Rockville, MD, July 10, 2006 - IDEAL.com announced today that they have begun offering 3D CAD services. As the US distributor for the Contex DESIGNmate 3D printer, IDEAL has added 3D CAD services as a complement to the DESIGNmate 3D printer for the AEC, GIS and Reprographics markets. IDEAL's 3D CAD Services include 3D CAD file prep and conversion of 2D CAD files or paper files to "printer-ready" 3D CAD files. IDEAL's CAD services guarantee that the models will print correctly.

3D CAD File Prep

"In the world of Architectural 3D printing, it is common to expect that an architectural drawing designed in 3D CAD will NOT automatically print correctly without first making minor modifications to the 3D CAD file," says Phil Magenheim, Vice President of IDEAL. "When scaling a building down to the size of a model of about 6" to 8" tall, real world designs available in 3D CAD software packages will not sustain themselves during printing, as a result of being reduced."

IDEAL's 3D CAD File Prep includes minor modifications to 3D CAD files to ensure that they print correctly. Such modifications usually are made to items such as windows, railings, staircases and balconies. Consideration also needs to be given to buildings that are designed with basements and foundations. Modifications such as these require experts who understand the best ways to modify the 3D CAD files to retain the integrity of the design, while ensuring successful 3D model printing.

Conversion of 2D CAD Files or Paper Files to "Printer-Ready" 3D CAD Files

Magenheim also states, "While each year more and more design firms design in 3D CAD, it is still common to have architectural designs available only in 2D CAD or as a paper drawing. Some customers may have a building project that is still in a sketch or conceptual form. This should not deter anyone from printing a 3D model."

IDEAL CAD Services provide 3D conversions from 2D CAD or paper drawings as well as from conceptual sketches.

About IDEAL

IDEAL.com develops, markets, and supports a wide range of large format scanning, printing, indexing, archiving, converting and editing solutions designed specifically for the AEC, GIS and Reprographics markets. IDEAL is the exclusive US distributor of Contex large format scanners and 3D DESIGNmate printers, Seiko Teriostar printers and CSoft Software, and IDEAL is the developer of ArchiveCenter software and IDEALPlanRoom.com. IDEAL's state-of-the-art digital reproduction shop has a wide range of equipment including engineering scanners, large color scanners and 3D printers, along with experienced operators, to make every document conversion project a success. IDEAL's 3D CAD Services offer "printer-ready" preparation of 3D CAD files, conversion of 2D CAD files or paper files to "printer-ready" 3D CAD files and printing of 3D models. For more information on any of IDEAL products / services, or to become an authorized reseller, visit the IDEAL website at www.ideal.com

Contact Kathy Magenheim
Phone: (301) 468-0123 ext.1230
Email: kmagenheim@ideal.com