Surface modeling technologies that combine automation and quality show potential for redefining current product development processes
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., August 17, 2005- The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded Geomagic a Phase II research grant for digital shape sampling and processing (DSSP) technology that promises to have a profound impact on product development.
Under Phase I of the NSF grant, Geomagic used Morse Theory research to create a structured representation of a computer model by distinguishing between flat and highly curved feature surfaces. Expanded research in Phase II will include work to automatically construct a natural structure of the resulting CAD model, identify different surface attributes and fillet types, and provide a more efficient and automated process for creating surfaces with high accuracy and smoothness.
The proposed technology will enable users to easily create accurate representations of scanned physical parts. This will provide an efficient closed-loop between physical parts and their digital representations at any phase of a product life cycle. Commercial applications for this technology include design and analysis of complex shapes such as turbine blades, transmission housings, and engine blocks; creating digital inventory of legacy parts; historical preservation; mass customization; and biometric shape reconstruction.
“The ability to automatically produce highly accurate surface models from scans of physical objects is a key component in DSSP,” says Dr. Michael Facello, principal investigator for Geomagic's research. “Our surfacing research has the potential to reduce tooling design cycles from months to days, improve quality through better analysis, and enable product customization on a mass scale.”
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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