Rockville, MD, October 25, 2005 - Today, IDEAL begins distributing the IDEAL / Contex DESIGNmate 3D color printer. The DESIGNmate 3D printer allows users to create fast, accurate output from 3D CAD data in an office environment. Engineers, Architects, Construction Firms, Reprographic Companies, and anyone requiring tangible 3D models can produce high definition models in 24-bit color with exceptional realism. The DESIGNmate 3D printer broadens IDEAL's product scope from traditional 2D scanning technology and applications into 3D rapid prototyping technology.

IDEAL/Contex DESIGNmate 3D Printer

The DESIGNmate 3D printer is a fast, cost effective way for Architects, Cartographers and Reprographers or others to create realistic, tangible 3D models in color (the CX model) or monochrome (the MX model). Whether the need is to streamline the architectural design process, provide highly accurate visual terrain models for rescue operations, or augment traditional printing processes with tangible models, the DESIGNmate provides unparalleled 3D realism.

"The IDEAL / Contex DESIGNmate 3D printer is cutting-edge technology that gives our customers a fast, low-cost way to bring their drawings to life," says Jay Magenheim, president of IDEAL. "IDEAL was on the forefront in the digital revolution, enabling our customers to take paper drawings to digital with large format scanners, and, once again, IDEAL is on the forefront of a new revolution...the 3D revolution. The DESIGNmate 3D printer will revolutionize the way architects present drawings to their customers, it will revolutionize GIS topographic printing and it will revolutionize and energize the reprographic service bureaus that provide AEC/CAD and GIS printing services. Realistic 3D models are now available to those who couldn't afford the technology before."

In addition to providing high-fidelity, 24-bit color, the DESIGNmate supports 600 X 540 dpi (dots per inch) print-head resolution, large build sizes (254 mm X 356 mm X 203 mm, 10 in. X 14 in. X 8 in), impressive surface finish, small feature resolution, and low operating costs. Color capabilities allow for better representation of buildings and terrains, enhanced texture mapping, and vibrant model coloring. The system's software also enables labeling for improved communication.

Additionally, users can purchase the optional DESIGNedit software. This advanced, intuitive software allows users to apply color graphic images to their 3D models, such as signs on a building, or to annotate items in color to highlight building design changes or topographic anomalies.

Complementary, 3D-enabled software includes Autodesk: Architectural Desktop, Revit, Civil 3D, Bentley Triforma, FormZ, Sketchup, Rhino, Archicad, Catia, and others.

Benefits of the DESIGNmate

*  Improves communication between design and production

*  Makes ideas easier to visualize

*  Makes decisions faster by reviewing tangible objects

*  Identifies form, fit, function and error of a product

*  Outputs exact same model to multiple locations where DESIGNmates are installed

*  Ability to create sample parts out of a less expensive material before committing to a final product.

The IDEAL/Contex DESIGNmate 3D printer is available in two versions, the DESIGNmate Mx is a monochrome 3D printer and the DESIGNmate Cx is a color 3D printer. Both printers come with DESIGNprint software to scale, pan, rotate, and prepare CAD files to build multiple models in one chamber. The list price for the DESIGNmate Mx is $25,900 and the DESIGNmate Cx is $49,900.

About IDEAL

IDEAL.com develops, markets, and supports a wide range of color and monochrome scanning solutions for large format drawings and technical documents including scan-to-print, scan-to-file, Online Planrooms, indexing, archiving, converting and editing software, and 3D printers. IDEAL, the largest US distributor for Contex scanners, recently received its first shipment of the Contex DESIGNmate 3D printer, and has begun immediate distribution. Contex acquired 3D printer technology through a recent acquisition. For more information on the DESIGNmate printer, or any IDEAL products, please contact Kathy Magenheim at (301) 468-0123 ext.1230 or contact via email at kmagenheim@ideal.com.