Integrates Voxel, Subdivision Surface, NURBS and Polygon Modeling Approaches in the Creation of Manufacturable Models

FRANKFURT, Germany – November 27, 2012 – Geomagic®, a global company providing 3D technology for digital reality, debuted its newest version of Geomagic® Freeform® 3D modeling software at today’s EuroMold 2012 exhibition (Hall 11. C132, November 27 - 30, 2012). Now including subdivision modeling, Freeform 2013 is the only system that gives product designers the freedom and flexibility to combine four different modeling representations – voxels, NURBS, subdivision surfaces, and polygons – in the same model. With Freeform 2013, designers can create highly differentiated products that can be produced in volume using traditional manufacturing processes or customized products that can be produced using newer additive manufacturing methods.

Geomagic Freeform is a unique touch-enabled solution that facilitates fast 3D modeling of highly detailed, organic shapes, which are easily combined with geometric forms, for prototyping or manufacturing. Its integration with Geomagic’s Sensable® Phantom® haptic 3D input devices and its robust modeling environment clearly differentiate Freeform from other 3D modeling programs; users can quickly and intuitively design with virtual clay as if sculpting by hand.

The 2013 version of Freeform enables dramatically more creativity, streamlined workflows, increased productivity, better designs, and faster time-to-market. Because Freeform incorporates different modeling approaches in one integrated modeling environment, users can efficiently create a broader range of forms while reducing the number of software modeling tools required, cutting the time required to learn them, and eliminating unproductive time spent importing/exporting models. With Geomagic Freeform 2013, designers can choose the best modeling approach for each part of the job. They can then create detailed, organic models that can integrate with traditional CAD workflows, and go direct to CNC machining or additive manufacturing.

The addition of subdivisional (SubD) modeling to Geomagic Freeform takes this modeling and sculpting tool even further than any other product on the market. Subdivisional surfacing allows designers to achieve progressively greater surface detail by applying a refinement scheme to polygon mesh surfaces. SubD technology allows users to easily create very smooth forms with good transitions between hard edges.

“Subdivision modeling is an awesome addition to an already powerful toolset,” said Kyle Houchens, president of The Outside Digital Art and Design, a high-tech digital product design consultancy. Kyle is a product and automotive designer specializing in all areas of industrial design, including building hundreds of diecast cars for the toy and entertainment industries. “Most of the models I create are insane organic shapes with areas of miniscule intricacy. They combine elements of automotive-smooth surfaces with jewelry-level detail. With the new subdivision modeling tools in Freeform, I will have the best of both worlds: the blazing speed and gorgeous surface smoothness of SubD with the detailing, texturing and bulletproof rapid prototyping Freeform is already known for. No topology to worry about, no concerns about data transfer or making RP parts. With Freeform 2013, you can dream it, sculpt it, prototype it and tool it all from the same package."

In addition to Geomagic Freeform 2013’s expanded modeling environment, the new software also includes:

  • Enhanced integration of Geomagic’s geometry engine
    • Geomagic Freeform is now seamlessly unified with Geomagic’s powerful AutoSurface component, which automatically converts voxels and mesh data into high-quality NURBS surfaces. Once converted, these solid models can be automatically combined with other solids and/or exported in IGES format for use with software tools that demand surface data.
    • Global registration enables automatic alignment of separate data sets. With this new functionality in Freeform 2013, doctors, for example, could rapidly align a CT scan of a patient’s skull with an intraoral scan of the patient’s teeth. It could also be used to quickly change a digital 3D model based on modifications made to a scanned physical prototype, a process that is especially helpful when designing hand-held ergonomic products.
  • Adding complex patterns to 3D models in record time
    • Users can create patterns along one or two curves, or across broad areas. In seconds, designers can add details, such as zippers along a single curve, or laces between two curves to make realistic designs.
    • Users can also easily pattern existing 3D geometry across a surface, with controlled degrees of randomness. This can be used for adding feathers, scales, spines and other repeating patterns in 3D form.
  • Texture capture
    • This feature provides a new way to easily create customized textures by automatically converting a sculpted Freeform digital clay model to a bitmap, which can then be used with any of Freeform’s texturing tools.
  • Easy annotation of models
    • Designers, clients and manufacturing partners using Freeform can each add pointers, comments, image links and web page links to models, thus streamlining collaboration throughout the design and production workflow. 
  • Tools that deliver convenience and speed
    • Geomagic Freeform 2013 includes additions to workflow wizards, new 2D Lattice Deform, enhanced measurement tools and more.

“Today’s product designers need fast, flexible 3D modeling to create highly differentiated products in ever-shorter production cycles,” said Joan Lockhart, Geomagic’s vice president of marketing. “Geomagic Freeform 2013 lets designers switch seamlessly between different modeling representations and provides all the right tools to prepare and output models for today’s varied manufacturing techniques. With this release, designers can really have it all: fast multi-representational modeling, precision, control, texturing, integration with CAD, the tools to create moldable designs, and the output options needed for virtually any type of production.”

Antonius Koester GmbH & Co. KG, a master model-maker and long-time reseller of Geomagic Freeform and Geomagic Studio, will be demonstrating the latest release and giving presentations in Geomagic’s EuroMold booth throughout the exhibition.

Availability

Geomagic Freeform 2013 is scheduled to ship starting at the end of January 2013. Customers with current maintenance contracts will receive their software update either from Geomagic or their local reseller. Customers without software maintenance should contact Geomagic online or call 781-939-7457 for options to upgrade their software.

About Geomagic

Geomagic (www.geomagic.com) is a global company dedicated to advancing and applying 3D technology for the benefit of humanity. Geomagic’s scanning and design software solutions are used to capture and model 3D content from physical objects, organically sculpt complex shapes, and prepare products for manufacturing. In addition, the company produces powerful 3D metrology and inspection software that verifies dimensional quality by comparing as-built products to master designs. Geomagic’s Sensable Phantom haptic devices simulate the sense of touch in a digital environment. 

Geomagic’s software and hardware are utilized by world-class customers in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, medical, consumer products, toys, collectibles, coindesign, jewelry, fine art, heritage restoration, research, education, mold making, entertainment, training and surgical simulation. In fact, some of the world’s leading companies and research organizationsuse Geomagic software, including Ford, BMW, Boeing, Harley Davidson, Timberland, Mattel/Fisher Price, Lego, Pratt & Whitney, NASA, Schneider Electronic, 3M, Danaher, and Invisalign. Geomagic is based in Research Triangle Park, N.C., USA, with an office in Boston, subsidiaries in Europe and Asia, and channel partners worldwide.

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Geomagic, Geomagic Studio, Geomagic Qualify, Geomagic Qualify Probe, Geomagic Spark, Wrap, Geomagic Wrap, Phantom, OpenHaptics, Omni, Freeform, Claytools, Sensable and Sensable Technologies, Inc. are trademarks or registered trademarks of Geomagic Inc.  All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

 

 

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