INDUSTRY

WOBURN, MA -- SensAble Technologies, Inc., announced today the immediate availability of the FreeForm Visual Communication Package (VCP). With new Render and Publish modules, the VCP allows FreeForm system users to easily share their models with others involved in the product development process, from marketing to manufacturing. Improved communication and visualization enables companies to further compress cycle time and reduce costs. The Render module produces photorealistic images for design reviews with marketing, sales and licensors. It provides both first-time and skilled users the ability to quickly render FreeForm system models without the need for surfacing or texture maps. Color comes directly from the FreeForm system's touch-enabled painting tools. In addition to still shots for marketing, licensor approvals and catalog production, the Render module can generate QuickTime VR files. The Publish module generates 3D files that can be reviewed and marked up by users of SensAble's free View application. The 3D View files created with the Publish module are a fraction of the size of comparable STL files, making them easier to handle and share. In addition, the proprietary file format cannot be turned back into manufacturable data, helping to prevent unauthorized manufacturing and design theft. Once published, View files can be digitally shared via email, FTP, or the Web. Those who wish to view the model can do so by downloading and installing the free View application from the SensAble web site. View users can manipulate, measure, mark-up and get mass properties from the 3D model. Annotations can be saved with the model and sent to other viewers. Publish and View can reduce development time by enhancing communication between FreeForm system users and marketing, sales, design, licensing, tooling and manufacturing operations. Robert Kolich, Director R&D Technical Services at Fisher Price said, " The new FreeForm modeling system Render and Viewer modules will be a tremendous help in presenting and analyzing work-in-process before we create a rapid prototype. We should produce fewer rapid prototypes because of the capabilities of these new modules." Tom Ellery, general manager at SensAble said, "The Visual Communication Package enables users to increase communication and visualization between all partners in the product development process, resulting in a reduction in time-to-market and production costs." The Visual Communication Package is an add-on to Version 5 of FreeForm and FreeForm Plus modeling system. The price of the package is $3,000 with an annual maintenance cost of $570 per year.