3D Systems Releases Geomagic 2014

Geomagic Design X reverse engineering software combines history-based CAD with 3D scan data processing. Image courtesy of 3D Systems, Inc.

3D Systems Inc. (Rock Hill, SC) recently announced the 2014 release of Geomagic, its newly integrated suite of reverse engineering, scanning and inspection, design, and 3D modeling software. Geomagic 2014, says the company, offers a broad array of enhanced and new features that “deliver greater productivity and use case versatility through seamless design to manufacturing integration for engineers, product designers, artists, and manufacturers.”

Products in the suite include Geomagic Design X, Geomagic Design Direct, Geomagic Verify, Geomagic Control, and Geomagic Freeform. Version 2014 sees the introduction of two new modules: Dynamics for Geomagic Design, which enables motion simulations, and Simulate for Geomagic Design, which provides finite element analysis (FEA) capabilities. Both new modules, says 3D Systems, provide engineers a set of simulation tools to “fully prove-out their designs.”

Geomagic Design X, formerly known as Rapidform XOR, provides users with legacy files a path from scan data to their existing CAD software. Enhancements in the 2014 version are said to include a streamlined and easier user experience as well as a LiveTransfer functionality to support all the newest versions of Autodesk Inventor, NX, PTC Creo, and SolidWorks.

Geomagic Design Direct combines live scan data processing, CAD design, 3D point and mesh editing, assembly construction, and 2D drawing creation in a single application. Image courtesy of 3D Systems, Inc.

Geomagic Design Direct, formerly Geomagic Spark, integrates reverse engineering tools with a direct-modeling CAD platform. 3D Systems reports that version 2014 improvements include easier-to-use 3D mesh alignment, intuitive preview of solids prior to fitting, and support for additional scanners.

Geomagic Verify, formerly Rapidform XOV, provides users the functionality to inspect first articles with various contact and non-contact scanners. Version 2014 includes improvements to the general inspection process, calculation methods, data management, and user interface. Sheet metal inspection is said to now include intelligent methods that allow various hole-type geometries to be inspected more effectively.

The Geomagic Control 3D metrology solution and automation platform now includes greater automation of 3D scan and measurement processes via Python scripts for customization and optimization and support for MantisVision scanner. Geomagic Control was previously called Geomagic Qualify.

Version 2014 of the Geomagic Freeform multi-purpose design platform for creating complex, sculptural, and manufacturing-ready 3D models sees enhanced workflows when using polygonal files. The company also reports enhancements to hole filling techniques, automatic mesh repair, and feature fitting and alignment.

Geomagic Control 3D metrology solution and automation platform. Image courtesy of 3D Systems, Inc.

Dynamics for Geomagic Design is a rigid body kinematics and dynamics simulation tool. With it, users can build and test functional virtual prototypes of a design and simulate the design’s full-motion behavior, including such complex motion types as conveyor belts, pulleys, ropes, and bushings. Users can also create key-framed animations.

Simulate for Geomagic Design provides FEA capabilities for stress, strain, deflection, vibration, buckling, and heat transfer analyses. Users have the option of performing an FE analysis on parts by defining the boundary conditions manually or they can use the integration with Dynamics for Geomagic Design to automatically transfer the boundary conditions from a motion analysis, including dynamic contact, into the FEA simulation.

Geomagic 2014 introduces two new modules: Dynamics for Geomagic Design for motion simulations and Simulate for Geomagic Design for finite element analyses. Images courtesy of 3D Systems, Inc.

“Geomagic 2014 is here within months of bringing all of our software products together,” said Calvin Hur, vice president and general manager, Geomagic Solutions, in the press announcement. “Geomagic 2014 ]offers] comprehensive updates to each of our key products, underscoring 3D Systems’ commitment to re-imagine the engineer’s desktop. Our easy-to-use, ground-breaking design and manufacturing tools fully support our users’ 3D content-to-print processes, ensuring quality, manufacturability and printability.”

For more information, visit 3D Systems.

Watch the Geomagic 2014 release video.

Go here for more on Geomagic Design X 2014.

Download the Geomagic Design Direct 2014 brochure.

Download the Geomagic Control 2014 brochure.

Download the Geomagic Freeform 2014 brochure.

See why DE’s editors selected Geomagic 2014 as their Pick of the Week.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.