SensAble Technologies
15 Constitution Way
Woburn, MA 01801
T: 781-939-7495
F: 781-937-8325
media@sensable.com

Woburn, MA, November 28, 2000 - With the new Version 3 release, the FreeForm™ modeling system's creative potential can now be applied to a broader range of modeling work and digital production pipelines. Version 3 expands basic shape creation capabilities beyond sculptural forms while maintaining the fundamental FreeForm touch advantage. In addition, new surface creation tools make the transition downstream to production easier then ever before. When combined with the FreeForm system's unique ability to create complex blends and highly sculptural details, the result is a modeling package of unequaled power.

"We are enthusiastic to be working with FreeForm," said Gary Pitman, Head of Concept Realization and Engineering for adidas-Salomon. "It is becoming an important element in our new, more streamlined development process."

The FreeForm system allows users to model on the computer using their sense of touch, blending the intuitiveness and expressiveness of physical modeling with the power and productivity of digital modeling. Touch clearly differentiates FreeForm modeling from the slew of other tools on the market today. It's easier to use, faster to learn and more productive because users can interact directly with their models. "The FreeForm system is unlike any other modeling package," stated Tom Capizzi, Lead Modeler at Moon Crescent Studios. "The fact that I can touch the models makes all the difference in the world. The limitations of traditional computer modeling are blown away." FreeForm modeling is currently being used in film entertainment and to design toys, consumer electronics, footwear, furniture, ceramics, jewelry and other products.

New modeling functionality in FreeForm Version 3 broadens the range of forms that can be created. Users can now model in pieces, working on one section of the model in context of the others. Toy makers whose action figures have articulated body parts or footwear designers who create separate outsoles and midsoles now work more fluidly. Lofting and wire cutting capabilities allow product designers to quickly produce compound curvature based on sketch profiles. Tools to create textures or patterns directly on models are of particular interest in the ceramics and jewelry industries.

Improving downstream production workflow was another key goal. In addition to supporting polygonal data, FreeForm Version 3 now allows modelers to output the IGES surfaces often required by CAD and animation packages. After completing a FreeForm model, users define NURBS patches by placing curves directly on the model. The power of touch transforms what historically has been an arduous and time consuming task into a quick and easy one. Designers and sculptors in North America and Europe can now output high-quality digital data and send it directly for manufacturing in Asia, where two of the three largest toy manufacturers are implementing processes based on FreeForm modeling. One engineer, impressed with the quality of the FreeForm surfaces stated, "FreeForm makes beautiful IGES data. It was so fast, and I cannot find any gaps anywhere."

Other tools that further speed the production pipeline include parting line evaluation to identify potential undercuts early in the design cycle when they can be inexpensively addressed without sacrificing design aesthetics. With a new paint capability, users can perform quick color studies by painting directly on finished models.

SensAble Technologies is first demonstrating the new FreeForm Version 3 release at Euromold Booth #B83 in Frankfurt, Germany, November 29-December 2. The system can also be seen in several other show locations: 3D Systems (Hall 8, Stand G70/F71), 4D Concepts (Hall 8, Stand A72) and Westcam GmbH (Hall 8, Stand G146/F155). The system is sold worldwide through direct and reseller channels.

About FreeForm modeling
FreeForm tools use familiar, physical metaphors, such as sculpting and wire cutting, that work in a direct and obvious manner. Controlling these tools through touch gives users an unprecedented connection to their model. "Intent" flows directly into the digital form, and any type of nuance or gesture can be faithfully captured. In addition to delivering the flexibility and expressiveness of clay, direct model interaction and familiar tools help eliminate the months-long learning curve typically needed to master 3D modeling software. As a result, the well-known productivity benefits of digital modeling can now be applied to a variety of modeling challenges previously beyond the capabilities of computer software.

About SensAble Technologies
SensAble Technologies is transforming the way people use computers in the 21st century. Our groundbreaking technology allows you to fully interact with your computer via your sense of touch. Two dimensions-sight and sound-become three, sight, sound and now touch. And that gives you the freedom to work in a more natural, intuitive way. SensAble and its products have won more than a dozen awards and have been featured in publications worldwide, including The Wall Street Journal, Business Week and Fortune. The company has over 450 customers in 30 countries, including adidas-Salomon, Hasbro, Disney, Boeing, Shell, General Electric, NTT Communications, Motorola, Mayo Clinic and leading universities worldwide. For more information, visit www.sensable.com.

SensAble, PHANTOM, FreeForm and 3D Touch are trademarks or registered trademarks of SensAble Technologies, Inc. All other companies and products referenced herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

SensAble Technologies, Inc., 15 Constitution Way, Woburn, MA 01801.
Tel: 781-937-8315, Fax: 781-937-8325, Web: www.sensable.com, Email: info@sensable.com.