3D Laser Scanning Services Make Jobs Easier and Increase Safety on Carriers

Six nuclear carriers are now in different phases of development in the Virginia shipyard, which is the nation’s biggest shipbuilder, according to USNI News’s sources. This shipyard uses 3D laser scanning services to make their jobs easier and carriers safer. 

From the Ford-class carriers under construction to the remnants of the decommissioned USS Enterprise (CVN-65) awaiting disposal, this is the highest number of carriers Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Newport News Shipbuilding has had at the yard in over three decades.

There are six carriers at this Virginia Shipyard; each one can use 3D laser scanning services to help move the stages along. Here are the six carriers to take note of. 

• Enterprise (CVN-65): This carrier is waiting to be disposed of. 
• USS George Washington (CVN-73): This carrier is in mid-life refueling and complex overhaul.
• USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74): The second carrier in mid-life refueling and complex overhaul.
• USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78): This carrier has a planned Incremental Availability.
• John F. Kennedy (CVN-79): Finalizing construction plans.
• Enterprise (CVN-80): This carrier is under early construction.

There is currently tons of work to do in the Virginia area, and each of these carriers can benefit from using 3D scanning services. There are many reasons why the shipyard uses the latest technology to develop and dispose of carriers.

The advantages of 3D laser scanning services

3D laser scanning is a non-contact, non-invasive method of collecting physical things in a specified area using the laser light generated by a 3D laser scanner. It operates by analyzing returning laser light pulses to determine angles and distances. Each returning signal establishes a “point” in three-dimensional space. A huge collection of these points is referred to as a “pointcloud.” Here are some reasons why companies turn to this technology. 

Less HSE risk

3D scanners enable surveyors to collect surroundings without personally accessing them. This eliminates the need for expensive and time-consuming health and safety precautions while also ensuring the safety of 3D surveyors.

Detailed recording

The 3D data obtained during the scanning process is very detailed, capturing practically every aspect. Any possibility of omission is greatly minimized, while the danger of mistake is relatively low. This degree of information often removes the need to revisit the site if we miss measurements during the survey process.