CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
28 April 2005
Product News
ClayToolsT System for Rhinoceros® Software - Delivers Best of Both Worlds - Virtual Clay Modeling With Rhino NURBS Models
SensAble Technologies, Inc. announced that version 1.0 of the ClayToolsT system for Robert McNeel & Associates' RhinoT software is scheduled to ship in May 2005. The system enables designers to use their sense of touch to rapidly create organic shapes and add sculptural details, handcrafted modifications, complex blends, and embossed textures to existing Rhino NURBS models.
Unlike traditional modeling tools, the ClayTools system uses a virtual clay metaphor that removes the constraints of technical modeling, and offers speed and creative expression. The system includes the PHANTOM® OmniT device-a 3D interface with force feedback. Users work faster than ever before because they use their sense of touch to model virtual clay just like real clay. The system is easy to learn and use, and offers these unique benefits to Rhino designers in multiple industries.
As a beta test partner for the ClayTools system for Rhino, Jeff High, President and Founder of Gemvision Corporation, agrees. "Our Matrix 3D Jewelry Design Software integrates the power of Rhino and a jewelry-friendly interface that enables jewelry designers to create dimensionally accurate and creative designs. Using the ClayTools system, we've been modeling with virtual clay to add floral details; puffy, organic shapes; and handcrafted modifications to existing Rhino models. We think this combination-the ClayTools system and Rhino models-gives jewelry designers the solution they need to quickly create more distinctive designs than with NURBS alone."
The ClayTools system is complementary to Rhino software. Designers can create models using their favorite tools in Rhino, and then import their models into the ClayTools system. Imported Rhino models can be used as reference or converted to virtual clay-either in total or selected parts. Using the PHANTOM Omni device, designers can feel the virtual clay to quickly create organic shapes and smudge, smooth, carve, and tug to add details, blends, and textures that are challenging to achieve with traditional modeling tools. Models can be output to RP and used for casting, or imported back into Rhino to finish the model and export for rendering, RP, or CAD/CAM.
Key Benefits:
• Best of both worlds-Use existing Rhino models to create new designs that are more organic and sculpturally detailed than NURBS-only models.
• Speed-Fast, unconstrained modeling.
• Design flexibility-Create models that capture your artistic intent.
• Leverage the digital domain-create multiple versions, duplicate handcrafted modifications, and create and use a library of parts.
"We focus on delivering high-value design products and on developing a group of partners who provide products that complement Rhino," said Robert McNeel, President of Robert McNeel & Associates. "The SensAble ClayTools system provides an ideal solution to our customers who want to combine virtual clay modeling of organic shapes, complex blends, and sculptural details with Rhino NURBS models."
Availability and Pricing
The ClayTools system for Rhino is scheduled to ship in May 2005. The system includes the ClayTools virtual clay modeling application and the PHANTOM® OmniT device. The ClayTools system for Rhino is priced at $2,795 (Americas), €2,795 (EMEA), and ¥498,000 (Asia Pacific). SensAble customers who own a PHANTOM Omni device may purchase the software-only version of the ClayTools system for Rhino priced at $1,995 (Americas), €1,995 (EMEA), and ¥356,000 (Asia Pacific). For more information or to purchase the ClayTools system for Rhino, please contact info@sensable.com or +1-781-937-8315 or contact an authorized ClayTools Reseller.
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