3D Printing Changes the Game

In the “old” days, the gap between design completion and the actual delivery of a physical product was often measured in months, took a large amount of costly resources, and was often the point at which otherwise useful designs would never get to see the light of day.  The cost of prototyping was so prohibitive, that it actually killed good ideas.

That thinking is now as old school as computing via terminal to a mainframe!  3D printers have literally changed the game for prototype delivery, delivery of “one-off” designs, and for “self-production.” I know that’s a whole lot of quotation marks, but we’re dealing with a lot of very new concepts and capabilities that are dramatically changing the final output of what CAD professionals are delivering.  Read full article »

Paris 3D Saga – Experience it live, online and mobile

Originally Posted by By Aurelien, 3D Perspectives

A couple years after the Khufu and Giza projects, we’re back into a brand new historical 3D adventure. This time, it’s nothing less than the most visited capital in the world, the City of Lights, also know as Paris.  “Paris 3D Saga” is an educative and entertaining journey in the history of Paris beginning 20 centuries ago. Today, we’re releasing three ways to experience the Paris 3D Saga: a live event (if you have the chance to be in Paris tonight), an online 3D experience, as well as an iPad app. Please have a look at the video previews below!

At a first glance, Paris 3D might just look as a video game. It’s not. Each step of the reconstitution was verified and validated with history experts. An history committee under the supervision of Didier Busson, history expert and archaeologist of Paris city, ensured that the project was scientifically and architecturally accurate. Because in the end, whether it’s for our customers from any industry or for an historical reconstitution, our technology and approach serve the same intent: it’s not about building virtual universes for the sake of virtuality ; it’s about building virtual universes that are the closest to the real world, for the sake or reality. Or, in a single word, 3DEXPERIENCE. Read full article »

Archaeologists Dig Up New Uses for GIS

Originally Posted by Cyrena Respini-Irwin, Cadalyst

Archaeology demands patience, perseverance, and often, a strong back. Like their predecessors, modern archaeologists still labor with shovels, trowels, and brushes. In the past decade, however, they have made some notable additions to the toolbox. The khaki-clad figure that once captured aerial photographs from a hot-air balloon now studies detailed imagery collected by satellite-borne sensors. Crates of dusty field notebooks have given way to notebook computers; dog-eared paper maps have been replaced by GIS (geographic information system) maps that provide spatial context to diverse datasets. Digital 3D models give new life to ancient buildings and artifacts, offering revelations that pen-and-ink drawings never could. Read full article »

North American Eagle Using Modified Jet Fighter in Land Speed Record Bid

Originally Posted by Rachel Park, CAD Digest

When you talk about driving fast, conversation typically turns to motorsport – maybe NASCAR, certainly Formula 1, perhaps MotoGP, and the like. These sports command attention and produce excitement, with high profile teams in the public consciousness, and drivers who in the minds of mere mortals exist as demi-gods. It’s all down to one central element: SPEED. As a species, we are fascinated with racing and speed. These days, increasing vehicular speed goes hand-in-hand with superior engineering principles and high-grade computing power to produce milliseconds of extra speed for the vehicles that we watch and admire as they are raced along and around the track. Read full article »

How Does 3D Printing Work, Anyway? [Infographic]

Originally Posted by Matt Silverman, Mashable

Design a pair of shoes on your computer, hit “Print,” and wear them an hour later. If that kind of technology doesn’t blow your mind, you’re dead to me.

The cost of 3D printing technology is finally within the grasp of consumers, and many believe it’s poised to revolutionize commerce. Companies are rushing to get out in front of this new custom marketplace, offering 3D-printed fashion, furniture and even food.

But how does this technology work? What kind of materials does it utilize? And how fast is this industry growing? The folks at HighTable.com have created the visual explanation below. Regrettably, this infographic will only print in 2D — unless you fold it into some sort of origami swan. But that one’s on you.

Read full article »