Robert Bell

How Advanced 3D Technology and Expertise Helped Bring the TTC Subway to Vaughan

When the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) announced that they were planning a Yonge-University line (now known as the Toronto-York Spadina Subway) expansion to Vaughan, their contractors called upon the 3D measurement experts at Applied Precision 3D to help get the job done.

The highly anticipated subway expansion involved adding several new subway stations, including:

- Downsview Park
- Finch West
- York University
- Pioneer Village
- Highway 407 and Jane
- Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

These involved much more complex and progressive designs, fabrication challenges and site construction difficulties that the TTC had not faced in the past.

The Role of 3D Technology in Mass Transit Construction Projects

Applied Precision used advanced LiDAR 3D scanning in conjunction with 3D laser trackers to collect critical measurements needed to verify the unique architecture of each station. Given the tight deadlines, difficult construction environments, and sometimes unpredictable weather conditions, maintaining a safe and stable work environment for everyone was a main concern.

3D modeling of the ‘as-built’ conditions was completed at various stages. The 3D features of these models were then extracted based on 3D measurements that were derived from the worksite. Using advanced technology and 3D inspection software, the Applied Precision team checked and modeled the complex structures of each station.  This involved the core steel structures, concrete structures and features and custom glass installations.

Worker safety was always at the forefront for construction contractors and the Applied Precision crews which were working at numerous TTC construction sites. While some of the work was done above ground, some of it was also done below ground, which presented potential safety hazards that needed to be carefully considered and respected.

Another formidable challenge was the unpredictable and sometimes inclement weather conditions (rain, snow, sleet, cold, heat, etc.) which pushed the limits of 3D technology used on site.  The Applied Precision crews needed to deploy creative solutions throughout the winter to ensure timely completion of site work under harsh conditions.

Despite many challenges associated with each new station, Applied Precision’s 3D measurement and 3D modeling expertise played a key role in helping to ensure that everything went according to plan. The Vaughan Metropolitan Centre station officially opened on December 17, 2017 and now represents the most northerly reaches of TTC’s subway system.

Mass Transit Construction Requires Accurate 3D Scanning

A subway expansion of this magnitude requires precision, accuracy, advanced 3D measurement technology, modeling and 3D analytical expertise to ensure successful design and construction.

Above all, it demands patience and thorough planning and coordination. This was a series of complex, multi-faceted projects where every detail had to be perfected.

The goal of this expansion was to increase mobility, make the TTC more accessible to GTA residents, and encourage people to take advantage of transit services instead of driving into Toronto. Considering the sheer volume of people who use and rely on the TTC services on a daily basis, accuracy and precision throughout each stage of the project was of upmost importance.

An Historic Engineering and Construction Feat for Toronto Transit Commission

Although the TTC has executed multiple line expansions and re-constructions in the past, this one in particular holds historical significance because of its size and ability to bridge the major gap between York Region and Toronto. It also happens to be one of the largest TTC subway expansions in the past 40 years.

“The Applied Precision 3D Team is exceptionally proud to have been a part of such an important expansion of Toronto’s transit infrastructure.”
– Robert Bell, President of Applied Precision 3D

In addition to the recent TTC expansion, Applied Precision has also worked on a number of similar projects in the transit sector. Past transit sector-based projects include working on the Pickering GO Bridge, numerous TTC bus stations and shelters, several Metrolinx assignments and the Winnipeg International Airport.

For more information on 3D scanning technology and expert services, please contact Applied Precision.

by Robert Bell

Introducing Geomagic Control X 2020!

The wait is over! 3D Systems, a leading solutions provider in the 3D hardware and software industry, have finally launched Geomagic Control X 2020. The software brings 3D scan-based inspection to more people in more places with industry-leading metrology software that makes it easy to capture and interpret scan data.

Geomagic Control X 2020 makes the inspection process easier, allowing access to everyone who participates in the inspection process and enhancing features to provide greater productivity in metrology workflows.

As a leading additive manufacturing solutions company, 3D Systems empowers manufacturers to create products and business models never before possible through transformed workflows. 3D Systems’ solutions address a variety of advanced applications for prototyping through production in markets such as aerospace, automotive, medical, dental and consumer goods.

Learn More and Schedule a Demo with Applied Precision 3D

What is GeoMagic Control X?

Geomagic Control X is a metrology software system designed for manufacturing professionals. It lets you capture and process data from 3D scanners and other devices to measure, understand, and communicate inspection results to ensure quality everywhere. With the software, more people in your organization can measure:

- Faster
- More often
- More completely
- Anywhere

What’s New: Enhancements to the Geomagic Control X Software

So, what’s new and improved over past versions of Geomagic Control X? The 2020 release brings all the best functionalities of past versions while introducing

- New and updated portable CMM workflows
- Inspection viewer
- Direction tolerances
- SimCMM for point clouds
- Object annotations
- Deviation location update
- Automation server update
- 3D Sprint file support

Learn More and Schedule a Demo of Geomagic Control X

To learn more about Geomagic Control X 2020 and receive preferred pricing based on your organization's needs, please contact Applied Precision 3D.

by Robert Bell

Applied Precision Has Moved! New 3D Service Centre in Vaughan, ON

We’re excited to announce that Applied Precision 3D has moved to our new state of the art 3D Service Centre in Vaughan!

The expanded space will support our growth and means you get better access as we are located just north of the 407/427 interchange in one of North America's fastest growing regions.

Where to Find Applied Precision: New Vaughan Office

Want to meet with our team of 3D scanning, inspection and analysis professionals?

Applied Precision’s new office is located at 1-93 Woodstream Blvd., Vaughan, ON L4L 7Y7

You can also contact us or call us anytime at 905-501-9988.

When to Contact Applied Precision 3D

Established in 1999, Applied Precision 3D is ISO 9001-2015 certified and provides expert 3D solutions for accelerating product development and faster, more effective quality inspection based upon world class 3D digitizing technologies and a highly seasoned Team of 3D professionals.

Our trusted services include:

• 3D scanning
• 3D inspection & analysis
• 3D software
• 3D printing and prototyping
• 2D to 3D CAD
• FEA and CFD data
• 3D CAD updating

To learn more about how our new facility can better support your 3D scanning and inspection needs, please contact Applied Precision.

by Robert Bell

Table Rock Centre Renovations: Digital Templating for Glass Installation

For over two centuries, one of the biggest tourist attractions on the Canadian shore of Niagara Falls (other than the falls themselves), the Table Rock Centre, has been in a state of perpetual renovation, both of the natural and manmade kind. The site is aptly named after the massive piece of flat slab of rock that once protruded from the gorge on the Canadian side of the falls, resembling a table-like structure. Attracting millions of tourists from around the globe annually, this spectacular locale is rich with fascinating history. When the Queen Victoria Niagara Falls Park Act was passed in 1885, the Ontario government took ownership of all privately owned properties in the area, demolishing most of them because they were in disrepair. The only one that survived was Saul Davis’s Table Rock House and even that underwent numerous renovations over the years. It was eventually demolished as well due to the southern migration of the waterfalls.

Construction on a new Table House Rock began in 1925 and since then, this building has undergone countless modifications over the years to commercialize it and attract more tourists. Currently known as the Table Rock Centre, the site is still a major tourist attraction and is constantly being renovated.

Applied Precision 3D’s Role: Digital Templating for Glass

As part of a three-year redevelopment plan, Applied Precision 3D worked with local architectural glass experts, Cambridge Architectural Systems Inc. Using LiDAR 3D scanning technology, the team at Applied Precision 3D took precise onsite measurements for a complex custom glass installation. That information was used to create 3D curves for the glass-trimmed ramps and stairs. After collecting the critical measurements for the installation, the 3D site data was then used by Applied Precision 3D to create digital templates for the glass.

Challenges Faced in Glass Digital Templating

Considering the vast history and tourist appeal of the Table Rock Centre, it was important that every last detail was just right. One of the biggest challenges Applied Precision 3D faced with this project was ensuring accurate and comprehensive measurements were taken.  Even the slightest discrepancy in 3D measurement could render an entire glass panel unusable.  This would mean having to start from scratch, causing major project delays.

With two of the most popular tourist seasons—spring and summer—on the horizon, it was important that absolutely no mistakes were made. Given the demanding time constraints of the project, the margin for error was practically nonexistent and as always, Applied Precision 3D delivered.

Complex architectural structures often require precision and attention to ornate details and using 3D scanning technology to guarantee that each curve, and feature detail is accounted for is the optimal solution. 3D scanning technology has the ability to tremendously decrease the chances of mismeasurements and miscalculations, while also validating the complexities of the architectural structures in question.

Applied Precision 3D is proud to have worked on numerous architectural and engineering projects from corporate headquarters, to airports, to universities, to heritage buildings and other institutions throughout North America that require complex 3D measurement and modeling such as architectural glass installations.

For more information on the Table Rock Centre redevelopment project or to learn more about our 3D solutions, please contact us.

Note: All image were taken from Niagara Parks (https://www.niagaraparks.com/things-to-do/table-rock-centre/)

by Robert Bell

How 3D Modeling Helped Bring Zuul, the Armoured Dinosaur, to Life at the ROM

A remarkably well-preserved ankylosaur, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Zuul the Gatekeeper from Ghostbusters, was recently on display at the ROM. Discovered in Hill County, Montana in 2014 by ROM paleontologists, Zuul (pronounced “zool”) crurivastator (cre-eh-vas-TATE-or) is one of the most complete skeletons ever found for an ankylosaur.

Due to its long, clubbed tail, Zuul has been aptly classified as an armoured dinosaur, joining the ranks of other members of the ankylosaurus species that lived in the Cretaceous period approximately 76 million years ago. Ankylosaurs were known to use their sturdy clubbed tails as defense mechanisms when faced with predatory opponents.

The hands-on, interactive exhibit named Zuul: Life of an Armoured Dinosaur was on display from December 15, 2018 to May 20, 2019.

Creating a Dinosaur Display

In preparation for the highly anticipated exhibit, the ROM needed an expert team of experienced 3D sculptors and modelers to design, model, and construct the 3D displays that were used as the basis for the physical reconstruction of the dinosaur. That’s where Applied Precision 3D  prevailed.

The 3D modeling project started in October 2018 and was set to be completed by the opening date of the exhibit, just over two months later. With limited time and a strict deadline, the team worked diligently to artificially recreate the remains of this scientific wonder.

Aside from the time pressures, one of the most challenging aspects of this project was attempting to recreate or at least compensate for some of the missing portions of the dinosaur. Although Zuul is considered to be one of the most complete dinosaur remains ever to be discovered, a few components were either missing or far beyond the point of restoration.

To help make up for this, the 3D experts at Applied Precision worked closely alongside the museum’s resident paleontologists and dinosaur bone restoration experts to design and create the most lifelike model of Zuul possible.

True-to-Life 3D Sculpting

Onsite crews worked tirelessly to ensure that every last detail was precisely replicated right down to the last scale. The project was successfully completed in time for the planned opening. After extensive planning, preparation, and marketing campaigns, the exhibit was opened to the general public and was met with much-warranted awe and wonder from guests of all ages.

Using the state-of-the-art ZBrush software package and other specialized digital 3D tools, Applied Precision 3D was able to complete their assignment successfully well-ahead of schedule. Digital 3D sculpting tools and features, such as customizable brushes, played a significant role in shaping, texturing, and painting the unique nuances of the virtual 3D model to make it as true to life as possible. As a result, ROM patrons were swept away on an exciting hands-on and interactive journey through time to truly understand how these magnificent creatures lived.

In addition to helping restore Zuul, Applied Precision 3D has also provided highly specialized 3D digitizing and modeling for museums and sculptors across North America.

For more information about Zuul: Life of an Armoured Dinosaur and the role Applied Precision played in helping it come together, please contact us.

by Robert Bell

New Agreement to Support Manufacturers in Leveraging 3d Technologies

Applied Precision 3D and Canadian Additive Manufacturing Solutions announce they have partnered to deliver the full spectrum of 3D expertise, services and solutions manufacturers need to leverage 3D technologies for success today—and tomorrow.

With the rapid evolution of additive manufacturing technologies and 3D metrology, manufacturing is on the threshold of a technological transformation that will take the sector into a new era of competitiveness, productivity, efficiencies and innovation.

“Today’s additive manufacturing technologies are at an industrial level which means manufacturers can begin transforming their businesses now,” said Curtis Pastorius, Canadian Additive Manufacturing Solutions’ managing director. “We have the equipment and expertise to help them integrate additive solutions with their current operations.”

Together, Applied Precision 3D and Canadian Additive Manufacturing Solutions have decades of 3D technologies expertise, leading-edge products and services to help manufacturers leap over adoption challenges to take advantage of 3D technologies for greater competitiveness, innovation and growth in today’s challenging global economy.

“Applied Precision is a pioneer in 3D metrology services. We’ve been doing this for almost two decades and have built a wealth of expertise,” said Robert Bell, the company’s president. “Now, we’re looking forward to applying that expertise along with Canadian Additive Manufacturing Solutions to becoming the go-to partner for manufacturers as they journey through the 3D technologies transformation.”

by Robert Bell

Oscar-winning The Shape of Water used Applied Precision 3D’s expert team

Oscar-winning The Shape of Water used Applied Precision 3D’s expert team

For almost two decades, Applied Precision 3D has applied its expertise in 3D high-tech metrology to helping engineers, architects, designers and manufacturers. Now and then, we also apply the science of 3D metrology to support artistic endeavours. Last spring, one of those projects, Guillermo del Toro’s The Shape of Water, took the Oscars at the Academy Awards for best picture, director, production design and original score.

Applied Precision 3D provided the LiDAR scanning of the sets in director del Toro’s magical realism masterpiece. The scans we provided were used by Toronto-based digital studio Mr. X, whose stunning visual effects transformed sets in Toronto and Hamilton into cold war-era Baltimore and impeccably blended magic with realism.

“It was an honour to be one of the many Toronto area companies that supported the making of this beautiful and powerful film,” says Robert Bell, Applied Precision 3D’s president. “We congratulate Guillermo del Toro for the 13 Oscar nominations and the four Oscars. We also congratulate all the other local first-rate companies and professionals who worked on this production, including the talented team at Mr. X.”

Del Toro’s two-hour movie features the unlikely love story between Octavia Spencer, a mute cleaner at a secret US government laboratory played by Sally Hawkins, and a mysterious amphibian humanoid creature portrayed by Doug Jones. About an hour’s worth of the movie contains Mr. X’s breathtaking visual effects that used point cloud data provided by Applied Precision.

https://youtu.be/z8GwtzmoP0Y

The sets Applied Precision scanned in the fall of 2016 when the movie was filmed include such locations as Toronto’s City Hall, Massey Hall, Elgin Theatre, Lakeview Restaurant at Dundas and Ossington, as well as a home on Hamilton’s McNab Ave., which was used as the exterior of Octavia’s apartment. At Cinespace Film Studios, Applied Precision scanned the sets of the interior of her apartment as well as the lab where she worked and the creature was held captive.

“The sets were beautiful and really well done,” says Julia Husted, Applied Precision’s project manager for 3D services and a seasoned expert for the art and heritage communities. “I was very impressed with the way they mixed and matched sets for the interior and the exterior scenes in the movie and just overall, they did an amazing job.”

That everyone did an amazing job is not surprising. At last year’s screening of The Shape of Water at the Toronto Film Festival, del Toro described Toronto as one of his homes and a city with technically and artistically top-notch professionals who can deliver for any movie on any scale needed and effectively compete globally. The Shape of Water’s success is testament not just to del Toro’s talent and vision, but also the accuracy of his perception of Toronto.

by Robert Bell