Scanalyse, a Curtin University spin-out company, was established in 2005 based on the Western Australian university’s research into the application of laser scanning technology to monitor the wear of equipment used in mining and mineral processing operations.

The company, which has operations in Australia, Brazil, Chile and the US, has developed proprietary computer analysis of spatial laser scam data, with the analysis used for process equipment condition and performance monitoring.

Scanalyse products include MillMapper for grinding mill monitoring and CrusherMapper for crushing monitoring.

Outotec said it expected to increase the sales of these products through the acquisition, with the deal also expected to strengthen its maintenance services as well as providing a platform for growth.

“Scanalyse’s condition and performance monitoring technologies and services are a valuable addition to Outotec’s life cycle services portfolio,” Outotec chief executive Pertti Korhonen said.

“There are good opportunities to multiply the business volume of grinding mill and crusher monitoring services and to further develop applications for other process equipment.”

Commenting on the deal, Scanalyse board member and Curtin intellectual property commercialisation director Rohan McDougall said it demonstrated both Curtin and WA’s strengths in mining innovation.

“Curtin is known for its close collaboration with industry and this is a fantastic example of how technology developed in the university environment can, with the right ingredients, make a substantial economic impact and benefit industry,” he said.

According to McDougall, Scanalyse’s services have quickly gained acceptance in the minerals processing industry in Australia and around the world.

The transaction is expected to be completed this month, with the price of the acquisition not disclosed.

Scanalyse has 36 employees.

Last July, announced plans to acquire Australian plant maintenance specialist TME Group as part of a plan to double its services revenue by 2015.