What is 3D Laser Modelling?

A 3D scanner is a device that analyzes a real-world object or environment to collect data on its shape and possibly its appearance (i.e. color). The collected data can then be used to construct digital, three dimensional models.

·        Creation of points cloud system representing a geometric surface with a laser beam.

·        Records distance values to the surface within the scanner field of view.

·        The object is then recreated in a “reconstruction” software package.

Collected 3D data is useful for a wide variety of applications. These devices are used extensively by the entertainment industry in the production of movies and video games. Other common applications of this technology include industrial design, orthotics and prosthetics, reverse engineering and prototyping, quality control/inspection and documentation of cultural artifacts.

Required Tools

·        HD Laser (Picza 3D Laser Scanner)

·        Image Processing Technology

·        CAD Software (SolidWorks)

·        Cyclone

·        CloudWorx-VR

·        RealityLINx

·        PointCloud CAD 2010

·        Geomagic

·        InnovMetric PolyWorks

·        Rapidform

3D Laser digitizing systems are utilized in the areas of analysis, design and verification, rapid prototyping, tooling/part development, metrology/Q.C and updating existing CAD which includes manufacturing automotive & aerospace parts, recreational and consumer goods and medical devices, as well as the entertainment, museum and power generation industry.

Laser scanning describes the general method to sample or scan a surface using laser technology. Several areas of application exist that mainly differ in the power of the lasers that are used, and in the results of the scanning process. Low laser power is used when the scanned surface doesn't have to be influenced, e.g. when it only has to be digitized. Confocal or 3D laser scanning are methods to get information about the scanned surface. Another low-power application is structured light projection systems that are used for solar cell flatness metrology enabling stress calculation with throughput in excess of 2000 wafers per hour.

For high laser power, the influence on a working piece depends on the power of the laser: medium power values are used for laser engraving, where material is partially removed by the laser. With higher powers the material becomes fluid and laser welding can be realized, or if the power is high enough to remove the material completely, then laser cutting can be performed.

Benefits of 3D Scanner

·        Faster data collection

·        Save time modeling complex components

·        Shorter Project Cycle Times

·        Data can be integrated with CAD

·        Accurate representation of surfaces impossible to achieve with current solid modeling technology (Wood grains, bumpy surfaces, curves, grooves, etc.

·        Allows for better analysis in CAE Platforms.(Motion simulation, fluid flow analysis, FEA analysis, etc)

Drawbacks of 3D Scanner

·        High resolution scans mean large files.

·        Usually post processing required

·        Requires high end technology     

As Build Maintenance

Value added document control and drafting tasks keep your business moving forward, but they not sexy or glossy, and their isn't a big trophy waiting for you after a large maintenance or standardization project. What companies too often don't understand is that these functions can save them an enormous amount of money over time.

For this example I want to look at CORE drawings for a multi-well tie in pad.   For those of you not familiar with CORE drawings, they are the drawings that are used most often by the operations, maintenance, engineering, risk and regulatory groups. The package includes but is not limited to: Plot Plans w/ all undergrounds, Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams, Line Lists, Equipment & Instrument Lists, Area Classification, selected Electrical drawings, Regulatory and Measurement Schematics. The CORE Drawing package (when in a as-built state) represents the physical and operational philosophy of a facility – these will be the documents most reviewed, and asked for in an event such as a sale of property, in the event of litigation for product spills or other such disasters.  

The common standard within the oil and gas industry right now seems to be a cyclical as-build process.   This cyclic process sees departments complete as-builds when needed (i.e. regulatory compliance or property sale), then they are lost or destroyed due to poor maintenance practices, and once again when needed the as-builds are completed. This process results in elevated costs because all of the accumulated redlines are assembled and integrated into the completed as-built set of drawings. This type of as-building program several issues other then the high cost – a highly trained team of several disciplined staff will require all pertinent safety training prior to entering your facility – an operations representative and perhaps a company or contract electrician will be required to be on hand – the greatest danger however is that you have workers onsite in a very dangerous work environment for extended periods of time even if the time frame is only 10-15 days.   On average this type of as-build costs $150,000 each time it is needed, which is on average is every 5 years.  Now over the lifetime of a 30 year facility that adds up to approximately $900,000, and many facilities can run for 40 - 50 years.

Alternatively, to maintain these drawings on an ongoing basis (i.e. keep up to date, store within an electronic drawing management system) you are looking at a cost of $500 per year.  Using our 30 year facility we are looking at a lifetime cost of $150,000.  With an ongoing maintenance process you should be continually updating as-build drawings as changes occur through the use of an MOC program. This  will ensure that correct, accurate information is current and available for reference by all user groups – history shows that this process of updating CORE is relatively inexpensive and ensures all crucial information is current – although this program ensures up to date accurate information, a well oiled process must be followed – this process is demanding on the tight time constraints of involved staff members.

If you are able to save your company $750,000, in my opinion you deserve the big trophy!

What is Structural Design?

Structural Design also known as structural engineering is a field of engineering dealing with the analysis and design of structures that support or resist loads. Structural engineering is usually considered a specialty within civil engineering, but it can also be studied in its own right. Structural engineers are most commonly involved in the design of buildings. Structural engineers must ensure their designs satisfy given design criteria, predicated on safety (e.g. structures must not collapse without due warning). 

Structural engineering theory is based upon physical laws and empirical knowledge of the structural performance of different landscapes and materials. Structural engineers may design the individual structural elements of a structure, for example the beams, columns, and floors of a building. More experienced engineers would be responsible for the structural design and integrity of an entire system, such as a building. Buildings are made to endure massive loads as well as changing climate and natural disasters.

What is Piping Design?

Piping is a system of pipes used to convey fluids (liquids and gases) from one location to another. "Piping" sometimes refers to Piping Design, the detailed specification of the physical piping layout within a process plant or commercial building. In earlier days, this was sometimes called Drafting, Technical drawing, Engineering Drawing, and Design but is today commonly performed by Designers who have learned to use automated Computer Aided Drawing / Computer Aided Design software.

Industrial process piping can be manufactured from wood, fiberglass and glass and steel, aluminum, plastic, copper, and concrete. The in-line components, known as fittings, valves, and other devices, typically sense and control the pressure, flow rate and temperature of the transmitted fluid, and usually are included in the field of Piping Design. Piping systems are documented in piping and instrumentation diagrams.

History of idocz Drafting in Calgary

A Brief History
idocz was established in Calgary in 2008 with a vision of helping companies realize their informational assets. We are a very passionate about the important role that documents and drawings play in a company and believe that they key to maximizing their potential is through proper document management practices.


Initially idocz provided solutions in the traditional areas of document processing, such as, capture, indexing and uploads. However, as we grew, we wanted to provide a complete, wall to wall, solution for our clients in the information management space. Being situated in Calgary, a large number of our clients were from the oil and gas industry, and as with many other industries, drawings make up a large percentage of companies documents.  Although drawings represent a large financial investment, intellectual capital, and are required for compliance and liability reasons, we felt that they were commonly overlooked when it came to document management and governance practices.  Through conversations with our clients, we discovered that there was indeed a demand for services such as scanning and indexing, and for cleansing drawings by updating their titleblocks, naming conventions, and standards.  At this point we had a team of experienced drafters, and so, as a natural extension of the solutions we were providing, we began offering CAD drafting services.


Our Experience
Since offering drafting services and support, idocz has been able to assist a wide range of clients from large scale oil and gas companies, to smaller fabrication shops.  Our team has conducted a number of full drawing management clean-up projects, As Build markups, fabrication drawings, IFA/IFC packages, standardization, and redrawing projects. Our list of clients includes Husky Energy, Penn West Exploration, Inter Pipeline Fund, HC Piper and RIPA Industries.  For more details on the projects we have conducted please visit our drafting case studies or send us an email.


The Future
Over the course of 2012 we plan to expand our services in the drawing space by offering design and surveying solutions.  Through a combination of internal growth and our network of partnerships we hope to provide a more complete solution in the area of engineering information management.