|
FOAM CUTTING QUARTERLY
Streamline Automation's Quarterly Newsletter
Fall 2009 - Vol 2, Issue 2
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dear Andrew,
|
Welcome to Foam Cutting Quarterly, Streamline Automation's E-newsletter.
Whether you're in the sculptural, themed environment, mold making or architectural world, Foam Cutting Quarterly will keep you in the loop on innovative projects, interesting clients and cool applications of creative foam cutting and carving.
|
|
|
|
| CLIENT PROFILE YORK UNIVERSITY (CANADA) |
|
Looking to take its highly regarded sculpture program to the next level, York University's Department of Visual Arts set its sights on creating a groundbreaking Digital Sculpture Laboratory where innovative equipment and processes would reinvent conventional approaches and push the world of sculpture into areas it had never been. With these goals in mind, the department turned to Streamline Automation and the FROG3D™ system.
 By implementing the FROG3D™ foam carving system, the Digital Sculpture Laboratory at York gained a solution that could perfectly translate digital code (whether from a 3D scan or a digital design) into physical reality - without the inefficiencies and inflexibility of conventional sculptural methods. Students can now take their digital designs and perfectly replicate them in any size - improving their artistic processes without losing any artistry. Students and artists are able to bring their artistic visions to life while they fulfill the lab's vision of investigating and advancing innovative sculptural processes.
For Brandon Vickerd, a professor in the school's sculpture program, the decision to implement FROG3D™ was based on a number of factors. "When it came time for us to purchase a theming system we had three priorities," he explains. "The system had to be easy for our students to use, it had to be adaptable and compatible with our existing equipment and it had to come with exceptional technical support. Streamline's FROG3D™ foam carving system has exceeded all these expectations and has become a pivotal tool for our sculpture program." All of this has helped the program achieve one of its fundamental goals - attracting a higher quality of student, as well as a greater number of professional artists wanting to learn the technology. FROG3D™ has turned out to be a perfect solution for York's Digital Sculpture Laboratory and promises to make an impact both to the artistic and educational side of sculpture.
Click here to read more about how York University uses FROG3D™.
|
| INVESTING DURING THE RECESSION |
With all of the economic turmoil we're facing, you may not think that it's a good time for any kind of purchase, let alone a significant investment. But the conditions are perfect to set your business up to come out of the downturn with a serious competitive advantage - and to do it at a time that will save you a significant amount of money. Many businesses see tough times as a signal to pull back, cut costs and lay low in an attempt to weather the storm. For proactive business owners who recognize that tough times are often the best times to make improvements, other businesses' hesitation creates an important opportunity. While the competition downsizes and waits for the storm clouds to pass, other companies forge ahead and make investments for the future. Guess who will be in the better position when the economy starts heating up again?
It has been proven time and time again - businesses that can effectively add innovative  equipment and processes during periods of stagnation are the ones that position themselves for the greatest growth. Business owners can choose whether theirs will be the company that sits back and waits for things to change, or the one that makes its own change and creates its own opportunities. For companies involved in theming, sculpture and mold making, Streamline Automation offers proven innovation that can add productivity, flexibility and creativity to existing production processes. By setting yourself up with FROG3D™ now and learning how to take advantage of the gains it offers, you'll be ready to take the competition by storm when the economy makes its inevitable recovery.
While the timing may be perfect from a competitive standpoint, it's not the only reason you should seriously consider investing in your business now. Financial incentives that are typically strongest during times of economic turmoil mean that you can save a good chunk of money by making a move now. We're confident that FROG3D™ can take your business to where you want it to be, because we've seen it happen over and over again. With all of the advantages currently operating in the market, there really hasn't been a better time to make the leap.
|
| CLIENT PROFILE UNIVERSITY OF CALGARY (CANADA) |
|
At Streamline Automation, we're well versed in the opportunities that innovation creates, but we also know the challenges that innovators face. That's why we jumped at the opportunity to support the University of Calgary Formula SAE team - a group of future innovators pushing the limits on the race track and representing their school in competitions around the world.
 With beginnings in 1981, the Formula Design Series has evolved to become the largest and most prestigious student design competition in the world. University and college students are challenged to design and manufacture a single seat, open-wheel style competition race car. Each car is designed by student teams and then built from scratch, giving students hands-on experience in taking an advanced engineering project from concept to completion. The Formula Design Series lets students design and build some incredible race cars, but it's really about giving the students an opportunity to gain valuable engineering and fabrication experience - experience they typically wouldn't obtain from classroom curriculums. All of this makes for an exciting program that puts the future of innovation in good hands.
When the University of Calgary's Formula SAE team contacted Streamline Automation for help in taking their car to the next level, we were happy to donate our expertise and technology. Thanks to its advanced mold making capabilities, the FROG3D™ foam carving system was a perfect solution for creating molds for the car's aerodynamic body. Eric Richard, a member of the team, summed up Streamline's support; "Streamline helped the team both through its sponsorship of our bodywork molds, and through advice on how to make the molds most effectively," he explains. "This led to one of the best looking, and by far the lightest body that the team has ever had." Streamline Automation is proud to support the University of Calgary's Formula SAE team and wishes them the best of luck at future races.
Click here to read more about how Streamline and FROG3D™ helped the team.
|
| ONLINE TECH SUPPORT AND DEMOS NOW AVAILABLE |
|
Streamline Automation is now offering online realtime technical support - making it easier for our clients to get the assistance they need, when they need it. Using readily available technology, we can offer video and screen sharing capabilities to provide on-the-spot solutions for our clients in a virtual face-to-face format. We're also able to offer online demos for potential clients looking for an easy way to see what the FROG3D™ system is all about.
Call us to learn more about our new tech support and demo capabilities.
|
|
|
For further information about any of Streamline's products or services, visit our website at www.3dcutting.com or give us a call at 1-877-358-0555.
Cheers,
|
|
THE STREAMLINE AUTOMATION TEAM
|
|
|
|