Faster, Smarter Maintenance with SCANTECH 3D Scanning

The energy infrastructure sector relies heavily on long-lasting, high-performance machinery. Companies specializing in pipeline construction and heavy equipment maintenance face growing challenges in maintaining older machines, especially when original parts are no longer in production. In such environments, ensuring the availability of precise spare parts is critical to avoid downtime and sustain operational efficiency.

Spiecapag boasts nearly a century of global success in building pipelines and related infrastructure. With operations in over 60 countries across five continents, the company has expanded its focus beyond pipeline installation to maintaining a wide range of specialized heavy equipment essential for long-term operations.

Part 1: Digitizing a Critical Braking System Component

In the first phase of the project, Spiecapag needed a high-precision 3D model of a large braking system component that was essential for ongoing equipment operation. Traditional sourcing options were unavailable, so accurate digital capture was crucial for subsequent manufacturing processes, including 3D printing and casting.

Measurement Challenges

The part was large, heavy, and geometrically complex, with deep holes and narrow cavities. Placing markers was not feasible due to the object’s weight and size, and repositioning needed to be minimized to reduce setup time and avoid inaccuracies.

Limitations of Traditional Methods

Manual measurement and coordinate measuring machines (CMMs) were unsuitable due to their limitations in handling large parts and collecting data quickly and flexibly.

SCANTECH's Solution

Spiecapag collaborated with BTRD3D, SCANTECH’s experienced distributor specializing in 3D scanning and reverse engineering. The part was delivered to BTRD3D’s workshop, where the TrackScan optical 3D scanning system—capable of scanning without markers—was used. 

This optical 3D measurement system—featuring a portable 3D scanner and the i-Tracker optical tracker—is ideal for scanning large-scale objects. It’s widely used across industries like aerospace, automotive, rail transport, and mold making for applications such as quality control, product development, and more.

Thanks to its single-laser-line mode, TrackScan was able to access and capture deep, intricate details. The full process—including preparation, scanning, and mesh generation—was completed in under 2 hours. 

The resulting high-fidelity 3D data was used to generate accurate .STEP files for downstream production.

Part 2: Digitizing Cooling System Components for Predictive Maintenance

The second phase focused on components of the cooling system—primarily radiators and pistons—that frequently required maintenance. Spiecapag aimed to create a complete 3D digital archive for these parts to enable predictive maintenance, eliminate reliance on the global used-parts market, and simplify future reproduction.

Measurement Challenges

Portability: Scanning equipment needed to be transported easily to Spiecapag’s workshop.

Versatility: The scanner had to handle dark surfaces and reflective metal finishes.

Accuracy and Stitching: Multiple scans had to be stitched into precise, high-fidelity models.

SCANTECH's Solution

BTRD3D’s team traveled to Spiecapag’s site with two portable SCANTECH systems: NimbleTrack wireless 3D scanning system and SIMSCAN 42 3D laser scanner. These compact tools fit into a car and were ideal for on-site work.

The NimbleTrack wireless 3D scanning system is compact, agile, and engineered for precise measurement of small to medium-sized parts. Equipped with powerful onboard processors and a built-in battery, both the 3D scanner and optical tracker operate fully wirelessly—delivering true freedom of movement.

SIMSCAN, a palm-sized 3D laser scanner, is purpose-built for capturing data in tight, hard-to-reach spaces with ease and accuracy.

NimbleTrack scanned radiators up to 1.3 meters long. Each unit was scanned in less than an hour. SIMSCAN 42 handled smaller mechanical components, which were digitized in under 15 minutes per part.

Outcome

This phase enabled Spiecapag to build a reliable digital inventory of frequently serviced parts. The data supported faster maintenance workflows, eliminated guesswork, and reduced lead times for part reproduction.

Benefits of SCANTECH's Solution

SCANTECH's 3D scanning solutions offered:

High portability, allowing on-site data acquisition with compact, lightweight equipment

Fast scanning speeds, reducing inspection time

High precision, accuracy of up to 0.020 mm, essential for reverse engineering and part reproduction

Ease of use, enabling smooth operation even with complex or reflective surfaces

Why SCANTECH over Competitors

While alternative 3D scanning systems exist, many fall short in combining portability, high precision, and speed in a single solution. SCANTECH's strategic partnership with BTRD3D ensured the project was handled by specialists, offering end-to-end support from scanning to data processing. Unlike general-purpose tools, SCANTECH's solutions were tailored for industrial applications with real-world constraints.

Conclusion

Spiecapag successfully overcame the challenge of maintaining aging heavy equipment. By digitizing and archiving complex mechanical parts, they are now better equipped to support proactive maintenance strategies, reduce downtime, and ensure operational continuity. This case exemplifies how expert-driven 3D scanning technology can future-proof industrial maintenance and manufacturing processes.