RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., June 29, 2004- Geomagic has released a new version of its Geomagic eShell software that cuts sculpting time for customized hearing instrument shells by 33 percent or more.
“We’ve seen a reduction of anywhere from 33 percent to about 50 percent for operators,” says Russ Schreiner, project director for GN ReSound, a Geomagic eShell user and early adopter of version 6. “It is allowing us to meet production demand with less head count. One person can multitask, handling both sculpting and machine operations in some cases.”
Geomagic eShell version 6 combines configuration management, shell design and quality inspection in one simple package. It is compatible with all 3D hardware appliances used to capture data and fabricate shells. The standard software approach lowers customers’ initial and recurring technology costs.
Speed and consistency
Binaural sculpting – the ability to simultaneously sculpt both the left and right sides of a shell – is the key factor in the increased speed of Geomagic eShell 6. Binaural sculpting automatically transfers commands from the primary shell to the second shell, and allows automatic modification by the user. This not only increases production speed, it helps maintain consistency among sculptors working at different locations.
Further speeding production is the ability to import a “virtual faceplate” containing the geometric definition for electronic components. Components are placed in the shell to avoid interference; the faceplate is then merged into the shell. When the shell is printed, the components can be plugged easily into the base, eliminating the need for a traditional faceplate.
On the front end of Geomagic eShell 6 is a new order configuration module that enables specific order parameters to be defined before shell design, further automating the sculpting process and reducing design time. Based on the information in the order configuration, electronic components and faceplates are automatically imported for placement during sculpting. This reduces operator error according to Schreiner.
Other new features in Geomagic eShell include:
- receiver placement simulation with interference checking
- concurrent measure and offset of selected regions
- automatic location of cut plane when trimming the model
- trench and step vent creation
- vent definition within sculpting commands to enable simultaneous interference checking
- predefined canal tip profiles
- loading and saving of configuration settings
“This is an extremely stable release of the most complete and reasonably priced software package in the hearing aid marketplace,” says Schreiner. Geomagic eShell 6 is available immediately. For more information, visit the Geomagic web site: www.geomagic.com.
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.
Media Contact:
Rachael Taggart
Geomagic, Inc.
+(1) 919-474-0135
Contact Rachael