Hexagon Launches Updated Organic Design Tool

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Business Area has released the latest version of Geomagic Freeform, a subscription-based, 3D design tool with extended haptic input device options.

Hexagon acquired Geomagic in 2024 from 3D Systems.

Geomagic Freeform allows designers to create "complex, handcrafted-style sculptural and organic forms that are often too intricate for traditional CAD systems," the company said. Key applications include toy and packaging design, personalised surgical medical devices, orthotics & prosthetics, and mould and die design.

"This marks our first Geomagic Freeform release as part of Hexagon, and we’re thrilled to continue delivering impactful releases for users worldwide,” said Kevin Atkins, Product Manager, Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division. “With Haply Robotics integration and innovations like Python scripting, we’re making advanced 3D tools for organic and manufacturable design more powerful, intuitive, and accessible than ever."

The new Deform Selection tool enables designers to move, rotate, or scale a selected region of a model while adjacent areas deform smoothly. According to the press release: "For example, this makes it easy for a user to change the pose of a toy dinosaur’s head or change the orientation of a patient’s scanned wrist in seconds, saving 10 to 20 minutes of laborious step-by-step actions every time the task is needed."

According to the company, the addition of Python scripting unlocks access to a comprehensive library of automation-ready tools. Designers can now automate custom workflows using the Geomagic API library. 

Geomagic Freeform is typically used with a 3D haptic device that that gives the users an intuitive and interactive digital experience similar to clay modelling. A new solution with Haply Robotics delivers the realism of clay sculpting at an affordable price point. Geomagic Freeform software now supports the Inverse3 and the ultra-portable MinVerse.

For existing users, the latest release delivers productivity enhancements that streamline tasks such as measuring, sculpting, and deforming. For healthcare customers, this release extends DICOM standard support to include RTSTRUCT, a format used in radiation oncology treatment planning. This enhancement improves the design workflow for bolus devices, enabling better device design and preparation for 3D printing.

Geomagic Freeform 2026.1 is now available through the Hexagon Geomagic sales team and authorised resellers. With the introduction of a subscription pricing model alongside the perpetual license option, the company says the starting cost has been lowered by 66%. You can learn more here.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.