DEHN Africa provides 3D laser scanning for lightning protection design
December 2019
News
3D laser scanning delivers many benefits for industrial and engineering projects, providing precise and reliable data which allows for improved planning and scheduling. Without physically touching what is being measured, 3D scanning creates clear and precise digital records of existing conditions. Laser scanners send out a beam that is subsequently reflected off the structure or being scanned. The distance and reflectivity of each return signal is measured and recorded, creating a point cloud.
Hano Oelofse, MD at earthing and lightning protection company DEHN Africa, says this 3D imposition helps to protect plants and other constructions, explaining: “3D laser scanning makes it easy to take the exact measurements of complex objects and building structures. With the help of a laser scanner, existing plants and structures can be recorded and digitalised. At DEHN Africa, we are able to offer this service not only for lightning protection systems, but for any building, structure or plant that needs precise drawings of the complete layout.”
3D scanning works as follows:
• The scan produces millions of measurement points called coordinates. Together these points create the raw data for the point cloud.
• Point clouds are then processed and consolidated using appropriate software.
• The result is a detailed 3D model.
Oelofse continues: “The intricate detail of the points means that an exact measurement anywhere in the point cloud can be obtained. DEHN Africa is able to use laser scanning to put together a lightning protection design for an existing building or plant. The process of creating the lightning protection design also gives a 3D model of the plant itself, which can then be used for other types of planning and processing.”
Oelofse says the advantages of the DEHN 3D offering include the following:
• Recording the as built situation creates an accurate design.
• While the preliminary planning stage benefits from time saving, time-consuming redesigns that are based on old as-built drawings are also no longer necessary.
• Different formats are available for further use.
Further reading:
What to expect at Africa Automation Indaba 2026: From AI readiness to bankable automation projects
RX Africa
News
Africa Automation Indaba 2026 will give delegates a practical view of what it takes to move automation from ambition to implementation with a two-day programme focused on industrial readiness, skills development, policy alignment, investment realities and the future of intelligent operations.
Read more...
SKF achieves SaiMechE CPD accreditation
SKF South Africa
News
SKF South Africa has achieved SaiMechE CPD accreditation, a decisive step that empowers the next generation of engineers.
Read more...
Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...
40 years of PC-based control
Beckhoff Automation
News
When Beckhoff elevated the industrial computer to the status of a central control system four decades ago, a paradigm shift occurred.
Read more...
One visit, five shows: practical solutions for safer, smarter operations
News
Five co-located shows will bring together the full picture of how organisations manage risk, compliance, infrastructure and energy.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could
...
Read more...
Electra Mining Africa 2026
News
Electra Mining Africa will take place at Nasrec, Johannesburg from 7 to 11 September 2026.
Read more...
Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
Read more...
AVEVA to spotlight industrial intelligence at AVEVA Day
News
AVEVA will host AVEVA Day South Africa 2026 on 22 April with the theme ‘Accelerating Africa’s Industrial Future: Harnessing AI, Digital Twins and Data-Driven Operations for Sustainable Growth’.
Read more...
Toolbox on the Move brings critical components and support right to your door
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
News
BMG has expanded its service to businesses operating in remote areas in the Eastern Cape with the launch of a new mobile sales and support initiative.
Read more...
printer friendly version