3D Systems announced today the release of Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS, the company’s complete 3D scan-to-SOLIDWORKS software. An integral part of 3D Systems’ end-to-end solutions for industrial designers and engineers, this new software delivers fast, accurate processing of 3D scan data directly within the SOLIDWORKS environment.

Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS enables users to create feature-based solid- and surface-data in a streamlined digital workflow, replacing the inefficient and inaccurate processes of today. Instead of spending days or weeks rebuilding CAD data, users can scan physical objects into SOLIDWORKS and model that data into a solid object in a matter of minutes. The time saved processing 3D scan data translates into accelerated design cycles, more innovative products, and shorter time to profitability.

Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS delivers an unprecedented combination of speed and accuracy to the scan-to-CAD workflow using intuitive toolsets derived from 3D Systems’ decades of experience in 3D scan software and proven industry solutions. This new software plug-in works seamlessly inside SOLIDWORKS and includes features like scanning directly into the software, scan registration, automated smoothing, instant ‘wrapping’ to polygons, mesh editing, surfacing and automated “Smart Selection” tools for extracting solid features. Precise deviation analysis enables engineers to quickly and accurately compare completed CAD models to original scan data on the fly.

Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS supports direct scanning input from a wide range of 3D scanners, including scanners from FARO, Hexagon, Nikon, Creaform, Artec and 3D Systems.

“3D Systems’ Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS is a powerful addition to our comprehensive ecosystem of 3D solutions, enabling designers and engineers to take advantage of our scan-to-CAD products within the SOLIDWORKS environment,” said Ilan Erez, Vice President, Co-Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, Software Products, 3D Systems. “Never before has such precision been achievable at such speed.”

Reflecting the accuracy and productivity gains enabled by the software, FARO Technologies, a global provider of 3D measurement and imaging technology, will include Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS as one of two exclusive bundles offered with its newly released FARO Design ScanArm. The FARO Design ScanArm is tailored for 3D modeling, reverse engineering, and CAD-based design applications and features optically-superior blue laser technology for fast scanning speed and high-resolution point cloud data.

“By combining fast, high-resolution 3D scanning with software that enables point cloud capture directly into SOLIDWORKS as feature-based solid CAD data, Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS provides the world’s first direct 3D scan-to-CAD solution that promises to meaningfully streamline workflows,” said Joe Arezone, Chief Commercial Officer, FARO Technologies.

Geomagic for SOLIDWORKS allows direct scanning of any part into SOLIDWORKS, rapid preparation of scan data, and easy and accurate creation of feature-based solid models. A solid model of a mold block based on organic 3D shapes, for example, can be created in less than 10 minutes using this powerful platform.