How Talleres Artificio Reduced Ball Mill Inspection Time by Up to 50% with FreeScan Trak Nova

Discover how 3D scanning helped Talleres Artificio accelerate mining equipment inspections, improve data accuracy, and reduce downtime.

In the mining industry, equipment reliability is directly linked to productivity and profitability. Any delay in measurement, inspection, maintenance planning, or engineering decision-making can result in costly downtime. To overcome these challenges, Chile-based engineering company Talleres Artificio adopted the FreeScan Trak Nova from SHINING 3D, transforming the way critical equipment inspections are performed.

By integrating advanced 3D scanning technology into its workflow, Talleres Artificio significantly improved measurement accuracy, accelerated field data acquisition, and enhanced engineering analysis for ball mill maintenance projects.

The ball mill being scanned

About Talleres Artificio

Located in Nogales, Chile, Talleres Artificio is a mechanical engineering company specializing in the design, engineering, manufacturing, and assembly of industrial solutions. With more than 15 employees, the company delivers customized mechanical systems and services for the mining sector, heavy industry, and advanced manufacturing applications.

By combining engineering knowledge with advanced metrology techniques, Talleres Artificio helps clients minimize operational risks, reduce downtime, and improve equipment reliability.

The Challenge: Improving Measurement Accuracy for Critical Mining Equipment

Before adopting 3D scanning technology, Talleres Artificio relied primarily on conventional measurement methods using manual instruments.

While traditional techniques provided useful dimensional information, they presented several challenges when inspecting large and complex equipment such as ball mills and bearing systems:

Time-consuming on-site measurements
Increased dependency on operator experience
Limited access to critical geometries
Difficulty verifying alignment and concentricity
Risk of missing wear patterns or deformation
Potential design and manufacturing errors caused by incomplete data

The team recognized the need for a more efficient and reliable solution that could capture complete equipment geometry and support advanced engineering analysis.

Talleres Artificio first encountered industrial 3D scanning technology through innovation and technology exhibitions in Chile. The team was particularly impressed by the ability to perform comprehensive equipment mapping and generate detailed digital representations of industrial assets. After evaluating available options, the team selected the SHINING 3D FreeScan Trak Nova.

Why Talleres Artificio Chose SHINING 3D FreeScan Trak Nova

Large-Area Dynamic Tracking with VPG Technology
The FreeScan Trak Nova allows operators to actively track point clouds across large scanning areas, making it ideal for large-scale industrial equipment inspections.

Reliable Measurement Performance
The system utilizes certified measurement modules, providing confidence in data accuracy and consistency during demanding field applications.

Advanced Technology at a Competitive Price
Compared with alternative solutions, SHINING 3D offered an excellent balance between performance, capability, and investment value.

In addition, local distributor provided comprehensive support throughout the purchasing and implementation process, including training and onboarding.

The Solution: Accurate Field Data Collection with FreeScan Trak Nova

Since implementing the FreeScan Trak Nova, Talleres Artificio has transformed its inspection and engineering workflow. Using the scanner, engineers can rapidly capture highly accurate point cloud data directly in the field. The resulting digital models provide a reliable foundation for engineering analysis, reverse engineering, maintenance planning, and quality control.

One significant advantage is the ability to analyze geometric features that would be difficult or impossible to measure using conventional tools such as verify cylindricity. Even when a full 180-degree measurement is inaccessible for traditional instruments such as internal micrometers, the FreeScan Trak Nova can still provide complete and accurate geometric information.

Conclusion

For Talleres Artificio, the SHINING 3D FreeScan Trak Nova has become a powerful tool for industrial inspection, reverse engineering, and maintenance analysis.

By replacing traditional measurement methods with advanced 3D scanning technology, the company has achieved faster inspections, more accurate data collection, improved engineering confidence, and better outcomes for mining clients.

As mining companies continue seeking ways to maximize equipment availability and reduce operational risk, high-precision 3D scanning solutions like the FreeScan Trak Nova are proving to be valuable assets in modern industrial maintenance and engineering workflows.