Creaform's Blog

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IMTS 2014 conclusion: 3D Scanning is now a must in any manufacturing process

Imagine getting to work and your boss says: « We no longer need Internet at our desks. From now on, we’ll get what we need from the library. » That…

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3D advancements reviewed in R&D webzine

3D scanning technology reduces costs and speeds up product development with new technology advancements. As the 3D scanning technologies improves just as fast as the demand grows, R&D webzine analyzes…

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Creaform technology at the service of environmental sustainability

Environmental topics and issues are becoming more present, both in the day-to-day life and in the industrial realm. Increasing efforts are being made towards a “green shift,” whether for new…

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Quality Digest highlights our latest Go!SCAN 20, the next generation in white-light scanners

Quality Digest Live’s recent Tech Corner presented an excellent overview of the Go!SCAN 20, our new next-generation white-light scanner for designers and engineers that work in product development. Now available…

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Reverse Engineering, Explained

The Creaform team gives a great overview of reverse engineering in this month’s issue of Quality Magazine. If you are looking to learn more about the history, methods, workflows and…

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Nova Bus case study: How the HandyPROBE and MetraSCAN 70 got the job done

Nova Bus recently needed to inspect the actual state of a vehicle rear chassis and compare it to the mounting points of the radiator. The ultimate goal? Assessing the extent…

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Quality Digest Live highlights the advantages of the HandySCAN 700

Quality Digest Live’s recent Tech Corner profiled our metrology-grade, ultra-fast HandySCAN 700. With its 0.03 mm accuracy and ability to collect 480 000 per second, the HandySCAN 700 scans direct…

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The new HandySCAN 700 at work!

Check out this YouTube video filmed during a recent press conference in Detroit: Organized by SME, a manufacturers’ association, the press conference aimed at introducing two important upcoming events :…

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There’s a little bit of the HandySCAN 3D under the hood

When it comes to cars, what comes to mind when you think about Sweden is mostly the good old, reliable, sensible Volvo. But are the exciting, luxury, sporty vehicles only…

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Pipecheck replaces traditional Non-Destructive Testing Methods

As application engineers at Creaform, we were invited to take part in an interesting mandate in the United Kingdom, more precisely at the Birchwood head office of ESR Technology near…

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Validating CAD Files for Aerospace Parts

An important player in the Aerospace industry had a pressing need to validate CAD files for a wide range of parts, and decided to borrow our expertise for the job….

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A world of challenges – The Creaform customers speak a common language

Recently I was given the opportunity to work for a few of our customers in Europe for a few months, based from our Grenoble office in France. I jumped on…

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When 3D scanning goes glamour – the Jenn Barlow’s bubble head project!

In my current job as an applications specialist with Creaform, I’ve been asked to scan, inspect and reverse engineer a lot of very different mechanical parts, using any and all…

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Inspecting gas pipelines in cold and damp Scotland

Monday June 3rd, 8:00 in the morning. The weather is incredibly cold and foggy for springtime. Welcome to Scotland, a few miles north of the city of Aberdeen. Martin, our…

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3D scanning a steam turbine in Mexico in steaming hot weather!

Last February, I was lucky enough to escape Quebec City’s harsh winter season for a while and fly to the warm Altamira region of Mexico in order to complete a…

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Rock-solid jig probing in shaky production environment

While carrying out a recent project that I was assigned to, I witnessed firsthand the benefits of Creaform’s HandyPROBE optical and portable CMM over mechanical CMM like Romer or Faro…

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The MetraSCAN 3D for automotive applications: 3D scanning right on the shop floor!

A major automotive manufacturer asked Creaform to 3D scan robot hands on their production line. This kind of tooling is used to manipulate embossed sheet metal that will be used…

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Product designers using 3D scanners for product development – from dream to reality!

3D found its way into different steps of the product design process, and has for many years. Whether it is for 1st developing the preliminary concept, proceeding with the ergonomics…

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3D Scanning Challenge: Scanning as many car compartments as quickly as possible with a Go!SCAN 3D

I’m a rookie application specialist at Creaform, and my 1st mandate was to carry out a project for a company specializing in the manufacturing of automotive accessories. The company requested…

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Why portable CMM arms will not overcome 21st century measuring challenges

We have created a new infographic White Paper summarizing data presented at the 2012 CMSC International Conference. This new tool highlights the clear benefits of portable optical CMMs and dynamic…

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British pipeline owner Centrica falls for Creaform’s Pipecheck solution

I travelled to the tiny British town of Barrow-in-Furness, I have done my first training on how to use Creaform’s Pipecheck solution for pipeline integrity assessment with the Rugged Field Pack. The customer,…

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Inspecting parts in a lousy location: how to get around using a PCMM!

A major manufacturer of recreational products and regular client of Creaform mandated us to validate the new drilling jigs for their new plant located in Mexico. This project included the…

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The HandyPROBE – a reliable crewmember you can count on!

Last week, Quality Digest and the Coordinate Metrology Society joined forces to celebrate the World Metrology Week, that started Monday, May 20th. For the occasion, Creaform contributed a success story…

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Refresh on the MaxSHOT 3D coordinate measuring system for photogrammetry

Here’s a video we digged up from our archives about the MaxSHOT 3D (you can actually add photogrammetry capabilities to your Creaform technos by using a MaXSHOT 3D with them)….

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Popcorn & Soda Time! New HandyPROBE and MetraSCAN 3D Videos!

Time to watch some TV with the brand new videos featuring the HandyPROBE portable CMM and the MetraSCAN 3D Optical CMM 3D scanners!

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Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium: improving analysis methods with the Handyscan 3D

As part of a measurement campaign targeted toward carbon electrodes in reduction furnaces, Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium wanted to follow up on its different electrode consumption mechanisms and optimize…

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When Go!SCAN 3D meets crab!

We recently received this image of a rock crab, scanned for an exhibit to be unveiled later this month at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, in California. The critter was digitalized…

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We even help scan… mastodons!

We always knew that the Creaform products were versatile, but sometimes their application surprise and amaze even us! The University of Michigan owns a Handyscan 3D, which is made available…

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Creaform and Bonhomme Carnaval – Together Once Again!

In 2008 and within the scope of Creaform’s Annual 3D scanning contest, a team of Creaform employees scanned Bonhomme Carnaval, which earned them the 2nd position in the contest. Creaform…

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Pipecheck is in the (big) news!

KGO-TV, the local ABC television station in San Francisco, featured one of Creaform technologies recently. Journalist Heather Ishimaru discussed how the Pacific Gas and Electricity Company, usually referred to as…

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Put Us to the Test…Once More!

Put us to the test… Once more! It is with great pleasure and anticipation that we introduce our third engineering contest, where one or a team of lucky participants will…

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Go!SCAN 3D Test Drive

As our newest technology, we, application engineers in the Scan & Inspection department, are still getting to know the Go!SCAN 3D. And as with any new “toy”, we particularly like…

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Test driving the Go!SCAN 3D

As our newest technology, we, application engineers in the Scan & Inspection department, are still getting to know the Go!SCAN 3D. And as with any new “toy”, we particularly like…

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The Go!SCAN 3D Featured on Quality Digest’s LIVE TechCorner

The Go!SCAN 3D was the “guest” of Quality Digest’s LIVE TechCorner, hosted by editor in chief Dirk Dusharme.

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Short-range 3D scanning technologies: an overview

According to engineer Dr. Mostafa Abdel-Bary Ebrahim “a 3D scanner collects distance information about surfaces within its field of view. The “picture” produced by a 3D scanner describes the distance…

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3D Scanning of Frog Castings

Based in the Czech Republic, DT is a leader manufacturer of turnout structures for railways, undergrounds and tramway tracks. Using a Handyscan 3D portable self-positioning 3D scanner from Creaform, DT…

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ZODIAC AEROSPACE– Learjet 85 Jig Adjustment

Amongst the many interesting projects that I have been involved with as an application specialist at Creaform, the job that I have recently completed at ZODIAC AEROSPACE, both challenging and…

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Creaform Newsletter – November Edition

The November edition of the newsletter is out. Among other things, we’ve published an interesting piece about a project we have done at Prévost Cars where we actually developed an…

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Upcoming SPAR Europe Conference to Share the latest in 3D

The upcoming SPAR Europe Conference on End-to-End 3D is to be held between November 12 and 14, 2012 and is expected to unveil the latest advances and technologies in 3D…

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Ray Tracing Used to Create 3D Model of Molecular Cloud B68

A group headed by researchers from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) succeeded in using ray tracing in order to create a 3D model of molecular cloud B68. The…

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3D Printing at the Heart of Democratization of Manufacturing Debate

The debate surrounding 3D printing and the democratization of manufacturing doesn’t seem to be waning as Stratasys goes for the big kill with the largest firearms-makers across the United States….

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Giving Back to the Animal Kingdom Through Virtual Gaming

Virtual gaming is now ready to give back to the animal kingdom thanks to a series of free online games that allow players to sponsor a specific charity. As a…

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“Thin Skinned” Virtual Reality Gloves at your Fingertips

The expression “thin skinned” may no longer only bear a negative connotation as this concept could become the foundation for creating a new generation of virtual reality gloves. That’s right, a…

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3D CAD Leader Makes Huge Donation

World leader in 3D design software and 3D CAD Autodesk has granted Penn State Behrend with a huge donation in the form of free access to three of its software…

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3D Serious Gaming Used for In-House Training

Stimulating employees as part of critical training operations is a never-ending endeavor for employers, which explains why 3D serious gaming and 3D training simulations are becoming increasingly important for in-house training. That’s…

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3D Printing Part of 2013’s Emerging Technologies to Hit Mainstream

The Consumers Electronics Association (CEA) has released its “Five Technology Trends to Watch” publication, unveiling a list that includes, among others, 3D printing as part of the emerging technologies that…

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3D Scanning Used for Lower Radiation Levels

The applications of 3D scanning are limitless and it has been discovered that it could be used towards lower radiation levels in breast examinations. Indeed, a team of physicists, mathematicians…

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3D Forensics and 3D Blood Spatter Analysis in University’s Curriculum

No, it’s not an episode of America’s favorite serial killer Dexter but 3D forensics and 3D blood spatter analysis will be taught as part of the University of Toronto’s curriculum….

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3D Scanner used for Reconstruction of Scene of Accident

In the United Kingdom, North Yorkshire Police have procured a 3D scanner for the reconstruction of various scenes of accidents. This brand new purchase allows the police department to collect…

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Wiki Weapon Project Temporarily Gunned Down

In the wake of one of our previous tickets (Patriotics Develop Free Gun to be 3D-Printed), Defense Distributed’s Wiki Weapon project was temporarily gunned down after the 3D printer that…

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AutoDesk Releases 3D Scanner App

AutoDesk, a 3D design and engineering software company, has released an app which allows using your iPhone as a 3D scanner. Although it was once accessible only to a limited few,…

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3D Design Piracy Coming your Way

No, you haven’t misread, it is really true, 3D design piracy is coming your way! After mp3 files and movies, we are apparently waiting for a new epidemic in the…

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3D Modeling at the Service of Mobile Malware

Thanks to 3D modeling and mobile malware, it might not be long before someone can actually break into your home without even being on the premises. Indeed, not only can…

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Scanning Device Provides 3D Image of Patients’ Insides

Amazingly enough and sooner than we could think, doctors could end up using a stunning 3D scanning device that would provide images of patients’ insides. This would totally change the…

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3D Printing for Dummies

Today, we have decided to write our very own 3d printing for dummies ticket. Although relatively new on the market, 3D printers are multi-faceted tools that can be used for a…

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The Go!SCAN 3D is off to a very good start!

The newest member of the family is receiving a great welcome from the industry since its unveiling last week. We don’t mean to brag, but, it’s even said to be…

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Creaform’s new Go!SCAN 3D Scanner Released !

We are absolutely thrilled to unveil our most recent accomplishment: the Go!SCAN 3D, a brand new handheld white light 3D scanner offering the easiest and fastest 3D scanning experience on…

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Patriotics Develop Free Gun to be 3D-Printed

The ultimate goal of this bold initiative launched by Defense Distributed is quite straightforward: allow any owner of the open-source 3D printer RepRap to download and 3D-print free of charge…

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iPad Converted into 3D Tool

A new version of the iPad’s eDrawings software will be launched boasting extended features. Indeed the 3D tool’s new edition was released online on iTunes by Solidworks. While up until…

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Catch a Glimpse of 3D Models in Lifelike Size before 3D-Printing them

It is now possible to download a brand new program on your phone or tablet that will give you the opportunity to view a 3D model in lifelike size before…

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3D Scanning Squares off Against CMM Probing in Refrigerator Part Inspections

Let everyone know that the coordinate measuring machine (CMM) technology has a new contender in the inspection of plastic injection molded refrigerator parts, 3D scanning. Third-party inspector 3D Engineering Solutions has…

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3D Printing Nanomaterials Soon Possible?

Despite the fact that 3D printing can be done fairly easily at home and that its use is becoming increasingly broad there is one area in which there is still…

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3D Modeling Program Launches New File Importer

An awesome new feature was released through free 3D modeling tool Tinkercad where 2D SVG and 3D STL files can now be imported. As a matter of fact, you can…

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Scientists Discover how to 3D-Print Video Game Characters

A terminator sent through time to our reality? We might not be that far off! Thanks to Harvard computer scientists and their crew, you might be able to bring to…

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Dress-Lace Inc x creaform3d.com Lace Dress

Dress-Lace Inc x creaform3d.com Lace Dress / Marble Print/ Black and White / Stretch fabric This creaform3d.com x http://dress-lace.com/ piece is a really sexy marble printed dress that is colored…

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2012 Olympics: How 3D Scanning is helping Australia’s Kayak team

What do Olympic Kayakers and 3D data have in common? The ability to make custom-fit shapes to allow kayak slalomers become world beaters. Olympic sport keeps pushing athletes to find…

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Creaform’ 2012 New Branding

As part of our 10th anniversary celebrations, we have completed a brand revitalization project. We are happy to present our new, more vibrant, refined and classy brand. Yes, just like…

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The Knight of Lévis: an Historic Figure Goes Digital

For the 150th anniversary celebrations of the city of Lévis, owner of Artisans du Passage jewellry shop Charles-Olivier Roy had the idea to reproduce the monument of Francis de Gaston,…

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French Museum Returns 20 Mummified Maori Heads to New Zealand

La Fabuleuse histoire de la tête Maori-BONUS by Via-DECOUVERTES-44 After more than 30 years of political tractations, French authorities have finally returned 20 Maori warrior heads to their homland New Zealand,…

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What a beauty shot!

Ok, the article is on the thin side, but you know what they say: “An image is worth a 1000 words”. Well, this 2-page wide shot surely’s worth a few thousands!! This…

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BOEING 737 – Enhanced Interior Design Through 3D Imaging

An international company and global leader in business aviation service has turned to 3D modeling of the plane’s interior to design, produce, and assemble Boeing 737 BBJ2 furnishings. The project…

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Creaform and Camoplast: Jig Control During Production

Camoplast’s Polymer Solutions group is a leading provider of thermoplastics and Thermoset systems, as well as components for premium manufacturers and motor vehicle OEMs. Camoplast’s Roxton Falls division was looking…

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Enhancing 3D Scanning with Photogrammetry

It was to be expected that we would talk a lot about photogrammetry after we’ve launched the MaxSHOT 3D optical coordinates measuring system. But it’s OK, since what we have…

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Product Manager Dan Brown’s Column in Quality Digest

Daniel Brown’s latest column just got published on the Quality Digest’s website. He talks about the evolution in optical measurement and how optical reflectors can actually shorten measurement process and…

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The green side of Creaform: how we helped in building an electrical car

Yes, we do have a conscience and we are concerned about planet Earth’s health. That is why we were thrilled when we got called to work on inspecting battery trays…

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Technological Fundamentals, or how Creaform builds 3D optical measuring systems

Always wondered what was at the heart of the Creaform technologies? You’ll be glad to know that you can satisfy your curiosity by going through the technical paper on Intelligent…

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Creaform Technologies – 2 newcomers!

We have had a pretty busy year so far, and we have worked very hard to enhance our products and develop new ones. September has seen 2 new product launches: the…

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Win a free 3D Engineering Projet (valued at $20,000)

PUT US TO THE TEST…ONCE AGAIN! We are proud to launch the 2nd worldwide edition of the PUT US TO THE TEST 2011 CHALLENGE. By entering this contest, you have…

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Handyscan 3D Product Manager Daniel Brown Strikes Again

We’ve got another excellent article published in the July edition of Quality Magazine. On the model of “Cooking for Dummies”, Dan wrote about the basics of 3D optical measurement technologies,…

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The MetraSCAN used for Archaeological Purposes in Czech Republic

The broadcast aired on primetime newscast in Czech Republic. Chances are you don’t speak Czech, but as an image is worth a 1000 words, we though we would post it…

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The Apple Picker Lady

When first presented during a Creaform Christmas party and as part of the Handyscan 3D laser scanning contest, this video brought us all to our feet (and to tears for…

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3D Laser Scanners: the Ongoing Quest for Portability

In this article, you’ll find my reflexions about the ultimate 21st century goal in 3D laser scanning: increased portability. (…) But during the past few decades, manufacturers have been increasingly interested…

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Handyscan 3D Data Acquisition Technology Applied to Orthotics and Prosthetics

In its edition of July 2011, Medical Design Briefs published an article in which we explain our development strategy for the medical industry. Basically, we have decided to further development…

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Scanning in the Dust

Creaform has carried out more than 10,000 engineering projects for clients all around the world. As an applications specialist among the Scan & Inspection team, I scan objects of all…

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Creaform and Les Artisans du Passage – nicely working together

Les Artisants du Passage’s jewellery shop is working on a 4-ton bronze Mammouth Spirit sculpture by sculptor Vincent Champion-Ercoli for Quebec’s company Soprema. We also did some 3D scanning on the project….

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Scanning 12 boats in 24 hours!

A company called Marinexpert Plus inc. came to us for a project involving ship stability certification. The mission was to scan 12 ships in dry dock, with 15 to 25…

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Handyscan 3D Product Manager Daniel Brown on 3D Scanning and Touch Probing for QC

Daniel raises interesting questions about the use of 3D scanning and touch probing for QC: “Today’s 3D scanners offer excellent accuracy, are easy to use, and are fully integrated by…

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Clash of the Eras : When Dinosaurs are 3D Modeled!

21st century advanced technologies are to virtually reproduce prehistoric animals at Canadian Museum of Nature in Ottawa…fascinating! Besides, the project won an international award! “However, the key element is the…

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When 3D scanning can help the visually-impaired drive their wheelchair!

Well…you can’t stop progress! This is a very interesting example of how technology can be beneficial to people in need – and not only for businesses trying to make money….

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Q1 of 2011: We Are Off to a Very Good Start!

Wow! This is actually really good news. We have had our 2nd best quarter in history, with $8.2 million sales and a YOY growth of 56%. The month of March alone…

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Creaform helps students at Concordia University in Montreal to solve a specific design challenge

It is amazing what passionnate and brillant what undergraduate engineering students can do when they focus their efforts on something (in this case, the creation a hybrid of a Volkswagen Jetta…

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3e édition de la Journée de la métrologie en aérospatiale – un franc succès!

Jeudi dernier, 130 personnes du domaine de la métrologie se sont réunies à l’École Polytechnique de Montréal pour assister aux conférences données dans le cadre de la 3e Journée de la…

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Introducing our new VXtrack dynamic tracking software module!

Today, we introduced the new VXtrack dynamic tracking software module. When teamed with Creaform’s C-Track dual camera optical sensor, VXtrack dynamic tracking can be used to simultaneously and continuously measure…

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Creaform’s Put Us to the Test 2010 Challenge – All 3 engineering services projects are completed!

Last August, we launched the Put Us to the Test 2010 challenge. The 3 most challenging entries shared more than $25,000 in 3D engineerng services. Here are the highlights: Nothing is…

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Dundee academics reconstruct Viking woman’s face using 3D laser scanner

— We’ve come across this article on yet another very interesting application of 3D laser scanning technology – in archaeology. Academics at Dundee University have helped recreate the face of…

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Supplier quality: how Creaform and its CMM are helping IBM

Creaform is recognized worldwide for its innovative technologies, but is also a leader in 3D measuring. The company employs several experienced metrologists and uses the most advanced measuring systems on…

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A Salvage Operation – 3D Scanning an Endangered Cultural Site

—This story about 3D scanning for heritage preservation does go back a while, but we thought it was worth shedding some light on it once again. Enjoy the reading! The Augustus temple…

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3rd edition of JMA (Metrology in Aerospace Day) Coming up on April 28th in Montreal

If you are involved with metrology, live in the province of Québec and understand French, you need to book your day next April 28th and attend the 3rd edition of…

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Interesting article on Quebec’s Entrepreneurship in today’s Gazette

“Quebec, like the rest of Canada, is at the stage of development where jobs and prosperity increasingly depend on knowledge-based activity, or innovation. Entrepreneurs are the people most adept at…

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Creaform Breaks Own Sales Record in Q4 of 2010!

In 2010, we have had our best year since the creation of the company! In a nutshell, here are the financial highlights for 2010: $27.3 million annual sales – 25%…

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