FAQ — frequently asked questions

We support industrial clients with specific technical problems to solve: a plant without up-to-date documentation, equipment to integrate in a tight space, a unique part to replicate, an unexplained geometric drift, a simulation to run on an atypical installation. Our triple expertise — 3D scanning, computer-aided design and engineering — lets us diagnose, model, simulate and deliver the solution through a single point of contact.

A scanner delivers a point cloud; we deliver the use that is made of it. Practically, we open the technical dialogue with your maintenance and design teams upstream, then we choose the methods (scan, CAD, calculations, simulation, studies, etc.) according to the business objective — tailored delivery, not a catalog of services.

Recovering missing drawings for old machines and parts, validating modifications before a production shutdown, expertise on unusual deformations or wear, single-part inspection in subcontracting, integration and/or handling simulation of new equipment in an existing environment. The common thread: non-standard cases requiring very technical dialogue before quoting.

Yes — France and abroad, across Europe and beyond depending on the project. Our equipment is portable and the deployment is relatively light even on remote sites.

Up to ±0.01 mm on a mechanical part, up to ±1 mm on structural frameworks, piping or boiler-making, and ±5 mm at industrial-site scale. We adapt the scanner and process strategy to your tolerances — not the other way round.

Rarely. Laser scanning is contactless and silent; stations are planned to minimize operational impact. For very constrained zones, we operate in spot shutdowns (a few hours) rather than during scheduled maintenance. We often greatly reduce downtime by scanning components at the foot of the machine.

For a mechanical part: a few hours. For a 500 m² workshop: 1 to 2 days. For a complete industrial site: 1 to 3 weeks depending on complexity. Deliverables can be staggered — point cloud within a few days, detailed modeling on a different timeline matching your schedule.

From parts a few millimeters in size (components, tooling, wear parts) up to full plants — refineries, paper mills, cement plants, vessels. We combine short-range metrology scanners with medium- and long-range environment scanners according to project requirements.

Through a simple web link, accessible from computer, tablet or smartphone on site — no installation. Several people can explore the tour simultaneously from remote sites: remote technical reviews, safety trainings, committee presentations, alignment between maintenance and design office.

Yes — we can generate source files for integration with the main VR headsets on the market (Meta Quest, Pico, HTC Vive). Particularly useful to prepare an intervention in a high-risk area (ATEX, height, restricted access) or for an immersive safety training.

Yes: text annotations and 3D markers, distance, height, angle or surface measurements, shareable screenshots, comments between users. Everything is kept in the project and remains accessible for documentation.

Yes, this is one of our recurring cases. We scan the existing object then reconstruct 2D drawings or parametric 3D As-Built models. Frequent cases: old machines still in operation, tooling whose supplier has disappeared, structures whose documentation was lost during a merger or relocation.

STEP and IGES (universal), SolidWorks (.sldprt, .sldasm), Inventor, AutoCAD, etc. The native format is agreed upon upstream for direct integration into your design chain.

Yes. Our models are built for production: consistent parameterization for CNC machining, watertight geometry for 3D printing (FDM, SLA, SLS, metal), checked draft angles for injection molding or EDM.

Finite-element (FE) mechanical strength and deformation, handling simulations, removal and re-installation of equipment in complex environments to manage risks and intervention time, virtual (dry) assembly of mechanical units to check residual clearances, integration verification and ergonomic accessibility.

Yes — this is one of our most frequent use cases. We scan the existing environment, import the new equipment's CAD model, verify mechanical clearances, maintenance accessibility, ergonomics and visual impact. This anticipates often-costly modifications that emerge after installation. The 3D sharing tool allows clear and efficient design reviews.

By scanning the part at regular intervals (e.g. every 6 months) and overlaying the point clouds. A color map reveals wear zones, their depth and progression — valuable data for reliability engineers to plan replacements and shift from corrective to predictive maintenance.

Yes, this is one of our strengths: dense point clouds behind cluttered structures, measurements in narrow, elevated or hazardous zones, contactless and without disassembly. Depending on physical and safety constraints, we combine laser scanning, photogrammetry and drones. For example, scanning the bilge structure of the famous BELEM ship is one of our notable achievements.

Yes — MASE certification No. 2024-411. Our teams are trained in the safety protocols of high-risk industrial sites (Seveso, ATEX, chemistry). Specific authorizations on demand: working at height, wind turbines, sector-specific PPE.

A site pre-visit, a video call or framing call sets the objectives, access, safety and schedule. The intervention mobilizes 1 to 3 technicians depending on scale, with portable scan equipment. The point cloud is visually validated before leaving. Processing and modeling are then done at the office, followed by a review session at delivery.

Systematically when requested. Many of our clients operate in sensitive sectors (defense, nuclear, pharma). NDA upstream, data stored on secured internal infrastructure, deliverables transmitted via encrypted channels if needed. No client data is published or reused without consent.

From the technical perimeter defined together and an in-depth analysis of the client's technical objectives — each quote reflects the specific real requirements of the project.

24 to 72 hours for standard projects. Within 5 working days for more complex cases (large sites, multi-service integration), preceded by a technical framing call or video.

Industry at large: manufacturing, pharmaceutical, renewable energies, nuclear, paper, agri-food, aerospace, automotive, industrial shipbuilding, plastics, oil & gas, metallurgy, petrochemicals, chemistry, cement plants — about fifteen sectors in France and internationally. Our scope is strictly industrial.