RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C., March 2, 2005- Geomagic has added new features to its Geomagic eShell software that improve form, fit and function for customized hearing instruments.
"The advanced capabilities of eShell 7, combined with our processes for rapid manufacturing, will enable us to produce features that are not possible with conventional molding or casting," says Russ Schreiner, project director for GN ReSound, a Geomagic eShell user and early adopter of version 7. "We have the ability to design features in the shell that enhance product performance and lead to more efficient manufacturing."
Geomagic eShell version 7 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.
Driving product improvements
The latest version of eShell provides capabilities that will enable hearing instrument manufacturers such as GN ReSound to improve their products in ways that are impossible using traditional, non-digital processes.
New functionality in eShell 7 gives users the ability to create visual simulations of major components such as amps, coil and receiver. The simulations can be used to more efficiently place components into a shell. Similarly, designers can embed a vent further into the wall of a shell, providing more room for electronics in the interior.
A new feature for creating a wider base means that designers are no longer restricted by a small surface gluing area as they are in a traditional process. This also allows more electronics to be placed in the shell.
In addition to enabling designers to include more components and electronics in the shell of the hearing instrument, eShell 7 helps ensure a better fit for external components such as switches, volume controls, module and faceplate.
New faceplate design and visualization capabilities in eShell 7 will lead to improvements in product finish and manufacturing speed and accuracy. New rendering and transparency in eShell helps designers create a more accurate digital model in less time. The faceplate and shell can be modeled together in eShell and subsequently manufactured as one piece, saving time and ensuring a better-quality end product. In the traditional process, the faceplate has to be milled, glued into the shell, and manually smoothed, a process that takes considerable time.
"With eShell 7, Geomagic has made an excellent product even better," says Schreiner. "Creating step vents and fitting components is faster and easier, and the new verify fit functions improve the quality assurance process. Advanced functions such as merging the faceplate with the shell are going to lead to big improvements in our product designs and manufacturability."
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.
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Geomagic, Inc.
+(1) 919-474-0135
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