Woburn, MA, September 12, 2002 - Leading global footwear companies are using the FreeForm system for faster and more flexible modeling in the product design process. adidas-Salomon, New Balance, Nike, Reebok, Wolverine Worldwide, Ecco, Evais and others are using the FreeForm system in different areas of the design process including the initial concept phase and outsole development.
The FreeForm modeling system allows designers, sculptors and engineers to use their sense of touch while modeling on the computer. By providing a touch-enabled interface to a digital modeling tool, users can very quickly create complex midsoles and outsole designs, that previously could only be made by hand. These digital forms can then be used in standard downstream processes such as rapid prototyping, grading, tooling design and CNC machining. Compared to the physical tools the FreeForm system replaces such as clay, wax or foam, the advantages are a dramatic reduction in product development time, design quality improvement, and a reduction in design and manufacturing costs.
Hans Peterson, 3D CAD Designer at New Balance commented, "Using the FreeForm modeling system enables us to create our footwear products 50% quicker than with previous methods. The FreeForm systems' user-friendly interface allows us to work in a natural and intuitive manner while creating highly accurate designs. We are beginning to use the FreeForm system with our downstream manufacturing partners in Asia by sending digital files, creating a more efficient method of communication."
At adidas-Salomon, one of the world's largest sporting good manufacturers, the Concept Realization and Engineering group uses the FreeForm system in the initial concept design phase of shoe sole development. Russell Daramour, FreeForm engineer at adidas-Salomon said, "I can produce a complete designer concept shoe--individual components, color renders, screenshots for designer presentation and RP models--all in 5 days, start to finish. One of the greatest strengths of the FreeForm modeling system is the ability to modify concepts quickly."
Tom Ellery, general manager at SensAble said, "The footwear industry has begun to incorporate the FreeForm modeling system on both ends of the production pipeline. Footwear OEMs and manufacturers are beginning to converge onto a totally digital pipeline using the FreeForm modeling system, resulting in greater efficiency and quicker time-to-market."
About SensAble Technologies
SensAble Technologies is transforming the way people use computers in the 21st century. Our groundbreaking technology allows you to fully interact with your computer via your sense of touch. Two dimensions-sight and sound-become three, sight, sound and now touch. And that gives you the freedom to work in a more natural, intuitive way. SensAble and its products have won more than a dozen awards and have been featured in publications worldwide, including The Wall Street Journal, Business Week and Fortune. FreeForm modeling, SensAble's first end-user application, was given the first ever Grand Innovation Award from Computer Graphics World. The company has over 500 customers in 30 countries, including adidas-Salomon, Bandai, ECCO Design, Equity Marketing, Hasbro, Playmobil, Unitec, Wedgwood and leading universities worldwide. For more information, visit www.sensable.com.
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SensAble, PHANTOM and FreeForm are trademarks or registered trademarks of SensAble Technologies, Inc. All other companies and products referenced herein have trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. SensAble Technologies, Inc., 15 Constitution Way, Woburn, MA 01801. Tel: 781-937-8315, Fax: 781-937-8325, Web: www.sensable.com, Email: info@sensable.com.
