DIY High-Speed Book Scanner Takes Grand Prize in Epilog Challenge

Instructables Contest Winner Receives Zing Laser Engraving/Cutting System
GOLDEN, Colo.--(Business Wire)--
Epilog Laser, the leading producer of CO2 and fiber laser engraving and cutting
systems, and Instructables.com are pleased to announce Daniel Reetz, Fargo,
N.D., is the grand-prize winner in the Epilog Challenge. Reetz will receive a
new Zing 16 Laser engraving/cutting system for his innovative and eco-friendly
"DIY High-Speed Book Scanner from Trash and Cheap Cameras". Reetz`s winning
instructable was one of 478 entries in the Epilog Challenge.

"Being a bit of a bibliophile, I wanted to have my books with me everywhere,"
Reetz said. "As much as I love the Internet, some of the very best information
is still locked up in books new and old, so I set out to make a book scanner
that anyone can build, and anyone can afford."

Though it did not have to be the central theme of the project, all Epilog
Challenge entries were to include some sort of "green" element and detail how
the instructable was environmentally friendly. The environmental aspect of the
winning project lies in the materials.

"This book scanner employs recycled, found, and salvaged materials at every
step," Reetz said. "I think it's important not only because it is the right
thing to do environmentally, but also because the major thrust of this project
is to make it affordable for almost anyone. Affordability often means getting
creative with what you have and what you can find."

"Daniel`s entry showed great innovation and creativity," said Mike Dean,
director of sales and marketing for Epilog. "It was a tough choice for the
judges, given all the exceptional entries, but we`re excited his highly original
project won the top spot and we hope he continues making more exciting
inventions with the help of the Zing Laser."

"We`re consistently blown away by the great projects our users come up with,"
said Eric Wilhelm, founder and CEO of Instructables. "It's awesome that Daniel
made his project accessible to the world by sharing it on Instructables, and we
can't wait to see the fantastic things he makes with his hew Zing Laser!

Reetz, who is an artist and a graduate student studying Visual Neuroscience at
North Dakota State University, said he has some very specific applications he
plans to execute with the Zing Laser.

"I have strong 3D modeling skills, and I'm planning to use the Zing to do all
kinds of rapid prototyping. The Zing will allow me to rapidly make stencils and
solder masks, and to prototype new camera mounts quickly. But I'm most excited
about using the Zing to pursue an exciting new field of imaging called
computational photography," Reetz said. "Really, without Epilog and
Instructables, none of this would have been possible."

Other notable entries include "The Steampunk Segway", "Wind-Powered Composter",
"Pressing Aluminum Cans into Wall Tiles", and the "Ant-Designed Coffee Table."
For more information on Epilog Laser, visit www.epiloglaser.com. To learn more
about Instructables, and view entries and finalists, visit
www.instructables.com/contest/epilogchallenge

About Epilog Laser

Since 1988, Epilog Laser has been designing and manufacturing
flying-optics-based CO2 and fiber laser systems that can engrave and cut wood,
acrylic, plastic, fabric, rubber and many other materials. Epilog specializes in
developing laser systems that create unprecedented marking and cutting quality
on all types of products. The company produces versatile and reliable systems
that are affordable and easy to use. For more information, visit
www.EpilogLaser.com.

About Instructables.com

Instructables is the most popular Do It Yourself community on the Internet.
Started in August 2005, Instructables provides accessible tools and publishing
instructions to enable passionate, creative people to share their most
innovative projects, recipes, ideas, and hacks. The site is currently home to
over 25,000 projects covering such diverse areas as crafts, art, kids,
electronics, pets, bikes, cars, robotics, green projects, and cooking.

Epilog Laser
Amy Dallman, 303-277-1188
Marketing Communications Specialist
amyd@epiloglaser.com
or
Instructables.com
Christy Canida, 510-931-5622
Community and Marketing Director
canida@instructables.com

Copyright Business Wire 2009