When an Australian operation needed ATEX certified 3D scanning technology, the only type legally permitted in explosive atmospheres, most suppliers said, “not available in Australia.” We said, “when do you need it?”
Aptella supports a wide range of industries including civil and building construction, mining, quarrying, solar energy, and geospatial surveying.
In the world of industrial technology, there’s a vast difference between what’s available globally and what’s accessible in Australia. In September, that difference became crystal clear when an industrial operation needed ATEX certified 3D scanning capability, the only technology legally permitted to operate safely in explosive atmospheres, while maintaining survey grade precision.
This type of specialised requirement is exactly where Aptella’s distributor relationships prove their value.
We saw an opportunity to demonstrate what makes Aptella different.
Rather than accepting limitations, our established distributor relationship with Z+F enabled us to supply the Z+F IMAGER® 5006EX – an ATEX certified explosion proof 3D laser scanner with a proven track record globally – to Australian operations that need it most.
Mining Mart, an Engineering and Procurement Consultancy servicing hazardous environment industries, identified this established technology as the solution Australia’s refineries, processing plants, fuel storage facilities, and mining operations needed. Instead of attempting to handle the supply chain themselves, they came directly to Aptella.
“When Mining Mart identified the Z+F IMAGER® 5006EX as the solution Australia’s hazardous environment industries needed, we came to Aptella because of their established distributor relationships,” explains Venkat Sreenivasa Rao Gajjalakonda, the Founder of Mining Mart. “The Z+F IMAGER® 5006EX allows operations to gather critical data in environments where safety has always meant compromising on precision.”
This demonstrates exactly how Aptella’s strong distributor relationships work. When specialist consultancies identify technology needs, they turn to us because they know we have the established partnerships and supply chain expertise to deliver solutions that others can’t access.
What made this supply possible wasn’t just product availability – it was our established distributor relationships. When Mining Mart saw the potential for this proven technology in Australia, they approached Aptella because they recognised something crucial: strong distributorships create opportunities that traditional supply chains simply can’t match.
The Z+F IMAGER® 5006EX isn’t just explosion proof – it’s ATEX certified, making Mining Mart the first company in Australia to operate this technology.
This certification matters because traditional 3D scanners pose serious ignition risks in explosive environments. Refineries, processing plants, fuel storage facilities, and underground mining operations all contain explosive gases, vapours, or dust that can be ignited by non-certified equipment.
ATEX certification – which stands for “Atmosphères Explosibles” – is the European standard that ensures equipment can operate safely in potentially explosive atmospheres. It’s not just a safety recommendation; in many hazardous environments, it’s a legal requirement. Non-certified equipment simply cannot be used in these zones, regardless of how advanced the technology might be.
“Traditional 3D scanners are not certified for explosive environments and pose serious ignition risks,” explains Mr Gajjalakonda. “With the Z+F 5006EX, we can safely capture high resolution 3D data in explosive gas, vapour, and dust zones, ensuring compliance with strict safety standards, accurate and efficient field verification, and safer ways of working for every project.”
This is the critical differentiator that Aptella’s distributor relationship has now made accessible to Australian industry.
“The beauty of working with Aptella isn’t just their ability to source specialised technology,” continues Mr Gajjalakonda. “It’s that they bring genuine partnership thinking to every supply challenge. When we saw the potential for this technology in Australia, we knew Aptella had both the market understanding and client relationships to make it succeed.”
The successful handover in September marked a significant milestone for Aptella – representing the highest value specialised technology transaction to date for the company. Francois Alberts, Business Development Manager – Reality Capture at Aptella, personally delivered the equipment to Mining Mart. Mr Gajjalakonda’s 600km journey from the Kalgoorlie Goldfields to personally collect the equipment demonstrates the level of commitment this technology inspires. “I can’t wait to see this unit put through its paces in Australia,” he said during the handover.
The Z+F IMAGER® 5006EX has a well-established track record internationally. With its ability to capture over 508,000 pixels per second while maintaining millimetre accuracy in explosive environments, it’s been solving challenges globally that have long required compromise between safety and precision.
What sets this scanner apart for Australian operations isn’t novelty – it’s the ATEX certification that makes this proven performance legally and safely available in Australia’s most hazardous environments.
“What excites me most about this supply isn’t the technology itself, though it’s fantastic.” says Geoffrey Preece, Business Team Manager – Reality Capture at Aptella. “It’s what it represents about our approach. We were able to make it happen through our established distributor relationships.”
This supply showcases Aptella’s core strength – our ability to navigate the gap between what clients need and what the market readily offers, backed by established distributorships that turn possibilities into realities.
While Aptella is delivering one unit to Kalgoorlie, the implications reach far beyond a single installation. Our distributor relationships now open doors across Australia’s most demanding industrial sectors – from refineries and chemical processing facilities to fuel storage operations, pharmaceutical manufacturing, and mining operations.
“We’re not just solving one client’s problem,” notes Geoffrey Preece. “We’re demonstrating a capability that’s now available to the entire Australian market. Every hazardous environment operation now has access to this certified technology, supported by specialist teams who understand their unique challenges.”
Based on ground level experience and client feedback, the scope for engaging this scanner is particularly significant across refineries, processing plants, and fuel storage facilities – sectors where ATEX certification isn’t optional, it’s essential.
In an era where safety regulations grow more stringent and operational precision becomes increasingly critical, having access to ATEX certified solutions isn’t a luxury, it’s a competitive necessity.
“The beauty of this relationship is that it combines Mining Mart’s technical expertise with Aptella’s distributor network and client focused approach,” adds Mr Gajjalakonda. “Together, we’re not just supplying equipment – we’re enabling safer, more efficient operations with ongoing specialist support.”
Aptella’s clients don’t just buy products. They buy peace of mind knowing that when they face their most complex challenges, we have both the network and determination to find solutions, and the dedicated teams to ensure their success.
This relationship with Mining Mart exemplifies our evolving role in the Australian technology landscape. As Geoffrey Preece notes, “we’re not just bridging the gap between global innovations and local needs. We’re leveraging our distributor networks where technology specialists and end users work together to drive business growth.”
“Every distributor relationship we build opens new possibilities for our clients,” notes Preece. “When brands trust us with their technologies, and specialists invest their expertise, our clients get more than equipment. They get entire ecosystems designed for their success.”
As Aptella continues expanding their supplier relationships and technical expertise, they cement themselves as Australia’s go-to source for technologies that others consider too niche, too complex, or too challenging. This is backed by dedicated and experienced technical teams who become invested in their clients’ business growth.
At Aptella, we understand that not every project fits into a standard product catalogue. If you’re searching for specialised technology, niche solutions for complex environments, our team is here to help. We work closely with trusted partners like Z+F to source and deliver the right tools for the job, even if it’s not something we regularly stock. If you haven’t found exactly what you need, reach out to our team, we’re always ready to explore custom solutions that meet your unique requirements.
About the Z+F IMAGER® 5006EX: Explosion-Proof 3D Laser Scanner
The Z+F IMAGER® 5006EX is the world’s first ATEX-certified 3D laser scanner designed for safe and precise surveying in explosive environments. Developed by Zoller + Fröhlich GmbH in collaboration with DMT GmbH & Co. KG, this scanner is purpose-built for industries such as underground mining, oil & gas, and chemical processing where explosive atmospheres are a concern.
With a 79-metre range, a 310° x 360° field of view, and a fully stand-alone design, the 5006EX delivers high-resolution spatial data without the need for external equipment, eliminating additional ignition risks. Its ATEX Class I and II certification ensures compliance with international safety standards, making it a trusted solution for hazardous-area scanning across Australia and beyond.
