Speeding patch layout and improving surface quality for complex CAD models, the latest version of Geomagic Studio 8 reduces NURBS surfacing time for complex objects such as engine and transmission housings by as much as 80%. Reverse-engineering software incorporates new techniques that automatically detect contours and regions to preserve critical fillets and transitions.

Geomagic Studio is used by manufacturers worldwide for automated reconstruction of CAD models from scanned physical parts, mass production of individualized medical devices, and build-to-order manufacturing.

Surfacing advances in Geomagic Studio 8 were developed in conjunction with a major automotive manufacturer that has used the technologies in commercial production for more than a year. The latest version offers the following advantages:

• An intuitive workflow for generating functional NURBS surfaces containing fillets and primary surfaces with tight tolerances and smoothness; with minimal training, even novices can begin producing expert results.


• Powerful feature detection and segmentation that saves time and enables companies to reduce labor costs and increase throughput.


• Patch optimization that helps users create accurate surface models for downstream CAD/CAM operations, engineering analysis, product prototyping, and NC machining.


• New adaptive surface fitting that requires less memory and speeds processing time without sacrificing quality.

Automatic Contour Detection and Extension

Geomagic Studio 8 provides a fully automated method for detecting contours that partition the mesh and indicate where highly curved feature surfaces -- such as fillets or freeform steps -- are located. Sensitivity of the detection can be adjusted, and the regions can be refined interactively by the user.

The system automatically extends contour lines to create a patch structure in which the transitional surfaces are clearly separated from the larger, relatively flat regions. This aligns the layout in an optimized manner, which is necessary for high-quality NURBS surface fitting. Patch layout is computed automatically, and can be changed according to user preferences.

High-Quality, Adaptive Surface Fitting

Using the patch layout oriented by contours, a new adaptive surface fitting procedure in Geomagic Studio 8 gives users the ability to specify a tolerance level and the software assigns the smallest number of necessary NURBS control points. The new procedure optimizes the number of control points, shortens processing time, and creates much lighter models. Surface quality is also significantly improved due to the separation of large regions and highly curved areas, and special fitting procedures.

Other new features in Geomagic Studio 8 include constrained global registration using photogrammetry targets, improved noise reduction without degrading features, new decimation techniques that improve performance and triangle quality, user interface improvements, and other general enhancements across all modules.

Geomagic Studio 8 is available in multiple languages. The software includes extensive visual documentation, including videos that guide users through processes. It is supported both online and by native-language speakers in most regions of the world.