M5 Crystal Blocks - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

FastFwd · 27th January 2003, 08:36

Hi all,

Since becoming an M5 owner a couple of months ago, I've been
looking for a model I could have on my desk or around the house.
As you know, it's pretty hard to find a good one.

Well, I've got a line on something really unique, and would
like to share it with everyone.

I went it to Bellevue (WA) BMW and they had these two solid
lucite blocks, with lines of small dots inside, forming the image
of a car. One block was a 745 and the other was a X5. One
block was about 3 inches long and the other about 4 inches.

Naturally, I asked if they had one with an M5, and the parts
guy said, no, but you might have one made, and gave me the
address and phone number of the outfit in Huntington, CA.

I called and we've exchanged several emails. I found that
the internal dots are created by focusing three laser beams
to vaporize a small dot, which is repeated thousands of
times to create a 3D image. They're not interested in
individual sales, just to a business at a wholesale price.

Here's a picture of a crystal block of an unknown car. It's
not a good picture. The blocks are really attractive and
unique, and show interior details like seats, dashboard and
steering wheel. It's like looking at a miniature 3D blueprint.
Perhaps Atomic80 could snap a few digital pics and post them for
us, since Bellevue is his town. I'd like to hear his opinion
about the concept. Or if we have a member in Huntington
(Beach?), CA, perhaps they would like to visit this outfit and
share their findings.

So here's what they said regarding pricing...
Unit price (by size)
$18.75 (size: 3 1/8" x 2" x 2")
$35.50 (size: 4" x 2 3/8" x 2 3/8")
$92.50 (size: 5 1/8" x 3 1/8" x 3 1/8")
*Minimum order quantity: 100 units
*Artwork/Set Up: $150.00
*Freight: To Be Determined
*Production Time: 30 days after approval of line drawing.

Note the huge jump between the 4" and 5" block. I've
asked for an explanation, which I'll pass along.

They said they can scan the design from good photos of
the front, back, side, and interior. Also, they said they
can include an internal label of our choice, such as "BMW M5."

My small business takes all my time currently, so I don't
really have the time to coordinate this, process orders,
mail out blocks, etc. If someone has the time and
facilities to do this, that would be great.

So, are you interested? Post a reply or PM me and I'll
keep track of responses.

Best,
Bert

M exotic · 27th January 2003, 09:29

Audi has done these and sold them

They look striking. Very high-tech and modern, yet still luxurious.

maybe you could try looking for audis site and you could find some more info on them? I remember seeing the 'blocks' at the Audi dealer on Champs E'lysees... Should be able to find with most other 'car stuff' companies sell. Like the BMW ties, ferrari lapel pins, model cars, etc etc

FAST 5 · 27th January 2003, 09:37

I would buy one for sure. The largest would be the best, in my opinion. Should this happen, Im in!
Robert

DavidS · 27th January 2003, 14:01

I have one of those, a portrait of my head. Done a year ago in Germany using a 3D scanning laser digitizer, a digital camera and the kind of high-power laser equipment described above.

David

chuckuzzo · 28th January 2003, 01:05

FastFWD,

If you can post the company name and address, I can try to check them out. I'm in the neighborhood.

Thank,

Chuck

FastFwd · 28th January 2003, 01:40

Quote:

Originally posted by chuckuzzo
FastFWD,

If you can post the company name and address, I can try to
check them out. I'm in the neighborhood.

Thank,

Chuck

Great, Chuck!
Here's the name, address, and phone number.

Sunnymay Enterprises, Inc.
18312 Enterprise Lane
Huntington, CA 92648
(714) 843-9328

I've been in contact with Diana Woo, who is familiar with our
group and what we'd like.

Looking forward to hearing what you learn.

Best always,
Bert

tfung · 28th January 2003, 02:27

I would buy one too.. but 100 seems to be stretching it, even for a group buy... :p

FastFwd · 28th January 2003, 02:56

Quote:

Originally posted by tfung
I would buy one too.. but 100 seems to be stretching it, even
for a group buy... :p

I tend to agree. The sweet spot for me would be the mid-size
one - 4" x 2 3/8" x 2 3/8" - for about $40, including postage.

I believe that's 102 mm x 60 mm x 60 mm, for our friends across
the water.

Bert

FastFwd · 28th January 2003, 03:00

Quote:

Originally posted by M exotic
Audi has done these and sold them

They look striking. Very high-tech and modern, yet still luxurious.

maybe you could try looking for audis site and you could find
some more info on them? I remember seeing the 'blocks' at the
Audi dealer on Champs E'lysees... Should be able to find with
most other 'car stuff' companies sell. Like the BMW ties, ferrari
lapel pins, model cars, etc etc

Thanks, M Exotic.

I looked at Audi's site, but "no joy" as the Aussies say.
I also did a search on the Internet for words like crystal,
blocks, paperweights, lucite, plastic, car, auto, laser.
Again, no luck.
I'll keep looking around.

Best,
Bert

atomic80 · 28th January 2003, 03:21

I'll be more than happy to take pictures of my M5 and send it to that company if needed. I've seen similiar concepts done for people at the state fair. Wouldn't mind seeing one done with my M5.