| Whether it is being used to create precast | | | | realm of creative possibilities. |
| concrete molds or as a perfect replacement for | | | | 3D laser scanning allows users to incorporate any |
| concrete and wood, coated foam is fast | | | | design imaginable into their products. Customized |
| becoming the material of choice for architectural | | | | software can be used to adapt, combine and |
| features. Lightweight, durable and easy to install, | | | | scale these designs, while taking a design from |
| foam provides benefits that traditional materials | | | | positive to negative to create a mold is as simple |
| do not, and it can be used to create a full range | | | | as a keystroke. While basic architectural shapes |
| of architectural features -- from columns, | | | | can then be cut on the hot wire cutting machine, |
| balusters and capitals, to moldings, arches and | | | | the CNC router can be used to mill literally any |
| quoins. | | | | kind of organic shape, design or feature in either |
| While foam is an ideal material for creating these | | | | positive or negative. These routers really are the |
| features, the related production processes and | | | | workhorse of the system, carving intricate |
| equipment are just as important. Hot wire foam | | | | designs that have traditionally only been possible |
| cutting has become popular for architectural | | | | with meticulous hand carving. Once pieces are |
| applications because of its ability to turn out | | | | carved, customized spray equipment or foam |
| consistent architectural features and concrete | | | | coating machinery is used to prepare for |
| molds without time consuming manual processes | | | | installation or concrete casting. |
| -- and without sacrificing quality. | | | | Thanks to the seamless integration of various |
| However, while standalone hot wire foam cutting | | | | complimentary technologies, this system makes it |
| equipment can handle basic architectural features, | | | | possible to take architectural features from |
| there are limitations to the kinds of products that | | | | concept to creation with an automated solution. |
| can be created. The nature of hot wire | | | | Users can produce creative and decorative |
| equipment, whether using straight or bent wire, | | | | architectural features and molds without the labor |
| limits production to basic architectural designs. | | | | of traditional hand carving processes, and without |
| Incorporating decorative patterns, intricate details | | | | the creative limitations of standalone hot wire |
| or creative designs -- the kind of qualities that set | | | | cutting equipment. Perfect replicas of existing |
| architecture apart -- is simply not possible with | | | | pieces and models using either foam or concrete |
| standalone hot wire cutting technology. For those | | | | are possible, including accurate historical |
| looking to move beyond these limitations, a new | | | | reproductions. |
| system that combines a number of technologies | | | | Beyond taking traditional architectural features to |
| into a powerful foam carving solution is answering | | | | new levels, this system can also create product |
| the bell. | | | | lines simply impossible with hot wire cutting. |
| Combining hot wire cutting with 3D laser scanning, | | | | Scanning and routing capabilities allow for the |
| CNC (computer numerical control) routing and | | | | creation of decorative wall panels, concrete reliefs, |
| various finishing capabilities, an integrated foam | | | | fireplace mantels, concrete sculptures and much |
| cutting and carving system pioneered by | | | | more. It is not surprising that this system is |
| Streamline Automation represents the next level | | | | gaining popularity as a means of delivering artistic |
| of innovation in architectural foam and precast | | | | and innovative architectural designs that stand out |
| concrete mold production. While hot wire cutting | | | | from the crowd. Bringing together modern |
| technology is an integral component of this | | | | technology and traditional craftsmanship, this |
| system, it is the addition of the scanning, routing | | | | system is revolutionizing the production of |
| and finishing capabilities that introduces a new | | | | architectural foam features and molds. |