Company Overview

Founded in 1995, Direct Dimensions, Inc. specializes in the application and sales of advanced 3D scanning and industrial dimensional measurement products for the solution of complex 3D problems.  We provide solutions for a wide range of fields from design, engineering, and manufacturing to art, sculpture, and architecture.  We specialize in the unique application of advanced 3D scanning and imaging systems and the conversion of raw ‘point-cloud’ data into high-resolution/high-accuracy 3D computer CAD models for subsequent downstream manufacturing, analysis, and visualization applications. 

Manufacturing applications include the digital replication of industrial and engineered products including consumer, automobile, aerospace, and military components – otherwise known as “reverse engineering.”  Other manufacturing related applications include the measurement of existing components for the digital comparison of actual parts, tools, and molds to the intended engineering design requirements – otherwise known as “computer-aided inspection” for quality control.  Replication Services applications include a wide variety of art, sculpture, medical, and historic preservation projects.

Technical service projects over the 25 years have included military and aerospace such as helicopters, airplanes, and submarines; consumer products such as power tools, jewelry, and sports equipment; medical devices such as facial prosthesis and splints; ground vehicles such as cars, trucks, school buses, and motorcycles; and various sculpture and architecture.  Notable projects include the original Wright Brother’s airplane propeller, the Liberty Bell, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, many military and commercial jets, a U.S. Army soldier’s nose surgery, and many notable art museum sculptures and large architecture projects.  Major customers include Northrop Grumman and the Jeff Koons Studio.

Please visit the company website for additional information and complete contact information at www.directdimensions.com, our YouTube Channel, our DDI Blog, and our Twitter feed.

Summary Biography - Michael Raphael, Founder & Owner

Michael Raphael founded Direct Dimensions, Inc. (DDI) in 1995 as an engineering company to provide a “one-stop shop” for 3D technical services, product representation, sales, and support for all types of 3D scanning, imaging, and dimensional measurement solutions.  Over the past 25 years, DDI has expanded significantly to use the most comprehensive array of 3D scanning technologies and digital modeling solutions for the widest range of applications and industries. 

Today Direct Dimensions employs nearly 30 technical and professional staff and performs hundreds of 3D scanning and modeling projects every year using widest variety of 3D solutions with special emphasis on high accuracy 3D scanning solutions.  See www.directdimensions.com for much more information.

Michael started in the field of 3D metrology in 1985 as an engineer responsible for solving aerospace manufacturing problems at what became Lockheed Martin Corporation.   While there, Michael helped develop and became the first user and customer of a revolutionary new portable three-dimensional industrial measurement technology, called the FaroArm, sold today throughout the world.  Following several years of in-plant development, Michael left aerospace to form Direct Dimensions, Inc. in 1995.

Michael graduated from Virginia Tech with BS degree in Engineering Science and Mechanics in 1985, followed by a Masters of Engineering Administration from George Washington University in 1990.

Current – Fall 2020