Case Study 1 (Energy) | Top Flight Computers

We worked with a large energy provider over 2 years to provide them with a wide range of computers for heavy LIDAR processing, laser scanning, VR, and engineering.

The Need for Energy Capability – Super Tower of Power (2021)

We first interacted with the metrology team in early 2021, talking with the metrology director about a new high-capacity LIDAR processing machine. While this was a significant investment, the work being done could only be done on local computers, due to the sensitive nature of the power plants and the inferior network connection. It took nearly 18 months from initial form submission to order placement, due to multiple pandemic delays and IT procurement challenges.

Eventually, they purchased Super Tower of Power, a 3D laser scanning workstation with 1TB of RAM, dual Xeon Platinum CPUs, and an RTX A6000 48GB video card. This system is designed for Faro Scene, Geomagic Design X, Syncro4D, Premiere Pro, Photoshop, Inventor, Revit, Recap, 3DS Max, Navisworks, and AutoCAD. The name comes from the director calling his current processing machine the “Tower of Power”.

We integrated a custom water loop for the CPUs, allowing them to run at full speed, quietly, in an office environment. This was eventually upgraded to 2TB of RAM, after they realized that the ever-increasing project files were causing the system to run out of memory. Upgrading the system from 1TB RAM to 2TB RAM dropped point cloud registration time from 64 hours to 15-20 hours (it was originally 10 hours with 1TB).

STOP allowed the metrology team to go into the field, take laser scans, load initial data into the system, and then start scan registration nearly at-will. This was, at the time, the most expensive computer in the metrology department.

Build 132 – Super Tower of Power: Laser Scanning Workstation

Case Study 1 (Energy) | Top Flight Computers

Virtual Training – DEVR 1 (2022)

About 4 months later, they needed a workstation for virtual reality. They were working on a way to use virtual reality to do maintenance training, making things much safer and controlled. Safety is paramount in their industry, so every little bit helps.

After a little deliberation, they purchased DEVR 1. This was designed to be a static spec, only being upgraded as necessary. Keeping specs static meant that various software and drivers didn’t have to be rebuilt.

Build 147 – DEVR 1: VR Workstation

Customer Testimonial

“What can’t I say here. I’ve worked with Chris on several builds. The most recent being DEVR and the really big one being SToP (Super Tower of Power). Chris and Team at Top Flight, were not only professional but took the time to spec and re-spec the machine when supply chain issues were in their peak.

While I know enough about computers myself, Having the support and knowledge of Top Flight there to help if something fails (under warranty) who can get the parts to us and ready to fix is awesome. If you’re looking for a quality workstation that will do what YOU want, the way YOU want it, and is specialized to YOUR needs, reach out to Chris and the rest of the Top Flight team.”

Brad, Seneca SC

Expanding Capabilities – Accelerated Design (2023)

About a year after they purchased STOP, they decided to break ground on a new office for the metrology team. They needed more processing power as the team was starting to gain more work, so they purchased 2 more machines, called Accelerated Design.

These were purchased fairly early in the life of the RTX 6000 ADA, so we were able to source 2 GPUs at greatly reduced cost through our channel partners.

Build 194 – Accelerated Design: Laser Scanning Workstation

True Capability – The Zords (2023)

The metrology director and I had been discussing building a set of smaller-scale STOPs for a while, this was shelved in early 2023. At some point in 2023 however, we started again about going the OTHER direction. They were embarking on a very large undertaking, and needed a LOT more compute and storage. Effectively, multiple systems of the same class as STOP, plus a system with enough storage to hold the final work for a while.

Over ~3 months, we deliberated over designs that would become Tryscannosaurus Rex, Mascanodon, Triscanotops, Saber Tooth Scanner, Pterodascanyl, and Dragonscanzord.

These builds was designed for processing large reality capture files in Faro Scene and rendering animations and massive model assemblies in Autodesk products.

Build 223 – Tryscannosaurus Rex: Laser Scanning Workstation

Build 224 – Mascanodon: Laser Scanning Workstation

Build 225 – Triscanatops: Laser Scanning Workstation

Build 226 – Saber Tooth Scanner: Laser Scanning Workstation

Build 227 – Pterodascanyl: Laser Scanning Workstation

Build 228 – Dragonscanzord: Network Attached Storage

More Virtual Training – DEVR 2

About a month later, they needed another VR workstation. As we’d established a design for this need, they purchased DEVR 2.

Build 232 – DEVR 2: VR Workstation

The Team Grows! – Alpha 1

About a month later, the metrology team hired new employees and needed to provide each technician with a capable computer. The metrology director was a firm believer in empowering their employees, so they purchased 5 machines and established a new static spec. This order was Alpha 1.

These builds were designed for Inventor, Revit, Navisworks, Adobe, and Faro.

Build 238 – Alpha 1: Laser Scanning Workstation

Engineering Needs Help – MEAN CAD 1

Later in 2023, the engineering team needed workstations for various needs. We established yet another static spec (having these presets made it easier to work with them), and they purchased 6 machines called MEAN CAD 1.

These builds were designed for Inventor, Revit, Navisworks, Adobe, and Faro.

Build 252 – MEAN CAD 1: CAD Workstation

Even More Virtual Training – DEVR 3

At the same time as MEAN CAD, they needed 6 more VR workstations. As we’d established a design for this need, they purchased DEVR 3.

Build 251 – DEVR 3: VR Workstation

Through working with this company, we gained a great deal of experience in LIDAR processing and laser scanning. We learned how important it is to have enough memory, and how certain platforms are MUCH faster than others.

About Top Flight Computers

Top Flight Computers is based in North Carolina and designs custom built computers, focusing on bespoke desktop workstations, rack workstations, rack servers, and gaming PCs.

We focus on the Raleigh/Cary/Apex/Durham area, offer free delivery within 20 miles of our shop in Cary NC, can deliver within 3 hours of our shop, and ship nationwide.

We work with local NC partners for other tech services, such as computer repair and managed IT. Call us at 919-500-5002 or email us at sales@topflightpc.com to inquire about a build!

Check out our past builds and live streams on our YouTube channel!