SensAble Technologies
15 Constitution Way
Woburn, MA 01801
T: 781-937-8315
F: 781-937-8325
media@sensable.com
Woburn, MA, May 3, 2006 - SensAble Technologies, Inc. announced today that the version 9.0, 32-bit edition of the FreeForm software is now shipping. A 64-bit edition of the v9.0 software is scheduled for release during Q2 '06. The version 9.0 software includes a new user interface, semi-automated curve and patch creation tools, improved STL file quality and size control, TextureKiln™ functionality, and additional time-saving features such as enhanced Parting Line Colors and Object List notes.
The FreeForm systems are unique touch-enabled solutions for fast 3D modeling of complex, highly-detailed, organic shapes. The systems allow users to work with virtual clay, providing unparalleled creative freedom and speed, and include a PHANTOM® device-a true 3D interface with force feedback. Users work in 3D faster than ever before because they use their sense of touch to model virtual clay just like real clay. The FreeForm systems are easy to learn, and users typically become productive within a few days.
Within the FreeForm product line, there are two models-FreeForm Modeling and FreeForm Modeling Plus. The FreeForm Modeling system offers a fast and cost effective way for designers and modelers to create original models or modify and stylize scan data, and then output to RP systems for prototyping or use for STL milling of patterns. The FreeForm Modeling Plus system has all the capability of the FreeForm Modeling system and also includes CAD part interoperability with native Parasolid® import/export capability, NURBS surfacing and solids tools, and Moldable Part and Mold Insert functionality.
FreeForm v9.0 Highlights:
- 32-bit and 64-bit Editions of the Software - A 64-bit edition of the v9.0 software for Freeform Modeling & Modeling Plus systems with the PHANTOM® Desktop™ device is planned for release during Q2 '06 and is designed to run on the Windows® XP x64 OS and suitably upgraded hardware. When running on a suitably upgraded workstation, the 64-bit edition will provide access to larger amounts of system RAM, which will improve memory-intensive operations such as working with larger models.
- New User Interface - The consistent, flexible, and efficient organization of tools streamlines day-to-day work. Users can choose stacked or floating pallets for customized layouts. More customized settings are saved in the preferences, so it's easier to personalize the interface.
- Semi-automated and Enhanced Curve and Patch Creation Tools - Using these new tools, the surfacing speed in v9.0 with some models is now 5 times faster than in v8.2*.
- Create All Connected Patches‡ automatically traverses the curve network and builds patches within all valid boundaries of curves.
- Environment Mapping‡ may be used to display reflections or zebra maps to evaluate the quality of patches.
- Split Curve automatically finds intersections and creates split locations on many curves at once. The accompanying Join Curve tool enables fast clean up of curve ends in the curve network.
- Subdivide Curve Loop takes a simple four curve boundary and quickly subdivides an area into a grid of multiple split
- Draw Curve allows the drawn curve to touch another curve as a guide without terminating when creating long feature curves across models.
- Helix is a fast and easy curve utility for creating fixed as well as tapering spirals of a curve, ready for curve based clay tools such as pipe for building bracelets, phone cords, and lacing.
- Enhanced STL Export Accuracy and Speed - The quality and size control of STL files in v9.0 improves capability in RP and polymesh workflows. Reduction to 10% file size without loss of detail is now possible and files can be reduced in one step to a predefined tolerance or file size.
- Enhanced Parting Line Colors - A variety of colors make the areas of the model that are back-facing (undercut) easy to see and evaluate, including the straight areas without draft which are now displayed in red. Users can flip the evaluation to the opposite direction with a hot key to work faster in preparing models for manufacturing.
- TextureKiln - This new functionality increases rendering speed of real-time models by enabling users to quickly create highly-detailed, 2D texture maps for applying to low-res, low-poly models in 3ds Max®, Maya®, or other 3D applications supporting UV mapped polygon workflows.
- Object List Notes -"Sticky notes" can be added to clay pieces in the Object List to facilitate communication or to help document and retain knowledge about the model. Notes are time stamped, and a log of comments is kept for each piece.
Availability
The 32-bit edition of the v9.0 software for FreeForm Modeling and Modeling Plus systems is now available. FreeForm Modeling and Modeling Plus customers with active maintenance contracts will automatically receive the v9.0, 32-bit release at no charge.
A 64-bit edition of the v9.0 software for FreeForm Modeling and Modeling Plus systems with the PHANTOM Desktop device is planned for release during Q2 '06. A 64-bit edition of the v9.0 software for the FreeForm Modeling system with PHANTOM Omni device is expected to ship later this year. Both 64-bit editions of the software will be shipped to customers upon request.
Upgrades from the FreeForm Modeling systems to the top-of-the-line FreeForm Modeling Plus system and a hardware upgrade from the PHANTOM Omni to the PHANTOM Desktop device are available.
For more information or to purchase the FreeForm Modeling systems, please contact us, or call +1-781-937-8315, or contact an authorized FreeForm Reseller.
About SensAble Technologies
SensAble Technologies is a leading provider of 3D touch-enabled digital solutions for product design, digital content creation, commercial software development, and academic and commercial research. At the core of SensAble™ products is the PHANTOM® line of haptic devices, which makes it possible for users to touch and manipulate virtual objects. SensAble offers the FreeForm systems for product design, the ClayTools systems for digital content creation, and the broadest range of haptic devices and toolkits for haptic application development. SensAble maintains headquarters in the United States and a sales office in Japan. SensAble products are available through direct and reseller channels. Product and corporate information: www.sensable.com.
* Surfacing speeds vary depending on the complexity of the models
‡ FFMP only
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© 2006 SensAble Technologies, Inc. All rights reserved. ClayTools, FreeForm, FreeForm Modeling, OpenHaptics, PHANTOM, PHANTOM Omni, SensAble, and SensAble Technologies, Inc. are trademarks or registered trademarks of SensAble Technologies, Inc. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective holders.
SensAble Technologies, Inc., 15 Constitution Way, Woburn, MA 01801
Tel: +1-781-937-8315 Fax: +1-781-937-8325 Web: www.sensable.com
