Las Vegas, NV, November 28, 2006 - Today, in Booth #449 at AU, IDEAL.com advances 3D printing in the Architectural arena by combining traditional 2D scanning with 3D printing to enable architects to go from 2D paper to 3D Physical models in record time. Time-compression techniques for architecture use cutting edge tools to turn hand drawings into editable CAD drawings inside of AutoCAD. The 2D files are then converted into physical 3D plaster sculptures using the latest 3D color printing technology. The 2D to 3D migration works together by scanning a 2D floor plan with a Contex scanner; then, using the “PlanTracer” software inside of Architectural Desktop, the scanned files are converted to a 3D CAD file Automatically. The 3D CAD file is prepared for printing and then output on the Contex DESIGNmate 3D printer to producing a Physical model of your building. The total process takes hours, not weeks.

Why is 2D (paper) to 3D (models) important to architects?

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. Sometimes a building project may be in sketch or conceptual form. Preparing a physical 3D model at design viability, highlight design flaws, study critical design elements, preempt misunderstandings during the construction phase, avoid last minute construction change orders, save time and reduce costs on full color presentation models, combine full-color models with other elements to achieve desired effect, create multiple models at reasonable cost, all in days, not weeks.

We at IDEAL have been experts in 2D scanning and AutoCAD raster to vector conversion applications for many years,” says Jay Magenheim, president. As the design process moves into 3D, it is only logical for IDEAL to add 3D expertise to our repertoire. What makes IDEAL unique is our ability to combine the best of both – 2D scanning and 3D printing – for those customers who require a total solution.”

About IDEAL / Contex Scanners

All IDEAL / Contex scanners offer the most advanced scanning technology available today for fast, accurate scans, including ultra-fast scanning speeds, high scanning resolution and energy star compliance. IDEAL / Contex scanners CCD camera technology offers advanced point-of-origin capture and on-board digital conversion ensuring minimum noise and an extended dynamic range for all scans. Accuracy Lens Enhancement (ALE) technology electronically maintains 0.1% +- pixel precision across any two points of the scan line thus exceeding even the most rigid accuracy requirements in the industry today.

About IDEAL / Contex DESIGNmate 3D Printers

The IDEAL / Contex DESIGNmate Cx 3D Color Printer is a fast, cost effective way to create tangible 3D color models 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. Architects can use IDEAL / Contex 3D printers from conceptual design through construction. Create massing models or highly detailed finished models printed directly from CAD and output on the DESIGNmate printer.

About CSoft’s PlanTracer for AEC Software

In Autodesk's Architectural Desktop® as in any other architectural software, building blocks are not simple geometrical primitives but "construction elements" like walls, windows, doors and more. To use old floor plans in a 3D environment you need to redraw 2D CAD files, scanned drawings or sketches manually. PlanTracer automates this labor intensive process leaving more time for improving Design.

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.