In this digital age where technology is advancing faster than most businesses and industries can keep up with, one Central Virginia company is helping them remain on the cutting edge of the 3D world.

GoMeasure3D (GM3D), based in Amherst, specializes in the sale and support of 3D technology, including scanning, modeling and printing.

“Our company specializes in providing tools that help make small and large businesses alike more efficient as well as enables them to solve technical or mechanical problems, overall reducing the cost of manufactured goods, which in turn brings better revenue to Virginia,” VP of Operations Paul Motley said.

GM3D was founded in 1999 by Paul’s father, Darryl Motley, current president and owner. He works alongside his wife Tangie, who is the business administrator. In September, GM3D celebrated its 17th year in business with an open house and ribbon cutting. During the event, GM3D showcased the capabilities of many of their 3D products.

At face value, a technology company like this may seem like a grand industrial complex. But GM3D runs a relatively modest operation. With roughly six employees, including Darryl, Tangie, and their two sons, Paul and Alex, the business is largely family operated.

Although the technology is not particularly new, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the concept of 3D scanning. Simply put, Tangie says it is “the science of capturing the shape of real world objects and creating them into a digital 3D form.” And while GM3D is located thousands of miles from the country’s technology hub, Silicon Valley, the Motleys say the company’s technology solutions are just as innovative and practical.

“Using 3D technology, GoMeasure3D brings measurement solutions to our customers that enhance or replace their current processes, enabling them to be more efficient while opening up a world of new possibilities,” said Darryl.

Tangie recalled her husband’s time in the furniture industry where he had to physically map out the specifications of a particular piece to be placed in a 3D model. The eight-hour task was reduced to less than an hour when Darryl was introduced to a scanner called the MicroScribe.

“He was so amazed at this product that he decided every engineer needed one on their desk, and he started out to make that happen. He became, and still is, the number one worldwide reseller of that product, as well as having continually added 3D scanners to the product line as technology in this field has advanced,” said Tangie.

According to Darryl, the most requested applications for their technology include reverse engineering, inspection, scientific measurement, additive manufacturing (3D printing) and 3D visualization.

“The sciences of reverse engineering and metrology (science of inspecting physical parts to prove accuracy) have been used for many decades by industry, government and educators. GM3D has assisted and continues to assist these entities with the adoption of new technologies, enabling a more efficient and accurate way of completing the measurement process,” said Darryl.

GM3D does not develop the hardware and software that they sell, but they maintain plenty of services to many major clients that utilize the technology.

“We are a value-added reseller in the 3D technology market combining hardware and software solutions as well as marketing and supporting those products,” said Tangie.
Darryl says the industries they cater to include “aircraft, automotive, education, industrial and mechanical engineering, government, and manufacturing.”

Education is one of the busiest markets right now. GM3D has provided technology to Sweet Briar College, Randolph College and Liberty University. Liberty was provided with—among other things—a full body scanner for art students to use for a 360-degree project.

At Sweet Briar, GM3D provided a 3D printer that was used to help historians preserve ceramics found at the site of the Jamestown settlement. They also lent a 3D printer to Amherst County High School.

“We also have had a great partnership with Richmond County, NC, schools who were innovators in taking 3D technology into middle and high schools and getting kids excited about learning a technology that could help them compete for jobs in the evolving technology job market…” said Tangie.

Although GM3D primarily focuses on industrial and professional demographics, Tangie says the technology is becoming more accessible, and therefore, more affordable at the hobbyist level.

As technology of all kinds is growing at an exponential rate, GM3D is doing its best to keep with the pace and wants to continue expanding with that growth.

“Having solidified ourselves in the field of 3D scanning and printing technology, we hope to expand and service our North American client base,” said Darryl.

Learn more at gomeasure3d.com.

By Jeremy Angione