Exact Metrology Scans Lion at Chicago Art Institute

To create 300 miniature lions for distribution at FABTECH, Nov. 9–12, 2015, in Chicago

Published: Thursday, October 1, 2015 - 11:04

(Exact Metrology: Brookfield, WI) -- On Sept. 16, 2015, for approximately three hours, Exact Metrology technicians performed a 3D scan of the huge South Lion that guards the entrance to the world-famous Chicago Art Institute. The subsequent STL file is being used by Chicago-based Met-L-Flo to generate 300 3D-printed miniature lions, to be displayed and provided to visitors at the upcoming FABTECH show in Chicago, Nov. 9-12, 2015.

Using their Surphaser and ARTEC scanners, Exact technicians built a 3D image, which was displayed on a huge monitor for passersby to see. As part of this event, which was sponsored by FABTECH show management, FMA president and CEO Ed Youdell introduced Exact president Dean Solberg and Met-L-Flo president Carl Dekker, who both detailed the work their companies were doing to complete this unique and interesting project.

The South Lion, named Attitude of Defiance, was originally sculpted by Edward Kemeys for the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago and stood on the steps of the Fine Arts Palace, which is today the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry. Later that year, the lion and his “brother,” named On the Prowl, were recast in bronze and moved to the steps of the new Art Institute, where they’ve guarded the entrance to this day.

“We’re creating a file with millions of 3D data points that would allow the program to accurately recreate the lion at almost any size, whether on a conventional CNC machine tool or in the new 3D printing method being used by Carl (Dekker) and his team at Met-L-Flo,” says Solberg. Dekker noted that 3D printing of one of the seven additive manufacturing techniques his company currently employs to make not only prototypes but also functional short run production parts.

Local media and trade press were on hand at the event, which garnered TV coverage that evening in Chicago.

Exact Metrology will be exhibiting its various metrology equipment and services, including robotic articulation and its new CT scanning technology that allows precision examination of internal structures, during FABTECH.

Exact Metrology is an ISO 9001:2008-certified company.

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Exact Metrology

Exact Metrology is a full-service measurement services company that provides on-site inspection, reverse engineering, noncontact laser scanning, and 2-D/3-D digitizing services as well as contract programming, software training, part programming, and measurement equipment implementation. Exact Metrology also sells, services, and implements metrology equipment solutions from companies including Artec, ROMER, Leica Geosystems, Breuckmann, Metronor, Surphaser and InnovMetric.