At MarineShaft, the acquisition of 3D scanning equipment has become a highly efficient addition to their on-site repair “toolkit.”

MarineShaft is an experienced specialist in various kinds of propeller equipment and rudder arrangement repairs, committed to providing its customers with prompt and cost-effective repair solutions worldwide.

The repairs are carried out in MarineShaft’s comprehensive mechanical workshop locations based in Denmark, along with a wide range of global on-site repair services.

“Our newly purchased handheld 3D scanning equipment complements our other field repair services very well, and with 3D scanning equipment, we can offer our customers faster and more accurate data for their decision-making,” tells Marketing Manager Hanne Magnussen and continues:

“This 3D Scanning equipment has proven to be highly beneficial. We are committed to offering our customers full service and the best repair solution, and we want to give them the possibility to place the entire repair scope with us.

Where and for what type of repairs has MarineShaft used this new 3D scanning equipment?

MarineShaft repairs rudder and propeller equipment from many of the world’s largest tankers and container vessels, and they often handle the repair of heavy equipment.

“We know this is a challenge when it comes to urgent repairs,” says Marketing Manager Hanne Magnussen.

“We have repaired rudder blades weighing 120 tons, which is impossible to bring to our workshop. With our 3D scanning equipment, we can travel on-site and measure components accurately, such as a rudder cone. We then use the data to machine the rudder stock to fit without bringing the rudder to our workshop. That is a huge time and cost-saving solution.”

“Our service engineers bring the portable 3D equipment to the vessel’s location. The data from the 3D scanning is provided to the technical team and workshop in Denmark or a 3. part manufacturer.”

3D scanning used for rudder repairs

“For an on-site rudder repair in China, we used our 3D scanning equipment to determine the cone’s geometry and dimensions to be used for further decision-making regarding the machining, positioning, and fitting of the rudder stock, tiller, and rudder blade cone”.

“We can scan various parts, including fixed propellers, propeller blades, propeller shaft cones, rudder blade cones, and even the foundations of cranes on ships” says Marketing Manager Hanne Magnussen

3D scanning used for a Thruster repair – STB and PS propeller

When a passenger vessel experienced noise and vibrations from its propellers, MarineShaft was contacted to perform a 3D scan while in drydock.
With the 3D equipment, it was possible to scan each blade without dismantling the propellers and make an accurate comparison to detect any deviations.

Reference markers are placed all over each propeller blade to facilitate the measurement. MarineShaft has other methods to measure depending on the size, purpose, and parts you need to scan.

This 3D scanning revealed a difference in the blade’s surface geometries, and with the provided data, our customers could take action based on scanning report.

In this case, MarineShaft also performed the on-site repair and adjustment of the propellers.

3D Scanning Used for Virtual Blue-Fit Testing of a New Tail Shaft Cone for the Propeller

When replacing a damaged propeller shaft or rudder stock, MarineShaft offers a complete solution by manufacturing new components. With an impressive inventory of raw materials, all of European origin and class-certified, MarineShaft can deliver on short notice.

One ongoing project involves the production of a new tail shaft. To ensure precise manufacturing, MarineShaft sent a technician to the vessel’s location abroad to perform a 3D scan of the fixed propeller cone. The scan data can reveal if there are any geometrical deviations inside the propeller cone. MarineShaft uses the 3D Scanning data to machine the cone of the new tail shaft to the exact final dimensions.

By utilizing 3D scanning data, MarineShaft can conduct a virtual blue-fit test, eliminating the need to bring the fixed propeller into the workshop. We can manufacture the new tail shaft with the correct dimensions ready for immediate installation.