January/February Newsletter

Before we begin sharing amazing new projects in 2012, we decided to take a quick look back at some of the best stories and blog posts from 2011. In the first newsletter of the year members of our staff share their favorites.

Michael's Pick: Scanning Beams from the World Trade Center for the 9/11 Memorial of Maryland.

Charlie's Pick: We scanned a half finished structure for a new Medical Center to help create a Building Information Model (BIM).

Mike's Pick: Since introducing Mantis Vision's F5 we've used it for a host of applications -- scanning movie sets, people, vehicles, and especially facilities. This article discusses utilizing the F5 scanner for scanning structures and facilities.

Harry's Pick: The Andy Monument project is a great example of using body scanning, high-resolution scanning, digital portrait sculpting, and artist-directed model modifications in a sculptural project.

Sara's Pick: To create the Emeco 111 Navy chair, we laser scanned the famous classic Navy chair to aid in the creation of a new mold. With a new mold, Emeco was able to create a version of the iconic chair created from recycled Coke bottles.

Make sure to sign up for Direct Dimensions' newsletter, we'll be bringing you some great new stories and features in 2012!

CMSC Call for Papers Deadline March 1

Just a reminder that the deadline on CMSC's Call for Papers is March 1, 2012.



From CMSC's website:
The organization welcomes abstracts for presentations and technical papers submitted by metrology professionals from leading manufacturers, science laboratories, and academia. Suggested topics include industry best practices, scientific research and developments, and successful applications of 3D coordinate measurement systems. The CMSC is the only North American conference dedicated solely to users of portable, high-precision measurement technology used to inspect manufactured and assembled components on the factory floor.

Important Deadlines for Submission and Publication:

Abstract Submission Deadline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 1, 2012
Notification of Acceptance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 15, 2012
Technical Papers Due . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 15, 2012
Presentations Due. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 15, 2012
Final Paper/Presentation Revisions Deadline . . . . . . July 1, 2012
CMSC Conference Dates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . July 16 -20, 2012

For more information about the 2012 CMSC “Call for Papers,” visit the CMSC website or contact Michael Raphael, Technical Presentations Coordinator at presentations@cmsc.org.

Presidents Day in 3D

In honor of Presidents Day we present Four Presidential 3D projects:

1) During the last election we helped renowned cartoonist KAL create a digital Obama cartoon by laser scanning and modeling one of his sculptures.




2)When a portion of George Washington's Campsite at Valley Forge began to erode, we were called in to scan the site to aid in its preservation and excavation.


3) A documentary film crew relied on our 3D scanning of the Lincoln life mask when they wanted to compare the measurements of Lincoln's actual face with artistic renderings and daguerreotypes.


4) George Washington gave his resignation speech at the Maryland Statehouse in Annapolis which we documented for preservation during an extensive renovation.

Exciting Events and Contests at RAPID 2012

The RAPID show and 3D Imaging conference is one of the largest events in our industry. Each year they continue to add more amazing sessions, exhibits and even competitions.

In 2010, the show added a contemporary art gallery, specifically for art created using 3D modeling and additive manufacturing. It was such a success that 2012 will mark the third year for the gallery. SME is accepting submissions for the 2012 gallery until February 28th.

Reflecting the ever growing list of fields that utilize 3D design and additive manufacturing, this year RAPID will also feature a 3D Printing Fashion Show. Interested parties can submit their designs until February 28th.

This year will also introduce a new competition for students (both high school and university levels) called the Design for Direct Digital Manufacturing Competition. From the RAPID website:

The 2012 Design for Direct Digital Manufacturing Competition has begun!
Using the capabilities of direct digital manufacturing (DDM), can you and your team develop a new and innovative product?
Can you and your team integrate DDM into a product or subassembly that effectively illustrates the potential impact of additive manufacturing?

If you can answer YES to both questions, this competition is for YOU!

Make sure to check out the above events and, of course, stop by and see Direct Dimensions at RAPID 2012/3D Imaging Conference.

Training Future Users of 3D Technologies

At Direct Dimensions we're pretty passionate about spreading the word on how 3D scanning and modeling can contribute to numerous industries.

This often results in tours and mini-training sessions with diverse groups that include artists, engineers, business organizations and often students from various disciplines.

Last week we had the opportunity to hold a training class for a group from the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. These were students from the Art as Applied to Medicine program who will eventually use 3D scanning and modeling to aid in Ophthalmological Illustration, Medical Sculpture, and Anaplastology (the creation of facial and somato prosthetics).



In the above image Direct Dimensions Modeler Derek LeBrun and JHU Professor Juan Garcia demonstrate various modeling techniques for the class. The skills that these students are learning will one day enable them to help create new faces, fingers, ears and toes for patients.

A great example of what they will be doing is a project that Direct Dimensions worked on with JHU and Juan Garcia where we helped create a new nose for a solider that had been injured in Iraq. Check out the video below to see how 3D techniques and anaplastology changed the life of a soldier.