What’s Hot at Synergis
What’s
Hot at Autodesk
What’s Hot at Discreet in
Animation and Visualization Solutions
What's Hot at Denford for CNC and
Rapid Prototyping Equipment
What's Hot at Roland
Autodesk Design Academy & Design Institute Special Promotions
Call your Synergis representative at 800-836-5440 for more information on the following promotions.
F1 Competition Promotion
The F1 promotion is part of Autodesk’s sponsorship commitment to
the "F1 in Schools" competition. Any school participating in
the "F1 in Schools" competition will receive a one year term
Autodesk Inventor 10 license (institution EDU license) as part of their
competition kit. In addition, they are eligible to purchase ADA 5 or
DesignKids at a reduced price.
Offer available through July 31, 2006
Roland MDX-20 and MDX-15 Promotion
Take
advantage of significant savings on the Roland MDX-20
and MDX-15. For
a limited time, the MDX-20 is offered at $3695 (a savings
of $800) and the MDX-15 for $2095 (a savings of $ 900).
Call your Synergis Academic Account Manager for
more information.
Offer available through March 31, 2006
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Autodesk Solutions Reign King in New "King Kong" Film
Color grading for Universal Pictures' "King Kong" was realized using media and entertainment technology from Autodesk. Visual effects facility Weta Digital relied upon Autodesk's Discreet® Lustre® system to digitally color grade the entire film.
Senior Visual Effects Supervisor Joe Letteri summarized Weta Digital's use of the Discreet Lustre system on the film: "Weta Digital used the Discreet Lustre system … to grade at the front end, before the computer-generated elements were added, and also at the very end of our pipeline to grade the final images. As the elements came in, the Lustre system helped us work out the look for complex environments like Skull Island and 1933 New York."
Lighting and color are key aspects of "King Kong." The Discreet Lustre system influenced the film's creative process. The filmmakers knew they had control and flexibility in the digital grading post-production phase, which gave them more freedom while shooting. For example, when shooting took place at various times of day, the lighting could later be corrected with the Discreet Lustre system to match the preferred lighting and time of day.
With five Discreet Lustre systems installed at Weta Digital in New Zealand, digital colorists were able to explore numerous options for the film's look. "Color bibles" were created in the Lustre system. These bibles contained two or three digitally color-graded shots from each of the film's scenes, establishing color references for the final color grade. The end result is a stunning, stylized film in which color greatly enhances the viewer's experience.
Supervising Digital Colorist Dave Cole said, "Establishing the right look and feel for 'King Kong' was an essential part of the storytelling. We achieved this with the Discreet Lustre system. This extremely powerful tool made it possible for the film to appear realistic yet stylized. The grading capabilities of Autodesk's Discreet Lustre system have been used extensively, allowing the creative desires of the director, director of photography and visual effects supervisors to be realized."
For further information, please visit www.autodesk.com/kingkong.
Autodesk
Ships 3ds Max 8 Software
Newest Release Addresses 3D Pipeline Complexity,
Advanced Character Animation, Data Management and Introduces
Expanded mental ray
Network Rendering Options
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.—October 10, 2005—Autodesk,
Inc. (NASDAQ: ADSK), announced today it has begun shipping
Autodesk 3ds Max 8 software, the latest version of
its award- winning 3D modeling, animation and rendering
solution. Created to address growing 3D pipeline complexity
with new data management, character animation and speed/performance
advancements, 3ds Max software is one of the industry’s
most popular solutions that help customers realize
their creative 3D ideas for game development, film
and video production and design visualization.
3ds Max Subscription customer Epic Games, makers of
the Unreal Engine 3, which was recently chosen by Sony
Computer Entertainment for its software developer kit
for the new PLAYSTATION 3, plans to benefit from 3ds
Max 8 in their production pipeline. "When our
artists got their hands on the 3ds Max 8 beta, there
was no turning back. The time savings from silver-bullet
features like Pelt Mapping meant that we immediately
put the beta in production for Gears of War and Unreal
Tournament 2007," said Michael Capps, Ph.D., President,
Epic Games. "We've been working with the 3ds Max
team since the Microsoft DOS days, collaborating on
ways to make the Unreal Engine's content pipeline more
efficient. We dream up a few crazy features, and they
turn around a new version in no time."
Autodesk originally pioneered the concept of unlimited
network rendering with 3ds Max and Autodesk Backburner
functionality. Now, Autodesk introduces the industry’s
first scalable, unlimited mental ray network rendering
option specifically for 3ds Max. This proprietary addition
gives valuable rendering flexibility to customers using
3ds Max software. 3D artists can now distribute 3ds
Max rendering tasks (via Backburner) across a network
using the integrated mental ray renderer without incurring
additional costs—allowing them to scale their
mental ray rendering resources to the limits of their
network or render farm capabilities.
All new features and enhancements in 3ds Max 8 address
the needs of animators tasked with meeting the demands
of more sophisticated effects projects, next-generation
game consoles, and photo-real design visualizations.
Character Development features include: advanced rigging
tools, motion mixing and motion retargeting (non-linear
animation). Modeling & Texturing advancements include
new UV pelt mapping, DirectX and .fx support. Comprehensive
Development Framework enhancements include improved
software developer kit (SDK) tools and documentation,
XML support that efficiently exchanges scene and animation
data and an interactive MAXScript debugger along with
support for the Autodesk DWF Viewer, for simple collaborative
review and approval of 3D data. Complex Data and Asset
Management advancements bring continued connectivity
to third-party asset management systems and integration
of the Autodesk Vault full-featured data management
and asset-tracking solution.
For a complete list of new 3ds Max 8 features, please
visit: http://www.autodesk.com/3dsmax/.
“This release of 3ds Max software brings significant
productivity boosts to our user base,” said Marc
Petit, vice president of product development and operations
at Autodesk Media and Entertainment division. “To
that end, we’re very proud to also provide our
customers with the extended flexibility of the mental
ray network rendering framework, adding great value
to 3ds Max by allowing our customers to freely scale
their render farms and realize an even greater cost
of ownership advantage.”
Pricing and Availability
Autodesk 3ds Max 8 software is now available in English
through authorized resellers worldwide. The suggested
retail price for Autodesk 3ds Max 8 software in North
America is US $3,495. The suggested retail price to
upgrade from 3ds Max 7 to 3ds Max 8 in North America
is US $795.
3ds Max Subscription
The Autodesk suggested retail price for 3ds Max Subscription
is US $440 per year and is available for purchase simultaneously
with the product purchase or upgrade. Subscription
customers qualify for access to the latest software
updates, valuable product extensions and e-learning
materials. For more information about purchasing 3ds
Max Subscription, contact an Autodesk Authorized Reseller
or visit http://www.Autodesk.com/subscription/.
**PRESS: Screen shots and images of 3ds Max 8 are
available at the Autodesk Media & Entertainment
IMAGE LIBRARY at: http://www.autodesk.com/3dsmax-imagelibrary
About Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. (NASDAQ:
ADSK) is wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas
are turned into reality.
With six million users, Autodesk is the world's leading
software and services company for the building, manufacturing,
infrastructure, media and entertainment and wireless
data services fields. Autodesk’s solutions
help customers create, manage and share their data
and digital
assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn
ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more
productive, streamlining project efficiency and maximizing
profits.
Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San
Rafael, California. For additional information about
Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.
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Denford Goes Mobil
Denford's traveling showcase can be scheduled to come
to your school. The Denford showcase features CNC machines,
software, and curriculums.
Get first hand experience with the range of support
products Denford has available.
Contact John McCarten,
Synergis Academic Solutions Coordinator at John.McCarten@synergis.com
or call 800-836-5440 to schedule a visit.
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New LPX-600 Laser Scanner featured on Desktop Engineering
web site.
The innovative new LPX-600 Laser Scanner has been
released and is in stock now. I had a chance to play
with the machine in California last week and it is
very impressive! The EZ Scan software makes it very
easy for the “sales guy” to place an object
in the LPX-600, click “preview” to automatically
pick the best scan parameters, then click “scan” to
get a water tight .stl file. It does not get any easier
than this!!!
Desktop Engineering magazine has featured the new
product on their website
:http://www.deskeng.com/
One Button 3D Laser Scanning
Written by DE Editors,
December 2005
Supplied reverse engineering software makes Roland's
new, highly automated desktop scanner easy to use.
Hit one button, say manufacturer Roland
Advanced Solutions Division (ASD; Lake Forest, CA), and the desktop-sized
LPX-600 3D laser scanner can sample and scan an object
then automatically generate a detailed model with a
watertight surface.
The LPX-600 3D laser scanner from Roland ASD. Click
image to enlarge.
An integrated hardware/software system, LPX-600 enables
designers to scan objects up to 16 inches tall and
10 inches in diameter, while its non-contact laser
sensor quickly generates precise models with a 0.008-inch
scanning resolution. Its combination of precision laser
optics and motion control within a rigid enclosure
lets the LPX-600 produce high-quality scans with minimal
surface noise, according to the company.
The LPX-600's complementary LPX EZ
Studio reverse engineering software is compatible
with most popular CAD/CAM programs. LPX EZ Studio
streamlines the 3D scan and data editing process,
and provides full scan/align/merge functionality
that lets engineers generate watertight mesh surface
models. The software supports a range of data output
formats, including STL, PIX, and 3DM. |
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The LPX-600, with bundled LPX EZ Studio software,
is shipping now with a list price of $11,995. Leasing
is available. Click here to go to the website of Roland
Advanced Solutions Division.
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The December issue of AJM magazine contains the announcement
of the very prestigious AJM award for the JWX-10 along
with a 2 page article and success story. This is extremely
good coverage for us and has already generated leads
from jewelers. The issue also has an advertisement
for the JWX-10 that contains the 0% finance offer.
Since this was not pulled in time for distribution
we are willing to honor the 0% finance offer through
December to those who mention seeing it in AJM Magazine.
http://www.rolanddga.com/asd/promo/zeropercent/
A quick note from David Olson regarding this award:
“AJM Magazine’s Innovation Award December
issue is used by jewelers to guide their purchasing
decisions right when they are cash rich and recovering
from a busy holiday season. As you know the JWX-10
was selected as a 2005 Innovation Award recipient and
AJM’s December issue features the JWX-10 in a
two page spread with awesome testimony.”
This is an excellent opportunity to close year end
business with Jewelers so please make a point of showing
the attached article to your Jeweler leads and getting
the word out this month!
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Roland Announces
New Packaging Prototyping System
Chicago, Illinois, September 9, 2005 – Combining
technologies from across the company’s Color
Products and Advanced Solutions Divisions, Roland DGA
Corp. has introduced the Packaging Prototyping System,
an efficient in-house solution for producing professional
packaging prototypes in less than one day.
On display at this week’s Print ’05 Conference
(Roland exhibit, Booth #7943), the Packaging Prototyping
System incorporates Roland’s advanced print/cut
and 3D scanning and milling technologies into a complete
solution for creating precision, custom packaging prototypes.
The Packaging Prototyping System is targeted for printers,
product designers, graphic designers and other professionals
involved in the creation of custom product packaging.
“The Packaging Prototyping System sets a new
standard for efficiency and cost effectiveness for
the product packaging industry,” said Barry Johnston,
color products division manager, Roland DGA Corp. “As
an in-house solution, the Packaging Prototyping System
allows professionals to generate precision packaging
prototypes quickly, and to review and refine their
designs easily – without the expense and added
time involved in outsourcing.”
The Packaging Prototyping System features the following
equipment:
Roland LPX-1200 3D laser scanner
- 0.0039" scanning resolution
- Scans objects
up to 5" in diameter and 8" high
- Includes
powerful reverse engineering software
- Compatible
with all 3D CAD software
Roland MDX-40 3D milling machine
- Subtractive rapid
prototyping technology
- Mills 12” x 12” x 4.12” work
volume
- Fourth rotary axis for unattended two- and four-sided milling
- Bundled
4-axis CAM software
- High-speed 15,000 rpm spindle
Roland SOLJET™ PRO II V SC-545EX 54”-wide
integrated printer/cutter
- Featuring new ECO-SOL™ MAX ink
- Precision
printing and contour cutting;
- Maximum print speed
of 315 sqft./hr. at 450 x 360 dpi
- Up to 1440 x 1440
dpi resolution
- Prints on uncoated and coated media
- Variable droplet
technology
- No special ventilation or environmental
equipment
- Includes VersaWorks™ RIP software
- Standard vacuum forming
equipment
The production process is as follows:
Produce Blister Packaging
Using the LPX-1200 laser scanner with included software,
capture the 3D surfaces of the product. Mill the
vacuum forming mold using the MDX-40 3D Milling Machine
and included easy-to-use CAM software. Then position
the mold into the vacuum forming machine for quick
production of the vacuum formed blister packaging.
Create Custom Graphics
Design the packaging graphics using standard graphic
design software, adding a vector cut line for each
contour cut required. Import the file into VersaWorks.
Using VersaWorks, send the file to the SOLJET PRO
II V SC-545EX integrated printer/cutter. The SC-545EX
quickly and automatically completes both the printing
and contour cutting processes required for a custom
packaging prototype.
Assemble Packaging Prototype
Manually assemble the product into the packaging materials
for a finished, professional packaging prototype.
All Roland Packaging Prototyping System components
are available through the company’s authorized
reseller channel. Standard vacuum forming equipment
can be purchased separately.
Roland Advanced Solutions Division
Roland ASD develops advanced solutions for the sign
making, engraving, jewelry design and CAD/CAM industries.
Major products include CX series vinyl cutters, EGX
series engravers, MDX series milling machines, LPX
series 3D laser scanners, and the MPX-60 photo impact
printer. The strategic business unit is a division
of Roland DGA Corporation – an industry leader
in wide-format printing and integrated print/cut
technology. Roland ASD serves customers throughout
North and South America with cutting-edge technologies
and skilled dealers. For more information, call (888)
273-8895 or visit the Web site at http://www.rolandasd.com.
Roland DGA Corporation
Roland DGA Corporation and affiliated companies are
pioneers in the development of innovative digital
technology for creative professionals. From its inception
as part of world-renowned Roland Music, Roland DGA
Corp. has introduced an award-winning product line
that continues to set new standards for precision,
reliability and performance. Professionals worldwide
rely on Roland equipment and personnel everyday in
the sign, graphic arts, fine art, photography, engraving
and 3D modeling industries.
Headquartered in Irvine, California, Roland DGA Corp.
serves as the U.S.-based marketing, distribution and
sales arm of Roland DG Corporation of Hamamatsu, Japan.
Affiliated companies include Roland US and Roland Audio
in Los Angeles, CA; Rodgers Instrument Corporation
of Hillsboro, OR; and Edirol Corporation of Seattle,
WA. Roland DG Corporation is listed on the Tokyo Stock
Exchange.
Roland DGA is ISO 9001:2000 certified, and Roland
DG is ISO-9001:2000 and 14001 certified. Roland’s
Color Products Division markets the company’s
advanced inkjet technologies in North and South America
(except Brazil) through its Authorized Resellers. Major
products include the SOLJET, VersaCAMM® and Hi-Fi
JET™ Pro lines of inkjet printers and printer/cutters.
Roland’s newly-formed Advanced Solutions Division
is responsible for marketing the company’s complete
line of vinyl cutters, engravers, 3D scanning and milling
devices, and a photo impact printer.
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GIA Selects
Roland JWX-10 to Teach World Renowned Jewelry CAD/CAM Classes
LAKE FOREST, CA October 5, 2005 The Gemological Institute of America (GIA)
will begin using the Roland JWX-10 model maker to teach students the fundamentals
of jewelry model making.
As part of the GIA Applied Jewelry Arts program, students will use the
JWX-10 to learn a variety of important CAD/CAM skills, including how to
produce precise finished wax models for virtually all types of jewelry.
Classes using the Roland desktop mill will start in January 2006 at the
GIA campus in Carlsbad, CA.
“Our classes really focus on giving students hands-on training with
the industry’s latest CAD/CAM technologies,” said Russell Hyder,
GIA manager of Jewelry Manufacturing Arts. “With the JWX-10, students
get to produce beautiful and precise wax models from their own computer-created
designs.”
The JWX-10 model maker was developed from the ground up to make the jewelry
design and manufacturing process faster, easier and more profitable. The
quiet and stylish 4-axis mill produces precise, castable wax models for
rings, pendants, bracelets and charms. It also meets stringent ISO international
standards for design and manufacturing quality.
Powered by a 20,000 rpm spindle, the JWX-10 mills wax models with detailed
resolutions up to 0.002mm/step. The desktop device includes holding fixtures
that make it easy to customize non-proprietary, off-the-shelf jewelry wax
stock. It also comes with 4-axis CAM software, tools, wax and user manuals.
GIA students will also use Roland’s ProtoWizard software and fixture
bundle. The software lets jewelers import industry standard STL files and
easily convert them into NC files ready to be milled. ProtoWizard is compatible
with all jewelry design software, including GEMvision Matrix, Rhino® with
Techgems, ArtCAM Jewelsmith and Type3 3Design. The included 3-sided ring
fixtures and extra ring arbor allow for the production of even the most
complex designs.
Proquest Solutions
GIA is working with Roland dealer Proquest Solutions for ongoing training,
hardware implementation and support. Based in Los Angeles, Proquest Solutions
offers technology solutions for jewelry design, modeling and manufacturing.
For more information, please call (213) 627-1243 or visit the Web site
at http://www.proquest-solutions.com.
Gemological Institute of America
Established in 1931, the nonprofit Gemological Institute of America is
the world's foremost authority in gemology. GIA's mission is to ensure
the public trust in gems and jewelry by upholding the highest standards
of integrity, academics, science, and professionalism through education,
research, laboratory services, and instrument development. For more information,
visit the Web site at http://www.gia.edu.
Roland Advanced Solutions Division
Roland ASD develops advanced solutions for the sign making, engraving,
jewelry design and CAD/CAM industries. Major products include CX series
vinyl cutters, EGX series engravers, MDX series milling machines, LPX series
3D laser scanners and MPX series photo impact printers. The strategic business
unit is a division of Roland DGA Corporation – an industry leader
in wide-format printing and integrated print/cut technology. Roland ASD
serves customers throughout North and South America with cutting-edge technologies
and skilled dealers. For more information, please call (888) 273-8895 or
visit the Web site at http://www.rolandasd.com.
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