News Release
For Immediate Release

Contact:
(603) 429-9700

Summary: The Gemological Institute of America selects ModelMaker II for its Inaugural Computer-Aided Jewelry Design and Manufacturing Course

July 20, 2000 (Merrimack, NH) - Solidscape®, Inc. today announced that its ModelMaker II rapid pattern making system is being used at The Gemological Institute of America in its first-ever CAD/CAM class being described as "the pinnacle in high-tech education for jewelry manufacturing."

"We are very excited about offering this class and thrilled to have the ModelMaker II in the classroom. It is imperative that we prepare our students for the industry that awaits them and like every other business, jewelry manufacturing is increasingly becoming more technological. It is our responsibility to provide them with the necessary skills," said, Mick McBride, Director of Education at GIA in Carlsbad, CA.

The CAD/CAM class comprises 70 hours of instruction over 10 days. Its format allows for one-on-one guidance and intensive hands-on experience for each student. In addition to the instruction and experience using jewelry-design software, students will receive actual prototype models of their creations made on the ModelMaker II. Upcoming class dates are Sept. 11 - 22 and Nov. 6-17. Those interested in enrolling in the class, should call 1-800-421-7250, ext. 4001.

"When evaluating systems to incorporate into our curriculum, we were faced with many choices. But we had specific requirements. Since classroom time is limited, we needed a process that produced the students' intricate jewelry designs virtually right before their eyes and that the models have a fine, smooth finish and require minimal post-processing work. The ModelMaker II met our specifications," said Sherrie Kysilka, GIA Jewelry Manufacturing Product Manager.

"To have the GIA select the ModelMaker II for its foray into the CAD/CAM educational process is very gratifying," said David Bothwell, Solidscape's president and CEO. "Over the past year, the jewelry market has embraced our technology and the ModelMaker II. To have the GIA recognize its value to America's jewelers just delights us."

The ModelMaker II runs in an office/classroom environment and interfaces with PC workstations using industry-standard CAD programs that output formats such as .STL, .SLC, .DXF, and OBJ. The materials used are non-toxic and facility modifications are not required.

The Gemological Institute of America is an independent nonprofit organization offering world renowned curricula of courses, classes, and seminars to the jewelry industry.
Web site: www.gia.edu

Solidscape, Inc., a privately-held company, manufactures the ModelMaker and PatternMaster systems in Merrimack, New Hampshire, USA.

Solidscape Contacts:
David Bothwell 603-429-9700, ext. 202 or dbothwell@solid-scape.com
Graphic images of the ModelMaker II and printed material available upon request.
GIA Public Relations & News Media Contact:
Alexander Angelle 760-603-4112 or pr@gia.edu

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