Tech Tuesday - DIMTEC 3D's TOP 20 NEW VIRTUAL REALITY

DIMTEC 3D's TOP 20 

NEW VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGIES IN THE 

ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN FIELD

Recently Viatechnik had released an amazing article called "50 VIRTUAL REALITY TECHNOLOGIES IN ARCHITECTURE AND ENGINEERING".  The article explained the rate of advancement in Virtual Reality technology is both rapid and amazing over the past few years, with much impact in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) Industry. Many of the tech giants such as Microsoft, Google (Article), and even Facebook (Facebook acquiring Oculus VR) are investing a fortune in bringing out the reality of VR technology with many breakthroughs that has left pessimists dumbfounded. Architects, engineers, and other construction professionals see this as a blessing to AEC industry and are poised to utilize the potential of this emerging technology. With many VR devices currently in the market, we present our TOP 20 (out of Viatechnik's top 50) new virtual reality devices which have more potential in changing the world of AEC than many people could imagine.

1. OCULUS RIFT

Released to the market towards the end of the first quarter in 2016, Oculus Rift is a virtual reality headset with much potential than just a gaming device. Oculus Rift is a very useful tool in the AEC world, making work in virtual environments easier and with its motion tracking features, navigating in 3D work space becomes easier than the usual mouse and keyboard combination.

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2. PRIOVR

Suit up with PrioVR and you will be amazed with the experience; PrioVR gives an opportunity for real time experience in a VR environment using actual body movements. AEC professionals find this tool especially appealing for interactive environments where actual body movements are used in executing tasks such as operating construction equipment or constructing virtually in real time. 

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3. UNREAL

With the Unreal engine, you have the freedom to make your own team and organize workflow with your imaginative capability in virtual reality environments. This VR tool is available for use in the architectural industry to visualize work space and model in VR environments.

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4. MAGIC LEAP

Magic leap is another VR tool which is truly magical based on the idea that this VR tool allows 3D virtual elements to appear in real life. Yet to be released into the market, this tool promises to take VR to another height; bridging the wide gap between virtual environment and the real life. This is good news to AEC industry.

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5. EDGEWISE

Edgewise makes the transformation of 3D point clouds into 3D models much easier than using non-VR tools capable of same task. Edgewise is very efficient in making 3D objects in virtual reality environments, without having to go through the traditional way of measuring and modeling of piping and structures.

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6. HOLOLENS

Hololens VR coming from Microsoft is another wonder in the world of virtual reality with the ability to fit into many industries. Hololens uses augmented reality to create 3D objects in real space via holographic technology. The Hololens is a wireless holographic device using Windows 10 operating system to blend the digital and real world in an amazing way. This is definitely going to be a great tool for AEC professionals when finally released.

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7. KINECT

This VR tool is a household name to gamers, particularly users of Xbox One, yet its capability is not limited to gaming. The Kinect utilizes a combination of built-in devices and sensors to capture motion and sound and can detect multiple objects and movements within its depth of view. 

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8. LEAP MOTION

The Leap Motion Controller is yet another name in the VR world; it allows the use of one’s arms in the VR environment. Built with a technology that convert the physical hand and finger movements into 3D signals with an excellent level of accuracy, the Leap Motion Controller is surely another useful tool for AEC industry.

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9. MYO

Imagine a wearable armband device that responds to your action almost intuitively. When you this device, it automatically tracked your orientation and movement, detect your gestures and respond accordingly. Myo is a useful device for AEC professionals whether on construction sites or at the office.

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10. REAL3D GLASSES

Mostly used in cinemas to watch 3D movies, Real3D glasses use digital projection technology. It gives its users the freedom to tilt their heads and still get the true picture of what is been display on the screen. The AEC industry can as well use this device for projecting technical presentations and other related needs.

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11. REVIT

With the Building Information Modeling (BIM) platform from Autodesk Revit, you could create building models in 3D environments and look at your model to see exactly how it will appear in a real environment. It can also be used to convert 2D drawings into 3D models. However to fully explore the renderings, the new beta plug-in V-Ray for Revit is a necessity. Using V-Ray for Revit allow users to immerse themselves in a model before its construction.

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12. ZEISS VR ONE

 “Imagine a world without limitations” –that’s a quote from Ziess website about VR ONE. With leading-edge design and excellent lenses precision, almost no limits to your VR experience; clear and sharp picture from the edge to the center. This virtual reality device is now available in the market and work excellently with the Android smart phones and iPhone 6. Design engineers and architects have the opportunity to utilize the VR ONE for basic tray CAD design tool through an innovative open source. However the availability of this tray is subject to the agreement of the respective developers involved. 

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13. BLENDERVR

BlenderVR offer its users the possibility to create high quality interactive scenes and porting of scenes between VR platforms configuration without any need for editing. This VR device is gaining popularity daily among architects and design engineers for exploring the VR environment.

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14. ARUP SOUNDLAB

When you heard the word “3D”, what comes to mind is visual experience and probably nothing more, but the tech experts at Arup thinks the 3D experience should be taken beyond visual and extend to audio as well. They built a 3D sound lab which simulates real life sounds from built environment.

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15. TOUCHABLE HOLOGRAMS

With this master piece, the world of virtual reality has expanded beyond visual and sound to include ‘touch’. Coming from a research team at Bristol University, touchable holograms is taking VR to a different height of reality as it gives the opportunity to touch and feel the texture of projected holograms. 

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16. GETREAL3D FOR SHOWCASE

With getReal3D for Showcase, you get an incredible experience of virtual reality environment through 3D stereo. Tracking with your head and hands to work around (and in) 3D objects gives you more intuitive interaction and makes angular viewing easier. 

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17. GOOGLE CARDBOARD

Google Cardboard is a cheap alternative to many VR devices of similar functionality. The Google Cardboard is a do-it-yourself device that can be paired with many smartphones on Android or iOS to explore the world of virtual reality. 

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18. ROTO

Roto gives the users an opportunity to explore VR environment in multiple directions while seated on the Roto chair which rotates and gives multi-directional view in the VR environment.

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19. LASER SCANNER

A laser scanner, as the name implied is a device that uses laser beams technology to measure and record the distance of almost every point in every possible directions within a given virtual reality environment. This points and distances measured are then used to create 3D models. This VR device has a wide range of industrial applications ranging from architecture, engineering, to construction, and many more.

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20. JAUNT VR

This technology provides design professionals with an end-to-end solution for making cinematic Virtual Reality. Jaunt VR comes with a camera system capable of making 3D stereoscopic videos in all direction and 3D sound-field microphones to record the sound simultaneously. The Jaunt technology allow the user to reconstruct a complete visual and auditory experience and it is compatible with many industry-standard software, including a cross-platform capable for rendering content for the Oculus Rift and other related VR devices.

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Extra Credit These Two we had to add

21. OSVR

The Open Source Virtual Reality, also known as OSVR, is an ecosystem made to set a new standard in Virtual Reality and provide the best possible gaming experience in the VR space. The OSVR Hacker Developer Kit and software gives you a possibility to build your own VR-Glass designs. AEC professionals could make the best out of this device as they explore its potential in the VR space.

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22. SHAPESPARK

Shapespark gives architects and design engineers the possibility to create real time web-based visualizations of high accuracy, thereby making it suitable for meetings or professional presentations.

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Which was your favorite? Do you have experience with any of these 22, tell us about in in the comment section below. Make sure to follow & subscribe to receive more information like this.

Scan On,
DimTec 3D

Tech Tuesday - 3D Printed Holiday Gifts

3D PRINTED HOLIDAY GIFTS

One common feature of holidays is gift sharing. We present lovely gifts to our loved one as a token of appreciating their presence in our lives. Many holidays have gifts that are peculiar to them, for instance boxing of gift items is peculiar to Christmas, and rose flower is more connected to Valentine’s Day. The 3D printing technology has made the production of beautiful holiday gift items possible. Currently, you can get a lovely 3D printed rose flower for your lover on Valentine’s Day.  I will briefly talk about different types of beautiful 3D printed gift items that you can present your loved ones during holidays.

3D printed Birthday gifts: let’s start with birthdays; we all celebrate our birthday once every year and among other things expects to receive beautiful gifts for the celebration. Presenting someone a 3D printed birthday gift can go a long way in expressing how much we cherish the person. 3D printed birthday gifts ranges from simple greetings cards to a big 3D printed birthday cake. There are many amazingly beautiful 3D printed birthday gifts available in the market.

3D printed Mother’s day gifts: the Mother’s Day gives us an avenue to appreciate our mothers for their care and love and to make them feel special by expressing our love for them. A very good way of doing this is to get a befitting gift for them on this special day. Your mother will surely appreciate a beautiful  3D printed Mother’s Day photo-frame specially designed with her name on it. There are many Mother’s day gifts in 3D print such as jewelry, flower vase, and other personalized gifts.

3D printed Father’s day gifts: like Mother’s day, Father’s day is an equally important holiday which gives us the opportunity to celebrate our dads. It is a special day, once in a year where fathers are celebrated by their children in appreciation for the fatherly love. What could be a better way to celebrate our dads on this day than to create a lasting happy memory? You can request to make a customized 3D printed gift for your dad on this day, any gift you can think of, just ask for it.

3D printed Christmas gifts: Christmas! My favorite holiday, Christmas time is always a good time, filled with much happiness and love. Christmas tree, jingle bells, beautiful carols, and the lovely smell of the air during this period makes Christmas a wonderful holiday to long for. Everyone will agree that the Boxing Day has always been an exciting day; we exchange gifts with our loved one and also reach out to the less privileged with lovely gifts. It may excite you to know that you can now get fantastic 3D printed Christmas gifts, even 3D printed food are now available; imagine the taste of delicious 3D printed chocolate bars specially made for you to share at Christmas.

3D printed Valentine’s Day gifts: Valentine’s Day is a day to celebrate lovers and express our love. At the beginning of this article I wrote about the rose flower been a peculiar gift to Valentine’s Day, there are many other beautiful gifts available in 3D print to present your lover on this day.

In conclusion, 3D printed gifts are fantastic and affordable; these gifts will sure make the recipient very happy. The 3D printing technology has made it possible to have many varieties of amazingly beautiful gift items for your holidays. Get some 3D printed gifts for your loved one this coming holiday, the experience will be memorable and you will be glad you did. 

Check out some of the presents we have created for our clients HERE.

Scan On,
DimTec 3D

Tech Tuesday - 5 Reasons on HOW 3D Printing can profit your Business

5 REASONS ON HOW 3D PRINTING CAN PROFIT YOUR BUSINESS

By now you must have heard about the amazing possibilities of 3D printing technology and its application across a wide range of industries such as health, aerospace, and food. The prospects of 3D printing cannot be over emphasized, as well as the benefits of this amazing means of manufacturing to manufacturers and entrepreneurs. Here are five reasons on how 3D printing can profit your business.

It saves time: 3D printing gives a manufacturer a quick and reliable means prototyping a new product and allows the free flow of ideas towards the development of the product. The process of rapid prototyping enables multiple prototypes of a new product to be made within a short period of time. With 3D printing technology, prototyping is possible the same day the product was designed, thereby saves a lot of time and helps the company to stay ahead of competitors.

It saves money: Prototyping a new product using 3D printing is relatively cheap compared to the method of manual prototyping. The rapid prototyping process makes product development less expensive and leads to a reduction in overall production cost.  The company can easily print prototypes of new products using its own portable 3D printer without having to contract it to a third party company.

It eliminates or reduces risk: Through 3D printing, a manufacturer is able to strictly verify a design and ensure viability before going into mass production of the product. The method of sample printing is used, samples of the products are printed with plastic and then test run. This method of sample printing helps in building confidence about the product before making large investments. It is safer and far cheaper to make 3D sample printing of a test prototype than alter the design of an existing production mold.

It enhances communication: Trying to verbally describe a product you are going to deliver to a client may not always be easy, as the information is likely to be misinterpreted even when product design drawings are available. A sample printing of the product is far better in this regard than any verbal description, it gives the client a clear understanding of the product and makes it easy for him to request for modification where necessary. 

It gives an opportunity for improvement: Releasing a test prototype of a product to a section of the targeted market or potential investors gives the manufacturer an opportunity to know the mind of the prospective buyers or investors. Getting feedback from these people about the product before mass manufacturing is a valuable way to verify market acceptance of the product. Hence the manufacturer can easily make necessary improvement on the product.

In conclusion, 3D printing will greatly improve your business and make it more profitable through rapid prototyping of new products and sample printing before mass manufacturing among other reasons. So if you are yet to join this fast moving train of modern manufacturing, the right time to do so is now.

Order your 3D Prints here.

Scan On,

DimTec 3D

3D Printing is Coming

3D Printing has been taking over the Design, Prototyping and Fashion world. With SAM's club selling Maker-bot printers as they where the latest Flat screen TV's, 3D printing is now easy and available to anyone.

Its been almost 2 years since the Kickstarter Campaign for the Flux Printer was launched. We jumped in the bandwagon and received our very own Printer about 1.5 month ago.

Since then we have printed up a storm. This was one of our first prints, perfectly timed with the opening of the Game of Thrones Season in April. 

Don't have a 3D Printer or the patience to learn the technology. No worries!!

Places like 3D Hubs allows anyone to find a local 3D printing services.  

You can order Prints from DimTec 3D directlyHERE. We offer local 3D Printing services and shipping services as well. 

Enjoy and Embrace Technology!

Scan On,

Sarah

3D Printed cityscape of Winterfell (Game of Thrones)

Winter is Coming

In honor of today's season premiere of Game of Thrones Season 6 and DimTec 3D's NEW addition of a FLUX 3D printer. 

3D Model by Thingiverse and dteck

Scan On,
Sarah 

Awaiting FLUX 3D Printer

It has Shipped

Image by http://www.3ders.org/

We were some of the first backers for the FLUX 3D Printer when it first appeared on Kickstarter back in December 2014. Now it is 17 month later and we just received the email that the printer is shipped.

Video by YouTube.com

Very excited to get our hands on it to review.

Stay tuned and Scan On

Sarah

Introduction to "Tech Tuesday"

We have some great news to announce. Starting next Tuesday the "Scan On" blog will start a weekly series of posts on Tuesdays. These posts will include applications of Laser Scanners in different fields of work. There will be articles on whats new in the world of Technology and how it affects the Scanning world.

Stay Tuned & Scan On,
Sarah

Fresh of the Press: FARO Scan Localizer & FARO Early Adopter Program

FARO Scan Localizer & FARO Early Adopter Program

FARO Just announced the launch of a Early Adopter Program as well as the new FARO Scan Localizer

Image by FARO Industries  via Website

What does this mean for you? Registration should become much faster and easier. Also you can have the opportunity to have early access to the latest inventions by FARO.

Image by FARO Industries  via Website

FARO Specifications and Features from the website 

"

Indoor GPS (IMU)
With the Scan Localizer real-time positioning in indoor environments is now easier than ever before. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) of the Scan Localizer reports device specific forces and angular rates.

Real-time registration
The Scan Localizer utilizes advantages of several upmarket technologies and provides, by generating a 2D map of the environment, reliable positioning of 3D scans before leaving the job-site.

Guaranteed compatibility
The Scan Localizer will seamlessly integrate with any FARO Focus3D Laser Scanner with built-in WLAN connection and directly export scans into SCENE.

Battery powered
The long lasting battery block provides mobile operation of up to 3 hours in the field without recharging.

Xtra portable
With a height of only 31 cm, a diameter of 31 cm and a weight of just 6 kg, the Scan Localizer is a fully portable system. The waterproof rugged transportation trolley provides additional space for a Focus3D Laser Scanner.

Benefits:

Increased scanning productivity in medium and large indoor projects
Live on-site registration
Indoor positioning without GPS signal
Real-time mapping and registration of disjoint scans
Easy on-site navigation
Remote control via integrated WLAN

"

 

Image by FARO Industries  via Website

How would the FARO Scan Localizer help your scan flow? 

Scan On,

Sarah 

Daniel Webster Memorial Scanned by DimTec 3D

Daniel Webster 

DimTec 3D had the pleasure of Scanning the Daniel Webster Memorial located in Washington, DC.

In correspondence with this Scan project we are going to start a series of Articles about Daniel Webster as a Man, the stout federalist and his contribution to politics. 

Please stay turned as we will release a new article every Thursday to give you an incite to the man behind the Scan Data.

Scan On,
Sarah 

March is Women's History Month

In Honor of March being Women's History Month we would like to start a series of Articles about some historic woman that had major influences with their inventions in history. These Inventions are based on technological fields and make a huge impact in technology today.

Articles will be about the following:

• Dr. Maria Telkes invention of Residential Solar Heating
• Ada Lovelace invention of the Computer Algorithm
• Dr. Shirley Jackson invention of Telecommunications Technology
• Hedy Lamarr invention of Transmission Technology
• Marie Van Brittan Brown invention of the Closed-circuit television
• Dr. Grace Murray Hopper invention of the Mark I computer

DimTec 3D is a Woman Owned business, we are WBENC Certified and proud members of organisations like ITWoman and Southwest Florida Regional Technology Partnership

Enjoy and Scan On,
Sarah 

WBENC Press Release - 2nd Year

Press Release

Source: DimTec 3D, LLC

Date: February 2nd, 2016


The launch of the new website by DimTec 3D, LLC to provide quality

information in the fields of Digital Measurements and 3D Laser Scanning.

Fort Myers, FL​­­ DimTec 3D has launched a new website,

www.DimTec3D.com is aimed at Architects, Designers and Engineers in need

of accurate measurements.


The new website combines a comprehensive listing of 3D Documentation

Applications and a directory of the services and products DimTec 3D has to

offer. The site will be a tremendous help to Industry Professionals with the

interest in Laser Scanning Services and/or FARO Equipment Rental. “I am

proud of this informative website, walking you through the varieties DimTec

3D, LLC has to offer.” said Sarah Tumm, Owner of DimTec 3D, “From 3D

Laser Scanning Services and FARO Equipment Rental to state of the art

Training, we expect tremendous sales through our convenient and

user­friendly website.”


About DimTec 3D, LLC:

DimTec 3D provides expert 3D Laser Scanning Services to engineers,

architects and designers. Specializing in Laser Scanning Services, FARO

Focus 3D Equipment Rental and extensive training on using the Equipment.

DimTec 3D is currently working with local historic landmarks to digitally

preserve them for generations to come. DimTec 3D is headquartered in Fort

Myers, Florida. DimTec 3D is minority owned and nationally certified as a

Women's Business Enterprise by the Women's Business Development

Council of Florida, a regional certifying partner of the Women's Business

Enterprise National Council (WBENC).


About FARO Equipment:

FARO’s 3D Laser Scanners increases productivity by dramatically reducing

the amount of on­site measuring time. With various industry­specific

software packages like FARO Scene, it enables users to process and present

their results quickly and more effectively. FARO equipment is used by

Architects, Designers and Engineers around the world in production and



Sarah Tumm - DimTec 3D, LLC Info@DimTec3D.com 941.999.1239

Press Release

Email: info@DimTec3D.com

Phone: 941.999.1239

Mailing Address: 13300­56 S Cleveland Ave

Industry: Digital Historic Preservation, Industrial, Architecture, Surveying,

Building Construction, Digital Historic Preservation

Tags: Laser Scanning, Digital Measurements, Laser Scanning Fort Myers,

FARO Equipment Rental, Digital Historical Preservation

Link: www.DimTec3D.com