As the capabilities of 3D printing becomes more advanced, it’s no wonder that more and more jewelers are embracing this technology and utilizing a 3D printing service to create some of their most unique and stylish pieces yet. This describes perfectly Uptown Diamond and Jewelry in Houston, Texas, who sought out this tech in an effort to satisfy customer needs and expectations.
When creating a piece of custom jewelry there is no room for error. Previously, customers would only get a sketch before the labor intensive process of hand creating the piece went underway. If the customer isn’t pleased with the end product, that can create an uncomfortable situation for all involved. But thanks to the ProJet 3510 CPX 3D printing service, Uptown doesn’t have to worry about that problem ever again.
Technology has come to the rescue yet again. Thanks to 3D scanning, scientists will now be able to track the damage that has been done by both nature and vandals to the Moai statues on Easier Island. Back in 2008, a tourist defaced one of the statues by removing an ear lobe from it. Thankfully, damage from people is minimal and rarely occurs. However, damage from natural events is quite common and poses a much greater threat to this world heritage site.
Beginning in 2007, a HafenCity University Hamburg team began cataloging all of the statues using 3D scanning tech. The project was slated to last for five years and would make it possible for scientists to keep track of damage and assess future threats by creating an accurate baseline analysis to compare to. This also makes it possible to keep track of damage caused by erosion.
Now, here comes the tricky part: it’s illegal to touch the statues. So, non-contact laser scanning was used to fully capture all of the required data without resorting to breaking any laws. During the five-year project, researchers scanned 11 sites and 46 individual Moai statues. All of the collected data was processed through the 3D Systems’ Geomagic Studio software. This produced highly detailed scans from which scientists can now make accurate assessments as to the condition of the statues.
It has been difficult to capture the complex interior of the Leaning Tower of Pisa due to technological limitations. Until now, that is. Thanks to 3D scanning, detailed measurements of the interior architecture have now been recorded, allowing for the preservation of this data for the first time in history.
The tech was developed by CSIRO, which is Australia’s national science agency. The device itself is called the Zebedee and it’s a handheld mapping system that uses a 3D laser scanner that has flexibility thanks to a spring. This device can capture millions of measurements just as the operator walks through a space. This revolutionizes the ability to capture information about three-dimensional spaces. And it works by running this data through software that can turn the laser data points into a three dimensional map.
Previously, the very narrow staircases and intricate architectural passageways made it impossible for mapping technology to function inside. The equipment just wouldn’t fit. A handheld device is the way to go, however, allowing researchers to use 3D scanning to capture a 3D map of the whole building for the first time.
Normally, this kind of detail would take weeks, if not months to capture. The level of accuracy that this device has been able to produce in just a couple of hours, however, is astounding and definitely worth noting. During this project, the scientists of CSIRO were able to use the Zebedee device to scan the whole interior of the Tower within 20 minutes! Yes, you read that correctly. And the scan included precise and minute details of things like the stairs and notches in stone.
Thanks for checking back in to read our 3D scanner buyer’s guide. In part 3, you’ll learn about all of the different attributes that dictate a high-quality functioning printer or scanner and how these elements affect your purchasing decision.
First up is the speed of advice. A good three-dimensional printer or scanner will perform at optimum speeds while still maintaining quality. In terms of printing speed, this typically refers to how quickly or how many inches per hour can be produced. This refers to vertical build speed, and doesn’t take into account the full geometry of the item being printed. When it comes to scanning, a similar metric is used and is based on how quickly the light or laser can scan over the object and completely capture the appropriate data points.
Another attribute that can help you decide on which model of 3D scanner or printer to purchase is the cost of individual parts. So, the material required for printing will vary depending on its model. While a printer may be high quality, using one with a high-cost material might not be worth it, especially if you plan on creating items that are quite large or with complex geometry.
Florida has long been known as a home to many manufacturers of boats, yachts and related products. Major companies like Cigarette, Regal, Monterey, Sea Ray, Boston Whaler, Lazzara, Mystic, Correct Craft and many, many more all build boats here in Florida. During the recent downturn some boat companies went out business, some where acquired and … Read more
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