were able to redesign and properly locate the necessary foundation pad. They were able to avoid costly changes by opting for a scan of their plant before finalizing the bid documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In my opinion, this scan is a crucial step when adapting new installations to existing structures. For example, this scan would be helpful when trying to determine overhead clearance or possible interference with piping and other items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Greg Kershner, President of InterTech, also had an experience recently that speaks to the benefits of getting your facility scanned:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n “I never used to be into the 3D scanner, but we just completed a large complicated retro-fit project where we probably went through 18 iterations of the drawings overlaying the electrical, structural and mechanical aspects. We resolved major issues that would have been very costly and time consuming to resolve in the field. That project sold me on the 3D\u00a0scan.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Diana Adams: It sounds like this 3D scan provides another layer of useful data. Can you give me another example of how this can provide value to your clients and save them money?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Reinaldo Camacho: <\/strong>There’s definitely a cost savings associated with getting a detailed, 3D scan of your manufacturing plant. You’ll know for sure what the dimensions of the space are in order to design the production line and place the equipment accurately. Without this scan, or many days or weeks creating detailed drawings, changes in the field can be common and costly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And, the cost savings go beyond just being sure the new equipment will fit and perform optimally. This 3D representation of your plant reduces the likelihood of errors from contractors. They can follow our 3D model, which is extremely accurate. This avoids change orders, modifications to steel work and building structure, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"get-an-accurate-takeoff\"](\"https:\/\/inter-techltd.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/11\/get-an-accurate-takeoff-structure-1024x650.jpg\")
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