3D Scanning Blog | Growshape - Growshapes

Growshapes attends PrinterPrezz launch party!

12/13/2018

Over the past few months, we have been quietly working with PrinterPrezz, the new additive manufacturing startup in the Bay Area focused on the medical field.

Growshapes partnered with PrinterPrezz to help them select the right 3D scanner solutions to advance in their mission "to bring more ideas for innovative medical devices to market faster, connecting medicine and manufacturing to become the first Medifacturing™ company in the world."

We helped them set up a dedicated 3D scanner room in their facility in Fremont so that surgeons, engineers and innovators can try various 3D scanning equipment and find a solution that fits their needs, whether it be design creation, reverse engineering or measurement and further explore new possibilities such as creating AR/VR applications by digitizing physical objects to create content for AR/VR applications for surgeon training.

We hope the medical field will get more exposure to various 3D scanning solution through PrinterPrezz and learn how 3D scanning technology can help in their quest for innovation.

Current lineup of 3D scanners being used at PrinterPrezz include the Cronos Dual from Open Technologies, now FARO, HP 3D Scanner and the Artec 3D scanner Eva and Artec Leo coming soon.

Read more here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20181212005580/en/PrinterPrezz-Opens-Bay-Area-3D-Print-Nanotech

Growshapes is an HP Silver Partner of HP 3D scanning solutions and the official U.S. distributor of Open Technologies 3D Scanners and Shining 3D EinScan 3D scanners.

See the innovators on Growshapes’ social media channels to get the latest expert news on innovation in 3D digitization, then share your thoughts and join the conversation about 3D digital innovation with #digitize3D

Happy Halloween!

10/29/2018

What does Growshapes do to prepare for Halloween? We 3D scan pumpkins!

We 3D scanned this pumpkin using the HP 3D Structured Light Scanner Pro S3 with dual camera and automated turntable.

Actually the pumpkin's organic shapes is more difficult to 3D scan than you think due to the top half and bottom half of the pumpkin being sort of symmetrical.

If you 3D scan the top half first, then 3D scan the bottom half next, alignment can go haywire. There is a high chance that the 3D scans of the bottom half of the pumpkin tries to align to the top half of the pumpkin by the contours of the pumpkin. This tends to result in the bottom half of the pumpkin aligning directly on top of the top half of the pumpkin, ending up with a 3D scan of a half empty pumpkin that is distorted, rather than a full pumpkin where the top half and the bottom half are aligned as it should be.

In order to avoid this, putting some markers on the pumpkin helps. The markers help the HP 3D Scan Pro 5 software to align the 3D scans to distinct features i.e. markers on the pumpkin, rather than just the contours of the pumpkin as it is flipped over.

In this case we put 2 markers on the pumpkin like this. It doesn't have to be this kind of marker, it can be just some masking tape as well.

If you prepare the object correctly, you can scan objects in a couple of minutes and it will align beautifully.

So here you are, the 3D scanned model of pumpkins with and without texture.

Figure 1 : 3D scanned model of a pumpkin without texture

Figure 2 : 3D scanned model of a pumpkin with texture

On the latest HP 3D Scan Software Pro v5.5.1, "export fusion result to PreForm" has been added. PreForm is a software that prepares 3D models for printing on the Formlabs 3D printer.

Figure 3 : "Export fusion result to PreForm"on HP Scan Pro 5.5.1

Figure 4 : Exported fusion result of pumpkin to PreForm software by Formlabs

3D scan to 3D print is getting easier now as well!

Growshapes is an HP Silver Partner of HP 3D scanning solutions and the official U.S. distributor of Open Technologies 3D Scanners - an endorsement that makes us proud. We are adding the Shining3D EinScan 3D scanners to our line up too.

See the innovators on Growshapes’ social media channels to get the latest expert news on innovation in 3D digitization, then share your thoughts and join the conversation about 3D digital innovation with #digitize3D

Learn about emerging technologies and future possibilities for aerospace from Space Systems/Loral (SSL) at the SV Forum event on September 30

9/29/2014

Event Host:

Presenter: Hey Reynolds

Join us for an opportunity to learn from Hale Reynolds of Space Systems/Loral (SSL) about the emerging technologies and future possibilities in additive manufacturing for aerospace.

Presenter: Hale Reynolds, Engineer, Space Systems/Loral (SSL: http://sslmda.com/)
Date: Tuesday, September 30, 2014
Time: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Location: growshapes LLC
Cost: $20; Free to SVForum members and all educators/teachers (contact Cheryl Downing, cheryldowning@ growshapes.com for the special education discount code)

Overview:

Paradigm shifts spark revolutions. We have examples of this with machines, semiconductors, and digital technology in the Industrial, Semiconductor, and Technology Revolutions. With the advent of the 3D printer and additive manufacturing in the 1980s, manufacturing paradigms again began to shift. Now, only a few decades after the introduction of the basic concepts of additive manufacturing, the rate of technology and capability development only seem to be accelerating. We are witnessing the beginnings of a new manufacturing revolution. Soon, engineers won't ask themselves what is possible; they'll ask themselves what is imaginable.

This talk will explore how the current manufacturing paradigms are shifting as a result of additive manufacturing, and assess exciting aspects of the current state of additive manufacturing, especially tied to the aerospace industry. I will then examine some of the key enablers currently being worked, which will allow for the continued accelerating growth of additive manufacturing. I will then review some exciting emerging technologies, and explore where this latest manufacturing revolution may take us in the years to come.

About Our Speaker:

Hale Reynolds
Engineer, Space Systems/Loral (SSL; http://sslmda.com)

Hale Reynolds has worked in aerospace in Silicon Valley since 2010, primarily in roles focusing on internal research and development in areas ranging from robotics and autonomous systems, to antenna subsystems, material and process development, and additive manufacturing. A Silicon Valley native, Hale graduated from UC Berkeley as a double-major in Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering before entering industry. Hale is a champion of innovation and innovators, encouraging out-of-the-box thinking and problem solving in the typically heritage-driven aerospace industry.

Agenda:
6:30 PM – 7:00 PM      Registration & Networking
7:00 PM – 7:10 PM      Announcements & Introductions
7:10 PM – 7:20 PM      Sponsors: TBD
7:20 PM – 8:00 PM      Hale Reynolds, Engineer, Space Systems/Loral (SSL)
8:00 PM – 8:30 PM      Q&A
8:30 PM – 9:00 PM      Networking

Facility Host:
growshapes LLC

Refreshment Host:
Octave Systems, Inc.

Octave Systems, Inc. sells the highest quality, top-rated 3D Printing equipment provided by Afinia and our own branded 3D Printer Filaments, as well as highest quality, top-rated CD/DVD/BD duplication equipment provided by manufacturers such as Copy Master, Epson, MF Digital, Primera, Vinpower Digital and All Pro Solutions. Whether you're looking for a multi-drive manual tower or autoloading duplicator, blank CD, DVD, and Blu-ray media, jewel cases, or CD/DVD printers, we have the products to meet every need. Our low competitive prices and outstanding personal service make Octave the place to visit for all your duplication equipment and accessories.

About SVForum
SVForum, a non-profit association, fosters innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership within the Silicon Valley ecosystem of individuals and businesses participating in emerging technologies. (http://www.svforum.org)

About the SIG
The 3D Printing and Scanning Special Interest Group (SIG) provides a forum for technologists and companies, as well as members of the investor community and other interested parties, to discuss the critical aspects of the technology that require improvement, future direction of the technology and to network with one another. The majority of innovation and investment in 3D printing-related technologies to date has not been centered in Silicon Valley, and this SIG aims to contribute to changing this for what is considered by many as the next trillion dollar market. (https://svforum.org/3Dprinting)

Join us at the 3D Printing Workshop for Small and Medium Sized Businesses at San Jose State University on September 25th!

9/23/2014

Click Here to Join Us!

location:

key sponsor

Additional Sponsors:

Growshapes will be demonstrating the 3D printing software by netfabb, 3D Laserscanner by David Vision and various 3D printing materials. Come see us and learn about the endless possibilities of adopting 3D printing technologies in your business.

Event: 3D Printing Workshop for Small to Medium Sized Businesses
by California Network for Manufacturing Innovation (CNMI)

Date & Time: September 25, 2014, 8am -4:30pm

Location: San Jose State University Library (150 E San Fernando St)

Cost: $79 (Click on the Register Button on the left)

Overview:

An introductory "How To" course to get your business moving with 3D printing - or - How to grow your business with a 3D printer. This workshop will provide an overview of additive manufacturing practices, equipment and skills required to implement the technology.

Who should attend:

* Designers
* Entrepreneurs
* Manufacturers
* Academia
* Small Business Owners

Additional sponsors:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, Centers for Applied Competitive Technologies (CACT), Studio FATHOM, growshapes and TechShop. CNMI is a designated California statewide Innovation Hub.

Agenda:

8:00 am - 8:30 am Registration
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
8:30 am - 12:30 pm - Lecture
Session 1 Additive Manufacturing Global Market Overview
Session 2 Technology Overview
Session 3 Case Studies
Session 4 Business Case for Additive Manufacturing
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12:30 pm - 1:30 pm Lunch on your own
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1:30 pm - 3:30 pm - Additive Process & Equipment Demonstrations
Session 1 Laser Scanning Application
Session 2 DMLS Applications
Session 3 FDM Applications
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm San Jose TECHSHOP Tour
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mcor Receives Green Award

9/15/2014

Growshapes is proud to announce Mcor celebrated its victory of receiving the Green Award at the 3D Printshow 2014 global awards ceremony in London. Recognized for its unique eco-friendly approach to 3D printing, Mcor is repeatedly noted as being one of the most innovative 3D printers to exist.

The company was awarded for producing a stunning full color paper Durga idol that is impressive not only in detail but also for its wide array of color. Idols can now be designed in India and printed world wide from any Mcor printer which will allow people to stay further connected to their traditions.

Read more about the Durga and Mcor's victory.

Did you know Growshapes is an official Mcor reseller? Learn more about Mcor 3D Paper Printers directly on our website.

Visit GrowShapes at the 3D Printer World Expo in Seattle!

8/18/2014

Visit us at the 3D Printer World Expo in Seattle during August 22-23! We will have a booth there, come by and check out our products.

Growshapes will be demonstrating the netfabb Pro 5.2 with Business Devevelopment Director Ulf Lundhe of netfabb as well as showcasing the latest from David Laser Scanner SLS2. On show will also be the Mcor True Color 3D printer which uses paper as the material and the Afinia desktop 3D printer.

netfabb will present at Silicon Valley Forum

8/14/2014

Presenter: Ulf Lindhe, Business Development Manager, netfabb GmbH4

Description

Learn about the latest developments with netfabb software for 3D printing, including how it uses structures to create brand new materials which do not exist in nature (biomimicry), and more with Ulf Lindhe, Business Development Manager at netfabb GmbH.

It has been a year since Ulf's last presentation to our group. This is a great opportunity to find out what's new.

Some netfabb testimonials (http://www.netfabb.com/testimonial.php):

- "netfabb is a very significant development in software for design of parts for manufacturing using rapid prototyping technologies. The software frees the product development engineer from the limitations of complexity and file size in conventional CAD programs. We use the software for designing lightweight high performance ceramic structures with tailored macro and micro porosity." Andrew Jeffery, Founder and President, Viridis Innovation LLC, Boston MA, www.viridisinnovation.com

- "netfabb’s Selective Space Structures (3S) has been incredibility useful to us. It is the only software we have found to date that is capable handling and producing large net structures required for the scale of components we produce for the aerospace industry."

- “We were pleased to find netfabb a reliable and powerful software capable of producing complex lattice structures with locally tailored geometry. In the design of customized Titanium Implants, such a capability proves to be very useful in enhancing bone response and controlling the mechanical behavior of the implants. The software has very intuitive commands that enhances the creative design of structures, minimizing time and memory usage, making the production of parts with very high complexity a breeze rather more than just a possibility.” Gilbert Chahine, Research Assistant and PhD Candidate, Research Center for Advanced Manufacturing, Lyle School of Engineering, Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas, USA http://www.smu.edu/Lyle/Departments/ME/Research/RCAM.aspx

Contact growdhapes (info@growshapes.com) for special invitation

netfabb Version 5.2 Upgrade Includes Ability to Design in Color

8/12/2014

Highlights of netfabb 3D software's recently released upgrade to version 5.2 include:

Ability to design and create colorful parts
Advanced graphic tools for simple surface
Parametric color, texture, and picture application for complexly curved surfaces
Ability to work simultaneously with multiple build platforms to maximize your
work efficiency
Refined part orientation
Plug-in for Microsoft® Kinect®
Japanese user interface

For more information on each of these exciting new features related to 3D printing, click here.

netfabb Professional 5 users get the upgrade for free! Simply click on the "Help" menu and select "Upgrade netfabb."

netfabb Studio Professional 4.X users can upgrade to version 5.2. Contact GrowShapes for more information.

GrowShapes/Silicon Valley 3D Printing Accelerator hosts Open House for IDSA-SV

7/24/2014

growshapes and the soon-to-launch Silicon Valley 3D Printing Accelerator will be hosting an Open House this evening from 6:30 to 8:30pm at their Santa Clara office for the Silicon Valley chapter of the Industrial Designers Society of America (IDSA-SV).

As part of the Open House, growshapes CEO, Geoffrey Doyle will give a brief presentation on biomimicry and industrial design. His talk will focus on how the development of new structures (or combining existing structures in new ways) enables the development of new 3D printing materials. Geoffrey will also illustrate how new structures and 3D printing technologies will dramatically impact the way prototypes and products are manufactured.

There will also be product demonstrations:

growshapes : DAVID 3D scanner, netfabb 3D software (which facilitates Selective Space Structures), Augmented Reality for building design, Mcor IRIS color 3D paper printing, Afinia desktop 3D printing
Octave: desktop 3D printing (various models, including Makerbot)
UpTech3D: prototype design for 3D printing

The growshapes team also runs the SVForum 3D Printing group, as well as 3D Printing for Education Meetup, to educate the Silicon Valley on emerging corporate 3D printing and scanning technologies.

Registration information can be found here.

Makerbot Releases Firmware Update & Expands Desktop 3.2.1 Compatibility

7/17/2014

As a reseller of Makerbot printers, GrowShapes is pleased to announce that Makerbot has just released a firmware update for 5th Generation Replicator 3D printers, as well as the Makerbot Desktop 3.2.1 software.

The firmware update is particularly of interest to us as several of our customers expressed reservations about purchasing the 5th Generation Replicator 3D printers simply because of the known issue with the extruders tending to jam. The major improvement is that of the filament unloading process. The intent is to prevent jamming and make the filament removal much easier.

Owners of the Makerbot Replicator Z18 may also find the firmware update useful as it provides users with more accurate z-homing and more specific error messages.

Additionally, Makerbot expanded the compatibility of its Desktop software. It is now available for all of the following 3D printers:

All MakerBot Replicator Fifth Generation
MakerBot Replicator 2X Experimental 3D Printer
MakerBot Replicator 2 Desktop 3D Printer
MakerBot Replicator Desktop 3D Printer (The Original)

For more information, see either a 3DPrint.com article on these updates or the Makerbot News blog entries dated July 16 & July 17.