Geomagic Acquires Sensable 3D Design and Haptics Businesses

MORRISVILLE, N.C., April 12, 2012– Geomagic^®, the leading provider of 3D software for capturing, creating and inspecting digital models of physical objects, today completed an acquisition of Sensable Technology Inc.’s ^® 3D design and haptics businesses. Sensable^®, of Wilmington, Mass., is a leading developer of volumetric CAD/CAM solutions, and the inventor of Phantom^® force-feedback haptic devices that simulate the physical sensation of touch in the virtual world.

This acquisition expands Geomagic’s vision to advance and apply 3D technology for the benefit of humanity.  “Geomagic specializes in capturing digital data from the real world and real people. Now we can add the sensation of touch as well; Sight and feel are two major human sensibilities that enhance the design experience.” Said Ping Fu, CEO of Geomagic.  “For Geomagic customers, Sensable solutions are a natural extension for modeling and enhancing the scan data from Geomagic; for Sensable customers, starting with a scanned model rather than blank screen makes it far easier and faster to start a design, requires less time to sculpt the 3D model, and the finished designs can be exchanged into CAD surfaces using the Geomagic family of software. The synergies will be a tremendous value to existing and new customers.”

“Geomagic is the best home for Sensable technologies and employees. Innovative companies need scale to grow, I am happy that the combined company under the Geomagic umbrella will have that scale.” says Marcus Lovell Smith, the former CEO of the company.

Sensable has a range of voxel-based 3D design software including the FreeForm^® and ClayTools^® solutions. The combination of voxel-based software and haptic input creates an intuitive, tactile and precise user experience for sculpting “virtual clay.”  Some of the Sensable 3D design solutions also include powerful tools for preparing digital models for manufacturing (particularly for mold and casting production methods) including draft analysis and complex parting line creation.

Geomagic software creates digital models from physical parts to be used in design and engineering workflows, archiving and the visual arts. Inspection tools from Geomagic lead the market in accurate, automated measurement and quality control of manufactured parts. The products from the combined companies encompass much broader design-to-manufacture workflows with added freedom to allow product designers, engineers and innovators to design in very natural and intuitive ways.

The customer-base of the combined company includes almost every major worldwide manufacturer resulting in a strong installed base of users, many of whom already use both Geomagic and Sensable solutions. Medical research customers and OEMs are also a significant segment of the Sensable haptics customer base.

Geomagic will continue to support Phantom haptic input devices, further develop Freeform design and manufacturing solutions, and the developer’s API for haptics research.  Geomagic will retain Sensable’s operations and employees in the Boston area giving the company a strategic Northeast location where we plan to hire additional employees. “Customers and partners of Sensable can continue to expect the same high quality service, support and product development they have always received, which will now be infused with the innovation and investment in R&D for which Geomagic is renowned,” says Tom Kurke, President and COO of Geomagic.

In addition to the product portfolio, Geomagic is also acquiring the majority of Sensable’s considerable patent portfolio, which extends across haptic device designs and applications and voxel-based modeling.  Sensable’s dental products are not included in this acquisition.

To see more about this acquisition, please visit Frequently Asked Questions on the acquisition of Sensable by Geomagic. (PDF)

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