3D line design by KHS

Dortmund | The KHS Group is expanding its virtual 3D line design software in 2024. Various new features allow customers to gain a holistic impression of their potential system as early as during the offer phase.

After introducing 3D line design to the offer phase two years ago, the Dortmund systems provider has made a key expansion to the software: this KHS service now includes a new generation of mobile laser scanners and technically optimized VR goggles. “With this, we enable beverage producers to enjoy a holistic, detailed 3D experience within a very short time indeed, thus simplifying project planning and greatly improving planning security,” says Patrick Bürger, head of Plant Design at KHS.

Quick surveys by mobile laser scanner

What’s known as laser scanning enables all interfering contours in the production shop to be precisely surveyed and recorded. To this end, the scanner logs all possible obstacles in minute detail. “If all the customer has are 2D drawings that are 20 to 30 years old and often incomplete, this can lead to a number of unpleasant surprises. During the order phase or, in the worst case, at the last minute during commissioning, ventilation systems, columns or other obstructions may suddenly appear that hamper the ingress of our lines and machines,” explains Bürger. In using state-of-the-art 3D laser scanners, KHS directly eliminates this source of error at the initial planning stage.

Furthermore, the VR goggles themselves have also undergone significant further development. Whereas to date a relatively elaborate external tracking system with two or four calibratable support stands was used, KHS now works with tracking incorporated into the goggles. “We only need the goggles, two joysticks and a laptop to display the data. This means that the setup is much simpler and available much more quickly,” Bürger continues.