Andy’s name plaque

Andy’s name plaque is relatively simple. I created a circle vector using the drawing tools and then did the type and created an outline around these vectors. I selected the circle vector and created the base relief using the dome tool.

I then imported the log end texture (from the TEXTURE MAGIC collection) and applied it to the relief.

I wanted the lettering border to follow a similar contour to the domed relief so I used the offset tool to create a new circle vector. So the first step was to create a flat relief. The height isn’t important.

 I then selected this flat relief AND the new circle vector (which would be used to modify it) and then used the same dome settings to create a similar rounded shape.

In the preview I couldn’t yet see it so I went to the front view and nudged it upwards to the appropriate height.

I then merged highest with the base relief (blue) to create one relief with the letter outline. Don’t forget to either move this now redundant relief to another layer when done or delete it.

The last step was to modify the relief using the letter vectors, once again using the dome tool..

One last check in the 3D viewer to make sure everything was as it should be and the file was ready for tool pathing and off to the MultiCam.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Ready… Set…

We’ve been busy for the last year working on hundreds of signs and features for the Scallywag Bay Adventure Park in Trinidad. Over the last six months we carefully packed those features into shipping containers and sent them on their way. Now, at last the onsite construction is set to begin. I travelled down to the Caribbean this week to oversee the final checks. The first order of business was to do a site survey, confirming all boundaries and forty-two critical points in the park in order to locate the buildings, rides, pools and other key features. Then I used a spray bomb to mark the buildings and other features on the ground in order to confirm the placement of every piece of this giant jigsaw puzzle. It will be extremely expensive or impossible to make changes from this point forward. Save for one small change, the layout worked as I imagined back in my studio. With the surveyed steel pins in place and a schedule to constantly check and replace them as necessary I have every confidence that the buildings, foundations and retaining walls will be built where they are supposed to be. The next time I return the park will be very much in the vertical construction stage.

While I was onsite I opened each container and checked inside. I was delighted to see that everything has arrived in perfect condition after their 6,000 mile journey. It was a bit of a surreal experience to climb inside and inspect the containers. The last time I was inside everything appeared the same but when I exited I looked out the doors and saw our shop. This time, despite the inside being familiar, I saw a lush tropical jungle and seaside view as I looked out.

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Sculpting Abstracts with Stan Carpenter

After teaching for 15 years, and being involved in the custom home design industry for 20, Stan Carpenter decided it was time for some real fun, and started sculpting Precision Board Plus.

With a background in the custom home design industry working with architects and homeowners to create dreams, Stan Carpenter perfected his skill of drawing over the years. Later on, painting murals became his passion, and that eventually progressed to sculpting. He was drawn to the fact that he could carve into Precision Board Plus and paint over the top for a smooth finish. He also enjoys the fact that HDU resists his tools nicely, the edges stay sharp and can hold their shape for a “crisp” look.

Many of these sculptures are available for private purchase, and can be seen on Stan’s website at: http://stancarpenterfineart.com/.

Precision Board Plus with lots of metallic acrylics:

Precision Board Plus laminated to plexiglass. Colored resin was poured into the transparent openings once the surface was developed:

Additional Precision Board Plus sculptures, some with layers of bronze, some with paint:

Denver Workshop Agenda

We are getting excited about the Denver workshop and have signed up quite a number of eager attendees. There is still room but time is quickly running out. If you are interested please don’t miss out.
Denver, CO VIP event Sept 16-18

Meet the EnRoute developers at this special 3 Day “EnRoute Pro” event in Denver, CO. This will be a more advanced, three day class focused on 3D surfacing, carving and texture creation specifically for the sign and woodworking industries. Dan Sawatzky will also be in attendance and showing his magic.

Space is limited, so register early to guarantee your seat. It’s $1,295 to attend the EnRoute Pro 3-day class, but you save $200 when you register 30 days before the event. Attendees from 2014 save $300 when you register 30 days before the class.
To register, contact Terri Wright
1800.229.9066 x114 or EnRouteSales@ThinkSAi.com
Here is the proposed agenda.
EnRoute 3-Day Workshop
Denver, Colorado
September 16-18, 2015
Day 1 
Let’s get started
• Introductions • Review EnRoute concepts and the interface
• The Design/Toolpath/Output process
• Review the 2D design tools
• Practice 
3D
Design Introduction
• Introduction to Reliefs 
• Building a Relief
      basic shapes
• Construction tools
• Smoothing, merging, slicing
• Practice
Practical Projects
• From Design to Finished Product     Concept to Part
• Let’s build a relief with Dan
• Review and Practice
Toolpath Techniques
• Routing Offset Basics
• Fill Basics
• 2.5D Toolpaths 
       Clean Passes, and Pyramid
• 3D Toolpaths
• Inlays
• Practice
Evening Session (optional) At the Artistic Automation Shop
• Burgers and Beverages (provided)
• Tools, preparation, and cutting
• Creative priming and finishing techniques
Day 2
Practical Cutting
• Design it, Toolpath it, Output it.
• Designing in EnRoute vs. Bringing in a design
• Everyday toolpath techniques standardize
• Nesting Basics
• Practice

Fun with Bitmaps
• Introduction 
     Using bitmaps to add surface texture
• Creating bitmaps
• Importing and using bitmaps
• Practice
Projects
• From Design to Finished Product
      Concept to Part
• Let’s build a relief with Dan
• Review and Practice 
Rapid Texture
• Introduction and demonstration
• Basic design
• Exploring the options
• Incorporating a relief
• Toolpath techniques with rapid texture
• Practice
Evening Session (optional) At the Artistic Automation Shop
• Sandwiches and Beverages (provided)
• Rotary axis demo
• Creative finishing techniques
     Painting and glazing
Day 3
Advanced 3D Techniques
• Noise tools for Contours, Reliefs, Toolpaths and even Meshes
• Parametric Textures
• Rapid Picture
• Combining Techniques 
• Practice
Automatic Toolpath
• Overview
• Applications for cabinet makers
• Applications for part processors
• Applications for everyone
• Boxster
• Practice
Creating a Successful Business
• How to have fun in business
• Develop your own style 
• Marketing your capabilities
Wrap-up and Q & A
• Overview of the high points of the workshop
• Ask us a stumper (if you haven’t already)
• Time for practice and one‐on‐one reviews

Published with permission from precisionboard.blogspot.com. Source.

Giving Life to Precision Board

Every year the next generation continues to impress us. After receiving the donated Precision Board Plus from Coastal Enterprises Company, these select creative minds brought life to what was once a block of urethane. Using PBLT hand in hand with 3D Printers, Paper Laser Cutters and CNC Milling machines, the students at Carleton University in Ottawa are working with cutting edge technology. They are incorporating materials and machinery to create amazing works of art.

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PBLT 15 & PBLT 18, along with 3D printing, shows the intricate detail in the ‘Reef Project’

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PB Bond-240 (one part Urethane adhesive) being applied to bond sheets of Precision Board, to achieve desired thickness for this project.   Next step: CNC machining!

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Brant Lucuik, a professional CNC technician, helped the students learn about and use the CNC machine to carve the Precision Board.  There was a combination of densities used for this project. The students used PBLT-10 up to PBLT-20, though PBLT-15 and PBLT-18 were the norm. Everyone was pleased with how easy Precision Board was to work with, “It sands and mills beautifully and I would use it exclusively if I could” said Johan Voordouw, Professor of 2nd year Modeling and responsible for the reef project.

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The students at Carleton used several 3D printers from around campus in conjunction with the Precision Board to create this reef scene. Most of the 3D printers used were “smaller makerbots” to create the coral reef shapes. Superglue was used to bond the 3D art to CNC carved Precision Board.

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Precision Board in conjunction with 3d printing make ideas become reality. For more information regarding these projects, contact Professor Johan at Carleton University. For any more information about a potential CNC project, contact Brant at Carleton University. To find out more about Carleton University, Click Here!

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