FROGBlog - 3D Foam Carving Central

Given that 3D foam carving excels at creating extra large projects, hopefully you can excuse us for putting the focus on the monumental pieces. What can we say, we like big stuff. To make sure that we don't completely gloss over the precision and detail that the FROG3D foam carving system is capable of, we thought we'd show off a micro milling example that tells the story pretty clearly. So, while many of our highlighted projects show the huge scale that the system is capable of, this is what we mean when we talk about how you can get into the itsy bitsy detail as well. Now, back to the big stuff.

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We've had a few folks asking about the use of robots for 3D foam carving and cutting applications. Thought we'd post an article we wrote a while back that explains the differences between the FROG3D™ system and robotic machines... Read more

It has been a busy few months here at Streamline. FROG3D® systems are being installed around the world, and it's amazing to see the range of creative companies that are implementing automated foam carving capabilities. Recently, these companies have included prop makers, digital printing companies and movie studios - along with other industrial companies updating their production processes. FROG3D® definitely likes to get around (in a good way, that is).

With all this activity, our Canadian manufacturing facility is keeping busy. Here are a few pictures of our guys getting another batch of FROGMills ready for our most recent clients.
 


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An article highlighting how 3D foam carving can help printing companies differentiate their product line...

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The world of automated foam carving revolves around some pretty advanced equipment. It's no secret that many folks hesitate to invest in this kind of equipment (or any kind of machinery for that matter) when the economy is struggling. More often than not, it's the businesses that invest in their companies during economic downswings that come out of the downturns the most prepared to dominate (here's a perfect example).

Seems that more businesses are sensing an economic recovery and are more willing to invest in equipment and machinery. According to a story from one of our local papers in Calgary, businesses (at least those in Canada) are sensing an economic recovery and getting a jump on investing in their businesses. A sign of good things to come?

Read the Calgary Herald article here.

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We wrote an article for another site that provides some basic tips on purchasing CNC equipment for foam carving. Nothing groundbreaking, but some good common sense tips for making sure you get the equipment you need, so here’s a shorter version of the article. The advice probably applies to any kind of purchase, but hey, who are we to judge?

PURCHASING CNC FOAM CARVING EQUIPMENT - 5 COMMON MISTAKES
A business that decides to purchase or upgrade their CNC equipment is faced with the daunting task of navigating through the array of equipment the market offers – everything from do-it-yourself kits to million dollar set-ups. There are ways to protect yourself and end up with the solution that meets your needs and budget. Being aware of some of the biggest purchasing pitfalls is a good start. Here are some of the most common mistakes than can come back to haunt you.

1. Going in without a plan
Whether you’re buying a new house, choosing a new car or just going to the mall, going in without a plan is the first step to an impulse purchase. It’s no different with CNC equipment. In order to evaluate the equipment effectively, you need to have a well thought out business plan before you start looking. Don’t let the capabilities of the equipment determine your business plan. It’s your plan that’s going to drive your business forward; as it’s a plan that will give you focus. Build one first.

2. Going overboard
You’re excited about the possibilities. You can’t wait to get started. You like shiny things. Fair enough – but when you’re looking for equipment it’s important not to get carried away. That speaking robot looks like it can do everything from revolutionizing your production processes to serving drinks, but is it really necessary for your application? If you’re not crystal clear on your requirements, going down the overkill path becomes much more of a possibility. Start with a plan and get the equipment that fits. You do have plan, right?

3. Selling yourself short
Selling yourself short can be just as harmful as going overboard. You’ll find hobbyists telling you that you can build everything you need on your own for a fraction of the cost, but for those looking at commercial applications, it’s critical that you have a solution that’s proven and reliable. Finding the right balance between too much equipment and too little equipment can be tricky, but if you have a clear idea of what you want to create and where you see your business heading, it becomes a much easier task. Are you sensing a theme here?

4. Focusing on the cheapest price
We all know the dangers of going with the cheapest product. Whatever kind of purchase we’re talking about, a product is cheap for a reason. This isn’t to say that the cheapest solution couldn’t possibly be the right one, but choosing equipment strictly based on the price tag is a recipe for disaster. Be sure to compare the equipment you’re considering and get an understanding of why different pieces of equipment cost different amounts. Price is certainly something that will come into the purchase decision, but it should only enter the discussion after you’re comfortable that you’ve found equipment that meets your needs.

5. Not considering the supplier
Don’t make the mistake of leaving the quality of the supplier out of the equation. Do they know your application and industry? Do they specialize in foam carving, or is it one of the many industries they ‘specialize’ in? Do they have the knowledge, staff and track record for providing strong after-sales support? Given that many production processes also require numerous pieces of equipment, you also need to consider how well each piece of equipment can be integrated. Be sure that each piece of equipment you’re looking at can work together - or find a supplier that understands the process from start to finish, regardless of what equipment is involved.

What next?
If the point hasn’t been driven home enough…go in with a plan. This is the absolute best way to avoid the pitfalls. When you know what you need and why, you’ll be able to evaluate equipment based on your specific needs, instead of factors that may ultimately have no relevance to your business. Without a clear plan, you simply have no context for making a decision, which is a sure fire way to getting led down the wrong path. If you fail to plan, plan to fail.
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