THE IMPACT OF 3D

33rd Square Website

2012-01-06T23:49:00.000-07:00

Check out www.33rdsquare.com for great information on Technology, Medicine and Art & Design.

It has been a slice!

2010-09-01T14:32:00.000-07:00

After nearly four years in operation, Criteria Systems will be ceasing operations on September 3, 2010. We wish to thank all of our customers, industry partners, vendors and fans that have helped us have a rewarding experience.

All the best,

The Criteria Systems team.

Jenn Beaupre - "What If"

2010-08-29T00:50:00.000-07:00

A friend of the site, Jenn Beupre has made a great video. Check it out!

2D to 3D Conversion

2010-08-09T10:08:00.001-07:00

At Criteria Systems we can convert your 2D artwork, photographs and graphic designs into stunning 3D relief and full 3D pieces. Our foam prototyping systems is also ideal for art making. Artists have used our services to convert their 2D art into 3D relief and sculpture, for casting masters for bronze casting, and direct artwork production in foam.

Cebas Visual Technology Plugins available at Criteria Systems

2010-07-26T20:32:00.000-07:00

Cebas Visual Technology products are now available from the Criteria Systems website.

Cebas software tools which were used to fulfill the demanding needs of complex 3D effects for such reccent motion picture productions as: “2012”, “Alice in Wonder Land”, “The Last Air Bender”, “GI Joe”, “Percy Jackson and the Olympians”, “Nightmare on Elm Street”, “Jonah Hex” and “Iron Man 2.”

For the movie “2012,” many first of a kind features and unique tools were developed to cope with the extremely demanding production environment, allowing for complete flexibility and fast turnaround times from start to finish. One of the most challenging tasks was the creation of a completely new Multiple Pass Render system, capable of outperforming the built-in 3ds Max system.

Criteria Systems is delighted to offer the following products:

finalRender R3 SP2 (Standard Edition)
finalRender R3 SE SP2 (Studio Edition)
finalRender Stage 2 for Maya
finalToon R3 SP2
finalF/X Bundle 1.5
finalFlares 1.5
finalDOF 1.5
pyroCluster 3.5
psd-manager 2.0
maxVR.qt 2.0
scalpalMAX R2
stairMAX R2
thinkingParticles 4.0

and

volumeBreaker 1.0 SP2

Check out http://www.criteria-systems.com/cebas.html to learn more about these outstanding products.

Yoda Project Machining

2010-07-23T12:16:00.000-07:00

We have machined the Yoda file in foam at life-size. For this process we cut the file in four separate stages on a rotary-axis enabled CNC router, the FROGMill from Streamline Automation. The tool used was a 1/4" Ball nose foam tool. This process allowed us to capture a great amount of detail in the piece.

A short video of the process is available at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODrwU1EfgdE

Yoda Project

2010-07-05T13:14:00.000-07:00

For this project, a photograph of Yoda (the version from the Empire Strikes Back) was used as reference for digitally sculpting the character.

The head was the starting point for the Yoda model.

Next the hands and feet were modeled. In this case, the same base shape was used for all four appendages.

The hands and feet were placed onto a basic body shape and posed.

The cloak and walking stick were created and further posing was undertaken to resemble the pose in the photo. The source photo was of a puppet sitting without the operator (Frank Oz), so some liberties were taken.

Prior to sending the model for prototyping, a base was created. The base is shelled to be more efficient with material and features a debossed title on the front, and a signature on the back. The prototype model stands ~5" (125 mm) high.

This short video of the project is also available on YouTube here.

For the next stage, we will be producing a life-size version of Yoda in foam.

Stay Tuned!

Super Detailed Large 3D Scan

2010-04-26T09:04:00.002-07:00

Guan Yu was deified as early as the Sui Dynasty and is still being worshiped by Chinese people today, especially in southern China. He is respected as the epitome of loyalty and righteousness.

The original piece was approximately 30" (750 MM) tall.

Olympic By Design

2010-03-01T07:12:00.000-07:00

Criteria Systems is proud of all of the Canadian athletes for a job well done at the recent Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

Special congratulations go to the Canada 1 Bobsled team of Lyndon Rush, David Bisset, Lascelles Brown, and Chris Le Bihan who took bronze on the treacherous Whistler track. The second-last sled out of the gate, the team came within a mere 0.01 seconds from maintaining his hold on second place and a silver medal, instead winning bronze. The bronze broke a 46-year-drought in the four-man event for Canada and capped a three-medal performance for the bobsled team at the Vancouver Games.

Foam Machining for Low Volume Production and Large Format Prototyping

2010-02-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

When your project requires large format machined part(s) we can help. Criteria Systems has access to a first-class, in-house machining facility designed to meet customers manufacturing needs. Criteria Systems CNC capabilities include EPS Foam hot wire cutting, 3-Axis CNC routers, rotational milling capability up to 8' diameter and more. With these systems, foam prototyping offers a great method for bringing your projects to life. Criteria Systems uses Streamline Automation's FROG3D^TM system for foam prototyping. Integration of our 3D scanning capability and 3D CAD/CAM software means that virtually anything can be produced.

Our rapid prototyping output is great for producing smaller-scale products and scale models-while foam prototyping can be used to create incredibly large models and products.

Other uses of our CNC foam prototyping system are:

Foam Prototyping
Props
Signage
Enlargement
Point of Sale / Tradeshow Displays
Architectural Elements
Bronze/Metal Casting Plugs
Packaging
Molds for Concrete / Vacuum forming and other materials

Through our industry partners we can also coordinate polyurethane or polyurea hardcoat, painted finishing and more. Our technology is best suited for Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) machining, but we can also complete prototypes in urethane foams, polyisocyanurate foams, wood, plastics and other materials.

New 3D Scanning Videos

2010-01-25T15:54:00.001-07:00

We have recently uploaded some new videos of 3D scans captured using our innovative new scanning technology. This 3D scanning system gives us complete water-tight meshes with incredible detail and resolution. The system is ideal for digital archiving, reverse engineering, digitizing and much more. Stay tuned to Criteria Systems as we continue to break new ground in the field of 3D scanning and 3D scanning applications.

As with all of our scans, these models can be reproduced or reduced in size using our rapid prototyping system, or they can be enlarged for large format CNC production.

3D Scanning and Rapid Prototyping for Medical Purposes

2010-01-11T07:42:00.002-07:00

3D Scanning and Rapid Prototyping at Criteria Systems are outstanding tools for medical applications.

For instance, The Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. is using 3D rapid prototyping to create multi-color physical models of anatomy to aid in performing delicate surgeries.

Beginning with CT scans or photos, the institution’s 3D Medical Applications Center transforms them into 3D files, applies any color to the resulting digital models, and then uses a 3D printer to produce multicolor physical models. These models can be held in the hand and examined from all angles, which helps surgeons get a better idea of what issues they will need to know about during surgery. Currently, the center prints several of these models per week.

In particular, neurosurgeons have found the models useful as they make models of aneurysms and arterio-venous malformations to help them perform delicate surgeries. This way, surgeons report that they can know in advance the anatomical structures of the patient rather than discovering them after the incision is made, thus lessening the possibility of blood loss and chances of infections.

For orthopedic use, surgeons created a model for removal of bony growths on a patient’s knee. Surgeons used a 3D printer to print a white model of the joint with blood vessels illuminated in red and nerves in yellow, which gives the surgeon a roadmap to figure out the best route to address the tumors.

In one case, the surgeon used a sterile bag to transport his model into the operating room. He aligned his cutting instrument on the model, then aligned his instrument on the patient in the same manner.

For constructing facial prosthetic models, a 3D printed mask is used in anaplastology to avoid the process of plaster on patients’ faces used to produce a moulage casting.

For more information, visit http://www.criteria-systems.com.

New Criteria Systems Website Online

2009-12-31T00:19:00.001-07:00

Criteria Systems proudly announces the re-launching of our website. The new site features more content, and a better navigation. Furthermore the new website puts our corporate identity into a new light.

Since our inception in 2007, Criteria Systems has worked to develop and improve our website delivery. Now we have completely overhauled the site to bring a new exciting and clear corporate vision to our customers. We are also taking this opportunity to showcase our new product and service offerings, including our status as an authorized value-added reseller of AutoCAD 2010 software.

The new website features an easy-to-follow navigation, more dynamic content and more comprehensive information about our products and services. Each page features a consistent drop-down menu and other navigation tools make the site very simple to work-through. Lots of Flash content demonstrates how each of our applications and offerings are presented. Dynamic content such as this also emphasizes the 3D work we undertake at Criteria Systems. A key development of the re-worked site has been to provide better content so that our customers are empowered with the knowledge and tools they need.

Apart from the look of the site, there are a great many 'under-the-hood' improvements that should help us increase our exposure and search engine rankings.

The initial feedback on the in-house designed and built site has been so positive, that we have decided to offer website design as one of our design services. "The look and feel of the site is great," comments one reviewer, "it takes Criteria Systems to a whole new level." Stay tuned to www.criteria-systems.com in the future as we continue to push the boundaries of website design.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T15:30:00.001-07:00

Ogre Scan

2009-12-23T08:35:00.000-07:00

This is another scan from our 3D scanning system. Please visit www.criteria-systems.com for more information.

New 3D Scans

2009-12-22T14:38:00.000-07:00

We have uploaded some new video of 3D scan results. The detail level of these scans is incredible.

Stay tuned for more innovative breakthroughs at Criteria Systems!

3D Scanning Applications

2009-12-14T12:29:00.000-07:00

3D Laser scanning is the process of measuring any given object by means of a laser beam and digitizing the information.

Our scanning systems work by reading a reflected laser beam off of the original object. The scan system then builds a 3D model of the object. This model can be modified in a CAD-system or used for copying the exact shape, or rapid prototyped out as a one to one or scaled version of the original.

With our latest scanning technology it is also to capture the color of an object. This can be used on a prototype as well. 3D Scanning with Criteria Systems can therefore be used to:

minimize development costs
reduce/eliminate CAD development time
shorten development periods
enter the market much faster

As the following diagram illustrates, the applications for 3D scanning include reverse engineering, triangle mesh creation for export to CAD, animation, simulation and CNC tool path applications, as well as for quality assurance testing.

For more information please visit our 3D scanning page here, and our 3D scanning gallery

Criteria Systems Adds AutoCAD 2010 to Design and Engineering Software Portfolio

2009-12-04T12:23:00.002-07:00

Criteria Systems Adds AutoCAD 2010 to Design and Engineering Software Portfolio

Calgary, Alberta, October 2, 2009 – Criteria Systems Ltd. today announced it has become an Autodesk authorized value-added reseller of AutoCAD 2010 software.

AutoCAD is the world's leading design and documentation platform. The 2010 release provides more power and innovation to help customers document, communicate, explore and customize design ideas. With new free-form design tools, users can easily explore ideas in 3D models to create almost any shape they can imagine. New PDF import and underlay and enhanced publishing features can improve two-way communication with the extended design team. In addition, the introduction of constraint-based parametric drawing tools enables users to define persistent relationships between objects, accelerating crucial design revision workflows. AutoCAD 2010 now also supports 3D printing, which makes it easy to produce physical 3D models and physical prototypes by connecting to on-demand 3D printing services or personal 3D printers.

"Providing customers with the powerful 3D design tools that enable them to stretch the limits of their creativity was our priority for the 2010 release of AutoCAD," said Guri Stark, Autodesk vice president, AutoCAD and Platform Products. "With the support of Criteria Systems Ltd., we look forward to helping even more design professionals use AutoCAD to the take their documentation and design further."

Empower your Creativity: In order to provide customers with industry-leading tools to empower their creativity, Criteria Systems Ltd. is proud to announce their role as an authorized Autodesk reseller. Criteria Systems is dedicated to meeting the needs of our clients in the 3D CAD world and are excited about what the AutoCADsoftware offers our customers. For our rapid prototyping customers, the direct support of 3D printing makes AutoCAD software a smart choice.

Criteria Systems offers the latest in rapid prototyping, 3D scanning and design services. Based in Calgary, Alberta, our cost-effective solutions for rapid prototyping get parts into your hands quickly for evaluations and approvals. We also specialize in foam prototyping for your large format prototyping needs. Rapid Prototyping (RP) is a common name given to a variety of technologies that are used to create three dimensional prototypes directly from CAD files or digitally scanned data. In general the technologies create models of material in thin layers. These additive technologies offer advantages in many applications compared to subtractive fabrication methods such as milling or turning. With Criteria Systems, you also can also incorporate color and graphics into your rapid prototype models. Along with years of experience in CAD and 3D design, Criteria Systems is now offering AutoCAD 2010 software as part of its product portfolio.

Autodesk carefully selects resellers to help ensure a strong partner network capable of superior, responsive service. Today, there are more than 1700 resellers serving more than 9 million Autodesk users worldwide with exemplary proficiency in the demonstration, installation and support of Autodesk products. Authorized Autodesk Resellers gain a dependable partner in Autodesk, receiving incentives, marketing support, training for sales and technical representatives, and business planning and management guidance.

Availability
For more information about Autocad 2010, visit Criteria Systems online at http://www.criteria-systems.com, or contact toll free at 1 (866) 723-9977.
About Criteria Systems Ltd.

At Criteria Systems we provide the best customer service and deliver the best quality design services and rapid prototype solutions at a competitive price. We offer cutting-edge technology to our customers, but above everything else we listen and respond to our customer needs. We continually work to improve and develop the company to provide the maximum benefit to our customers.

# # #
Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Wild Thing Prototype

2009-11-18T16:07:00.004-07:00

A rapid prototype model of the Wild Thing has been produced.

Hair and some additional features have been added to the model prior to production. The model stands ~5" (125 mm) high. Based on this physical prototype, the model will be revised and set up for large-format production as a foam model.

Where the Wild Things Are 3D Model

2009-10-05T11:54:00.002-07:00

We are currently undertaking the following project to bring a character from Where the Wild Things Are to life. The piece has been modeled and will now move to enlargement and production in foam as a foam prototype.

The hair will be added to the physical model. Stay tuned for updates.

Interesting Article About Rapid Prototyping

2009-05-10T00:41:00.001-07:00

Check out this article about different Rapid Prototyping technologies.
Rapid-Prototyping Technologies Enhance-Innovation Opportunity

3D Design Services at Criteria Systems

2009-04-30T13:16:00.001-07:00

More galleries online

2009-04-06T08:51:00.003-07:00

We have now completed the upload of galleries for rapid prototyping, 3D scanning, design and foam prototyping at http://www.criteria-systems.com/galleries.htm

Please check out the images, and let us know what you think.

Rapid Prototyping Gallery Online

2009-04-01T06:54:00.002-07:00

We are beta testing our online rapid prototyping gallery at http://www.criteria-systems.com/prototype_gallery.htm.

Please check it out and let us know what you think.

In the near future we will be adding design and 3D scanning galleries as well. Stay tuned at http://www.criteria-systems.com.

Call for 3D Submissions

2009-03-26T20:51:00.003-07:00

Our post on the ConceptArt.org forums (http://www.conceptart.org/forums/showthread.php?t=154026) states:

Submit 3D Models for Rapid Prototyping

We are currently accepting submissions of 3D models to add to our upcoming online gallery at Criteria Systems.

In exchange for suitable submissions we will offer a free rapid model of the piece in full color (you only need to cover the shipping and handling).

In addition to rapid prototyping, we also offer larger scale production via CNC machining.

For more information on how to qualify please email us via our website at http://www.criteria-systems.com.

Cheers!
__________________
CRITERIA SYSTEMS
www.criteria-systems.com

Photos of work

2009-03-25T06:01:00.000-07:00

Find more photos like this on Criteria Systems

Rapid Prototyping and Innovation Article

2009-03-22T15:49:00.002-07:00

Check out this article on rapid prototyping and innovation.

http://www.innovationtools.com/Articles/EnterpriseDetails.asp?a=396

For more great articles like this check out hte Adventure of Innovation website

Vinyl Toy Model

2009-03-06T07:53:00.002-07:00

Here is a model for a Vinyl toy designed at Criteria Systems. This is to be made as part of an upcoming short-production series. The ears and graphics will be different on various models.

Join Criteria Systems on Twitter

2009-03-06T07:19:00.002-07:00

Join Twitter to keep up to the minute with Criteria Systems.

http://twitter.com/criteriasystems

Forum Launched

2009-02-17T00:33:00.002-07:00

Check out the Criteria Systems forum site here. Post ideas, comments and discussions. The site requires membership, but great networking potential.

Tips for Your 3D Printed Rapid Prototype

2009-02-10T11:12:00.004-07:00

Three-dimensional printers can save you a lot of time and money, but if you are unaware of some of their complexities, you may not get exactly what you expected out of the machine when you pick up your models at the end of the day. From working with your original CAD file to making it suitable for 3D printing, importing it into the printer’s software preparing your digital file, to finishing off the part at the end of the process, the actions you take in each step can have a significant impact on your model.

Guidelines
As a general rule, all geometries must be able to exist in the real world. All geometric parts have a minimum wall thickness. For functional walls that hold parts together, it must be at least 1 to 2 mm. Minimum feature size resolution can be as low as 0.1 mm for ornamental features such as raised text or a font size equal to four.

File preparation
As an option, remove unnecessary geometry. This helps the system operate faster because it shrinks the file size. For example, you might not need to visualize certain parts on the inside of your model, such as an engine under the hood of a car. Or, when you are only concerned with one area of the design, you might want to remove the detail on the backside or any other unnecessary external feature. Printing these parts can also consume additional system resources. However, this step is optional and depends on the application. Oftentimes removing the parts is more difficult than dealing with a slow system.

Once you export the file out of a CAD program, check it thoroughly and fix any problems. Make sure the file contains only solids and eliminate features that register only as surfaces. For example, tabletops may lack a thickness dimension, so a 3D printer will not print them. An object may look solid from afar, but as you zoom in, the sides may not be completely closed. Unless you check files before printing, you could end up with a model that is missing features that appeared on your screen and in your file, but did not print. For example, many tabletops in houses are one-dimensional; they do not have any thickness.

Because file checking can be complex as well as critical to a successful print job, some 3D printer manufacturers now offer software packages that execute this task. The ZEditTM Pro, for example, checks files automatically upon importation and fixes those that it can fix without your intervention.

Size your part appropriately. If necessary, split the model in half. Some printer systems will help you build orientation pins to accommodate this action. If you are using a process such as Criteria System’s, and the model is too big, our printers will let you create holes so as not to use too much material.

Know the capabilities of your printer Criteria System’s printers not only add color; they print labels, dates, filenames, logos, and annotations.

Know your options
Our software lets you to add color to different parts of your assembly or color each part individually to help illustrate a point or to highlight an internal piece. In addition, the printer can apply a virtual sticker to the model. You can add labels, print a filename, date, owner, logo, or annotations on the part to help with traceability.

3D Design and Rapid Prototyping from Criteria Systems

2009-01-29T15:17:00.001-07:00

Baseball Movie

2009-01-28T13:19:00.001-07:00

This baseball was created on our 3D scanning system.

3D Scanning

2009-01-27T12:02:00.001-07:00

This 3D scan was made up of several separate scans and stitched together to form a watertight mesh. For more information, please visit our website at http://www.criteria-systems.com.

Fireplace 001

2009-01-26T15:35:00.001-07:00

his fireplace model has been designed for production using Streamline Automation's FROG3D mold production system. For this project a scale model using the construction CAD data was produced on our rapid prototyping system for client approval. For more information, visit our website at www.criteria-systems.com.

For more information on Streamline Automation's FROG3D System, please visit www.3dcutting.com.

Roman Chariot Criteria

2009-01-26T14:24:00.001-07:00

This Roman relief was created with our 3D scanner and ArtCAM Pro software. The model was output to ZBrush for rendering.

Rotary Design

2009-01-26T14:22:00.001-07:00

This model was created in Rhino and output to our Rapid Prototyping system.

Troll Movie2

2009-01-26T14:16:00.001-07:00

This model was created in Z-Brush and prototyped on a 3D printer.

Fantasy Skull

2009-01-26T14:12:00.001-07:00

This model was created and rendered in Z-Brush.

Criteria Systems Launches AdventureofInnovation.com

2009-01-21T16:06:00.005-07:00

Criteria Systems has launched Adventure of Innovation. At the Adventure of Innovation site, you will find links to important resources for product developers, inventors and anyone else interested in the innovation process.

Adventure of Innovation will be posting articles on interesting subjects involving innovation.

In development is a Directory of Innovators where users can peruse others involved in innovative activities.

So please go to http://www.adventureofinnovation.com and check out the site!

Demo Reel on YouTube

2008-12-28T04:27:00.003-07:00

Check out our demo reel on YouTube!

Criteria Systems is a proud sponsor of the Magic 'N Miracles in support of Muscular Dystrophy Canada

2008-12-08T06:48:00.002-07:00

Criteria Systems is a proud sponsor of this year's Magic 'N Miracles at the Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium on December 27th.

Illusionist team Murray Hatfield and Teresa Midbo have been featured on many different tours across Canada and the US, at numerous high level corporate events and at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood. They were the headline act at two of the largest magic conferences in North America and the Canadian Association of Magicians named Murray 2005 Magician of the Year.

During 2006 they have appeared at corporate events in both Canada and the United States, headlined the Magic Jamboree in Portland and the Pacific Coast Association of Magicians conference in Victoria, and returned to appear at the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. In addition, Murray & Teresa created and starred in Illusions & Beyond - the largest illusion show ever seen at the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver.

This benefit magic show will thrill the entire family while at the same time provide much needed funds for the many charities supported by the firefighters.

www.magicnmiracles.com

See you there!

Fast Online Quote System Now Available

2008-06-03T22:19:00.002-07:00

Criteria Systems announces the launch of our Online Quote System at www.criteria-systems.com. Our quote system lets you enter dimensions, volume and quantity to obtain an accurate price quote for your rapid prototype part. Our easy-to-use system also lets you upload your file and pay using PayPal.

Were sure you'll agree that our Online Quote System makes ordering your rapid prototype parts fast and easy.

Head over to www.criteria-systems.com and click on the Online Quote link for your test drive.

Criteria Systems Prototypes for the Theming Industry

2008-04-18T17:36:00.003-07:00

Using Criteria Systems rapid prototyping technology for presentation models for landing big jobs is a purpose that is already a well-used by our customers. Now, many customers are also finding uses of rapid prototyping for end products and as a method for speeding up production.

For smaller scale elements with high detail, milling small elements and hand carving are not always the optimal solutions. Directly making the product with the help of Criteria Systems may be the solution your project requires.

Criteria Systems rapid prototype models can be painted and finished directly or they can be produced in color. For speed, accuracy and detail there is no comparable process.

A customer of Criteria Systems, Heavy Industries recently used prototyping to help with the construction of a series of bulletin boards for the Calgary Stampede. The detail level and speed of production were major factors in Heavy's decision to use rapid prototyping.

Rapid Prototyping and 3D Design Service from Criteria Systems

2007-11-21T08:21:00.000-07:00

Hello, welcome to the Blogger Blog page for Criteria Systems Ltd.
Criteria Systems offers Rapid Prototyping and 3D Design Services.
With our fast online quote system, you will find that Criteria Systems offers a competitive rapid prototype product. Our service can be used by many industries including:

Industrial Design
Architecture
Manufacturing
POS / Display
Engineering
Art / Media
And much more…

We specialize in rapid prototyping for the theming industry. This allows you to compete and plan for large-scale projects in miniature. Imagine the value and immediacy a color scale model of your themeing project would be when you plan for and compete for a big deal. At Criteria Systems, we can also help you with design elements for themeing projects. We have the know-how for producing projects with eye-catching results in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
To find out more about our company, please visit http://www.criteria-systems.com/.