Rhino® and SpaceClaim Partner to Break-down Barriers between Industrial and Mechanical Design
Industrial designers can now deliver more complete designs
CONCORD, MA and Seattle, WA – 13 Sept 2007 – Robert McNeel & Associates, a privately held company specializing in stylized surfacing software, and SpaceClaim Corp., the leading provider of CAD-neutral modification solutions for the extended product development team, today announced interoperability between Rhinoceros and SpaceClaim, enabling product stylists to include 3D mechanical design elements in their designs and deliverables. The solution allows Rhino files to be opened directly in SpaceClaim for creating and modifying solid geometry. The 3D model can then be sent back in the Rhino file format for precise surface modifications by the industrial designer. SpaceClaim Professional 2007’s intuitive 3D and Rhino’s free form modeling are naturally compatible, offering uninhibited, precise modeling and a short learning curve. The solution greatly improves collaboration between design disciplines resulting in better product designs and faster time-to-market.
(see video: http://www.spaceclaim.com/Resources/SpaceClaim-Videos/Rhino-Video.aspx)
“Our clients use free-form modeling to create very precise surfaces that meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. One of their biggest challenges is ensuring that the fidelity of the design is maintained throughout the design and manufacturing processes. This can break down when the design is passed between product styling and product engineering” stated Bob McNeel, CEO of Robert McNeel & Associates. “When SpaceClaim demonstrated the ability to open Rhino files, add and modify design elements that conform to the surfaces, and then return the model to Rhino, I was extremely impressed.”
Industrial designers must work closely with product engineering to develop stylized surfaces that also meet mechanical design requirements. This requires seamless data exchange between surfacing and design applications. Rhino and SpaceClaim integration meets that need by enabling product stylists to create free-form surfaces in context of the product design. For instance, from within SpaceClaim industrial designers can directly modify 3D geometry, such as support ribs or bosses, which conform to the stylized surfaces. Precise surface modifications can be made within Rhino and accurately transferred to the SpaceClaim model. Product engineering benefits from receiving more complete designs that require little to no surface modifications.
“SpaceClaim is committed to partnerships that address real customer needs. Rhino and SpaceClaim interoperability enables the industrial designer to collaborate more effectively with product design. By bringing in Rhino formats directly into SpaceClaim, stylists can maintain both surface and geometry precision as the design progresses” commented Mike Payne, SpaceClaim CEO. “Additionally, both companies share a dedication to open products that provide an exceptional user experience. We look forward to working with McNeel and Associates and the entire Rhino user community.”
Upcoming Events and Availability
SpaceClaim (booth 3911) will both be demonstrating SpaceClaim Professional 2007 and Rhino solutions at the National Manufacturing Week, Sept 25-27, in Rosemont, IL.
To arrange for an on-site meeting at this event or to obtain more information, please go to: http://www.spaceclaim.com/contact-us.aspx
Rhino integration is included at no additional cost with the 3D Data Exchange Package upgrade, schedule for November.
SpaceClaim Professional 2007 and 3D Data Exchange package are available world-wide for purchase and for download directly from the company web site, www.spaceclaim.com.
VAR Program
SpaceClaim is extending a special invitation and incentive licensing program to Rhino value-added resellers to add SpaceClaim to their selling portfolios. If you are interested in becoming a SpaceClaim VAR please visit our website at www.spaceclaim.com or contact the VAR manager, Jeffrey Eaton, at Jeffrey.Eaton@spaceclaim.com.
About Robert McNeel & Associates
McNeel, founded in 1980, is a privately-held, employee-owned company with sales and support offices and affiliates in Seattle, Miami, Buenos Aires, Barcelona, Rome, Tokyo, Taipei, Seoul, Kuala Lumpur, and Shanghai with more than 700 resellers, distributors, OEMs, and training centers around the world.
About SpaceClaim Corp.
SpaceClaim is a privately held company targeting the mechanical design market. SpaceClaim provides breakthrough CAD-neutral modification solution that enhances engineers’ productivity by empowering them to contribute to, consume, and share mechanical designs in a 3D digital form. SpaceClaim has assembled a world-class team of prominent executives, product developers, board members, and advisors with unrivaled experience in bringing new computer-aided design software to market. Founded in September 2005, SpaceClaim is backed by Borealis Ventures, Kodiak Venture Partners, and North Bridge Venture Partners. For more information, visit: www.spaceclaim.com.
SpaceClaim and the SpaceClaim logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SpaceClaim Corp. All other trademarks used or mentioned herein belong to their respective owners.
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Contact: Howie Markson, SpaceClaim Corp., Howie.Markson@spaceclaim.com, +1-978-482-2211