Settlement Approved in think3 Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Proceeding; Italian Trustee's Chapter 15 Petition Denied

AUSTIN, Texas - A federal bankruptcy judge has approved an agreement between think3 Inc. and Versata FZ-LLC that settles the rights and ownership interests of Versata and other matters at issue in think3’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy case.

Judge H. Christopher Mott of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, approved the settlement in the case (No. 11-11252) on Sept. 12.

The dispute arose when think3, an Austin-based global leader in the computer-aided design and product lifecycle management software (PLM) market, was put into an involuntary bankruptcy proceeding in Bologna, Italy. The trustee appointed in the Italian proceeding purported to terminate a license agreement between think3 and Versata and took other actions against Versata. Versata is a Dubai-based U.A.E. company. The Italian trustee’s actions resulted in Versata suing think3 in federal district court in Austin and prompted the Chapter 11 filing.

Following a two-day hearing, Judge Mott ruled that the license agreement between think3 and Versata had been negotiated in good faith and at arms length. He also found that full consideration had been paid to think3 by Versata and that the resulting exclusive license constituted a full sale of think3’s intellectual property rights to Versata (except for the rights to the China market). The Judge further noted that think3’s chief restructuring officer made reasonable but unsuccessful efforts to cooperate with the Italian trustee, including through US court-ordered mediation in late August.

Settlement terms provide a number of benefits to the think3 Chapter 11 estate, including a cash settlement in the amount of $250,000, a license to use and sub-license certain TD PLM software worldwide without the risk of patent infringement liability, the ability for think3 to exploit its China market opportunities using Versata’s IP, service capabilities, and research and development without cost to the Chapter 11 estate and without risk of patent infringement liability, and an increase in the commitment for debtor-in-possession financing to $2.3M with an option for think3 to deem its obligations satisfied in full if it terminates the TD PLM license. The settlement also empowers think3 to propose a plan of reorganization and enables the two companies to collaborate in serving customers of think3 products.

In addition, Judge Mott denied a petition filed by the Italian trustee that sought recognition of the Italian bankruptcy proceeding under Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The Judge affirmed that think3’s chief restructuring officer, Rebecca A. Roof, has full authority to administer the assets and affairs of the company.

think3 Italy and Toyota Caelum Inc. Celebrate 15 Years of Partnership

Toyota Caelum Incorporated (TCI) and think3 Italy have recently signed a new contract for the sale and support of think3 software in Japan and other geographies. This news reinforces the 15 year partnership between the two organizations that has gone from strength to strength over the years.

“The two management teams wanted to put in place a straight forward, new agreement following the recent ownership changes of think3 to ensure that there is a clear path for the future ”. Stated Dr Andrea Ferri the Trustee of think3, “Given the high level of trust and understanding between the two organisations that has been built over the years it was a very fast process to get everything in place. We look forward to working closely with TCI to ensure our Japanese customers continue to benefit from using think3 solutions”.

“We are very happy to be able to continue working with the team in Italy now and in the future. They have always understood our business and this allows us to provide excellent support and solutions for our customers” commented Takanobu Muraki, COO of TCI “we entered into the original agreement with think3 Italy with a long term vision to create a strong, happy customer base. This has definitely been accomplished and with this new agreement we are excited about developing new business opportunities with think3 in the future” added Muraki.

TCI is the leading sales and support partner worldwide for think3 and over the years has provided think3 solutions to thousands of customers across Japan and Asia.

think3 has been operating in the ICT sector for 30 years and provides the only technology that links three separate design areas: the concept, its development and the finished product. In this way, think3 enables thousands of company customers to innovate, to compete and to rise to the challenges of global markets, thanks to the integration of processes, which helps to accelerate time to market and to reduce costs. think3 boasts a consolidated presence across Europe and Asia either through direct offices or it’s strong network of selected VARs (Value Added Resellers). All this means that think3 can count among its customers some of the most significant enterprises in the industrial market.

Toyota Caelum Inc. (TCI) first started its operation as the Caelum Department of Toyota Motor Corp. for the support of Toyota suppliers. In 1993, TCI. was established as a Joint Venture between Toyota Motor Corp. and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. , with the aim of developing new business outside Toyota. Today TCI is a fully owned consolidated subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation. TCI , with its strength in the Japanese“Monozukuri” or “Product Making”, provides Product Development Solutions across multiple industries. These include CAD, CAM, Reverse Engineering, CAE and PDM,helping their customers reduce lead-times, improve productivity and technology/skill transfer.

Official Thinkdesign 2011 Beta version Entering into the Build Phase - Ready for Imminent Release

BOLOGNA, Italy - The development of the new think3 is proceeding rapidly. In just the first weeks after starting the R&D team has been hard at work and the Official Thinkdesign 2011 Beta version is entering into the build phase ready for its imminent release.

Some new functionalities available in this release covered:
- Assembly: New Mating management, Gear Constraint, Assembly Feature,
- Part Modeling: Rib, ISM, Cut/Split Solid
- Sheet Metal
- Sketcher
- Geodesic Curves
- MPC-CP: symmetry G2-1 on curves and surfaces
- Line: Curve and Arc approximation
- Invert Surface
- Mold Design: Cooling, shrinking, base, electrode libraries
- save as pdf for .e2 and .e3
- Material Management

Availability
Thinkdesign 2011.1 will be available in Italian, English and Japanese versions. When ready the update will be posted for downloading on think3’s customer care website. Customers having signed a contract with Versata can take advantage of the Grace Period that think3 is offering to them and so they will be eligible for this version.

think3 Inc. Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

AUSTIN, Texas - think3 Inc., based in Austin, Texas, announced that it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in the Western District of Texas, Austin Division, on May 18.

“We determined that this was the best course of action to preserve value for think3,” said Becky Roof, think3’s Chief Restructuring Officer. “Certain actions taken by the Italian trustee appointed for insolvency proceedings of think3’s Italian registered branch and subsidiary have caused disruptions in think3’s business and resulted in a lawsuit being filed against think3 by Versata FZ-LLC. We hope to have speedy and productive discussions among all parties to quickly resolve these issues. In the meantime, Versata has advised think3 that Versata intends to continue to service, support, and further develop the think3 products that Versata acquired.”

During hearings held on May 23, think3 received interim approval for secured post-petition financing and authority to employ AP Services LLC as crisis managers and Rebecca A. Roof as President, Secretary, and Chief Restructuring Officer.

think3 Inc. is engaged in the business of computer software creation, licensing, sales and support. Its products include Computer Aided Design (“CAD”) and Product Lifecycle Management (“PLM”). think3, Inc. develops and sells the think3 products exclusively for the China market. The think3 product portfolio – which includes ThinkDesign, ThinkPLM, and ThinkDesign PLM – are developed and sold in the US, Europe, and other markets in Asia by Versata.

Think 3 restarts its operations

Upon authorisation of the Appointed Judge of the Court of Bologna dated 4 May 2011, Think3 Inc. restarts its operations pursuant to Section 104 of the Italian Bankruptcy Law. Think3 Inc. will be managed by the trustee, Dr. A. Ferri, and the Creditors' Committee, under the supervision of the Appointed Judge.

Now Think 3 provides customer care services, with its long trained personnel and through its official website THINKCARE; manages the licenses and the activation codes; sells its products directly through the authorized dealers.

On 2 May 2011, the trustee of Think3 Inc., appointed by the Court of Bologna, terminated the license agreement with Versata FZ LLC, pursuant to section 72 of the Italian Bankruptcy Law (Royal Decree no. 267 of 16 March 1942).

As a consequence, starting from 2 May 2011 Versata FZ LLC cannot license Think3 products and/or use tradenames of Think3.

BY MEANS OF THE DECISION NO. 69/2011, LODGED ON 14 APRIL 2011, THE COURT OF BOLOGNA DECLARED THINK3 INC. BANKRUPT. AS A CONSEQUENCE, ALL ASSETS OF THINK3 ARE MANAGED BY THE APPOINTED TRUSTEE, DR. A. FERRI OF BOLOGNA.

ThinkDesign GSM technology creates wonders at Stylus Automotive

Bangalore - Think3 Inc, announces its success story with Stylus Automotive, a Transportation Design company in Bangalore. Stylus Automotive chose ThinkDesign as its main CAD/CAID platform and shares the benefits derived out of the software at its Design Studio. Stylus Automotive was started by India’s first woman Automobile designer/stylist Sanghamitra Datta, in 2006 with the singular vision of creating a uniquely Indian automotive design services and high-end custom built luxury vehicle brand.

Stylus Automotive had key projects in hand and was evaluating the Styling software that could meet its requirements. The goal was to complete the design in a stipulated time frame and the firm had heard about think3’s unique GSM capabilities. Stylus Automotive found that the software offers unsurpassed High Quality Shapes and chose ThinkDesign as its Surface and Solid Modelling software. The core aspects of this shift has been the practical aspect of project planning and execution where the styling, design and engineering teams have to continuously shift from one software platform to another, thus the successful completion of one project entailed the use of various 2D/3D and engineering and analytical softwares. However ThinkDesign offered the design team the flexibility of great performance, time saving and a single point platform for development.

Global Shape Modeling is a dream come true for designers, delivering freedom to innovate while offering a very high-level of abstraction. Although designed for Industrial Design application, GSM has a large range of applications in Mechanical CAD. Combining the best of solid modeling and surface modeling, GSM is poised to deliver an unprecedented boost in designers’ creativity and productivity. It is currently the only creation and modification tool that enables quick and accurate changes in any stage of the design process, accelerating interactions with unlimited creativity and eliminating the need to rebuild models.

ThinkDesign has been used on various applications at Stylus Automotive right from Automotive Lighting Design, Aerospace Concept, Two Wheeler Design and more. Stylus primarily used ThinkDesign for rendering purposes, of highly reflective surfaces and other details of automotive lights. “The output quality achieved was extremely high end, believable and fast. The same quality could have been achieved in other similar softwares over a much longer time , and with more set up complexities than in ThinkDesign” States Sanghamitra Datta, Managing Director, Principal Designer, Stylus Automotive. She further adds “Earlier it would have taken us about 8 to ten days to achieve level one of this output quality, however with ThinkDesign we started gathering deliverable quality within the first 4 hours of our exercise. Also, the simple common sense approach to rendering helped us deliver fast to our client. Such time saving applications are very appreciable in quick low budget turn key projects such as the above mentioned”.

“It’s our pleasure to be associated with Stylus Automotive and we are glad ThinkDesign offered Stylus the right solutions and our customer could successfully derive the ROI. We look forward for more such close collaborations with our customers worldwide” states Mr. Silvano Joly, Executive VP Marketing, think3.

Stylus Automotive is now trying to pursue and apply ThinkDesign more in the design and styling of vehicles both interiors and exterior design, surfacing, detailing and design. Also it’s looking into the application of the software in the field of Aerospace and Marine Interior, Styling, Design and build. These are a part of its future projects and applications. “We are looking forward to working more with GSM and more serious solid modelling aspects. Also down the line we are hoping to synch up our engineering applications to the engineering design components of the applications. This will help us delete too many other superfluous engineering software as well” states the Stylus Automotive Team.

Think3 announces its New Software Partner Program

Bangalore - think3, Inc has announced it's WW (Worldwide) Software Partner Program for Software editors and developers Worldwide. The program is announced globally and is open to all who are interested in doing business with think3 and its Customer base.

"We are inviting Software editors and developers to join us to avail the excellent opportunity of the Software Partner program today!" states Mr. Silvano Joly- Executive VP think3. He further adds "we value our partners and believe that they play a key role in establishing business for think3. We look forward to consolidate our presence in the CAD/PLM market focusing on our core technology and on each space while offering a wide and certified range of Add On modules and Complementary Solutions both for the CAD and PLM to our target segment."

With this announcement think3 welcomes Software Editors and developers to join them and be a part of the growing business. Think3 looks forward to strengthen its relationship with its Software Partners and penetrate in the international market to offer new and certified software solutions to its customers. think 3 today already has primary players like CADENAS, SEAC02, Ansys, Kisssoft, NEI, Oracle, 3D Connexion, Microsoft, INorming, ProSolvia-Tech as software partners and open to add new ones.

The software partner program will offer customers complimentary products, i.e. our existing wide range of product line plus add on products like FEA, CAM, CAE, Visualization Software and more.. with this collaboration we shall be offering to our customers the complete product development tools. Think3 believes in organic growth and not by acquisitions, hence we are open for collaborations with system integrators and to reach the market together with the complete packaged product. ThinkDesign runs on unique technology and proprietary kernel. ThinkDesign suite of products provides the complete PDP Solutions.

ThinkDesign is the robust product design software developed by think3 on it’s proprietary kernel ‘thinkcore’. Think3 has developed revolutionary technology GSM (Global Shale Modeling) that helps reduce the product design time significantly by more than 50% whilst improving the design efficiency. With think3's GSM, the stylist or engineer can make changes to surfaces and visualize new configurations in a matter of minutes as opposed to an order of magnitude longer taken by using conventional technologies. Companies around the world including global leaders in automotive (ex. BMW), general engineering, FMCG and white goods have experienced the power and flexibility offered by ThinkDesign. Thinkdesign also offers it’s subset & complimenting technologies known as Zone Modeling, ISM (Interactive Solid Modeling) Target Driven Designs, Hybrid Modeling and smart objects to even improve the design process…And of course all the necessary & advanced features of Solid Modeling, Surface modelling, Assembly, Sheet Metal, Animation, Rendering, Drafting…etc are all available with improvements viz-a-viz products available in industry.

ThinkDesign GSM technology creates wonders at Stylus Automotive

Bangalore :Think3 Inc, announces its success story with Stylus Automotive, a Transportation Design company in Bangalore. Stylus Automotive chooses ThinkDesign as its main CAD/CAID platform and shares the benefits derived out of the software at its Design Studio. Stylus Automotive was started by India’s first woman Automobile designer/stylist Sanghamitra Datta, in 2006 with the singular vision of creating a uniquely Indian automotive design services and high-end custom built luxury vehicle brand. As a unique transportation design studio in the subcontinent, STYLUS AUTOMOTIVE Pvt Ltd. have been using THINK3 styling software as its software platform of choice, for almost a year now.

Stylus Automotive had key projects in hand and was evaluating the Styling software that could meet its requirements. The goal was to complete the design in a stipulated time frame and the firm had heard about think3’s unique GSM capabilities. Stylus Automotive found that the software offers unsurpassed High Quality Shapes and chose ThinkDesign as its Surface and Solid Modelling software. The core aspects of this shift has been the practical aspect of project planning and execution where the styling, design and engineering teams have to continuously shift from one software platform to another, thus the successful completion of one project entailed the use of various 2D/3D and engineering and analytical softwares. However ThinkDesign offered the design team the flexibility of great performance, time saving and a single point platform for development.

Global Shape Modeling is a dream come true for designers, delivering freedom to innovate while offering a very high-level of abstraction. Although designed for Industrial Design application, GSM has a large range of applications in Mechanical CAD. Combining the best of solid modeling and surface modeling, GSM is poised to deliver an unprecedented boost in designers’ creativity and productivity. It is currently the only creation and modification tool that enables quick and accurate changes in any stage of the design process, accelerating interactions with unlimited creativity and eliminating the need to rebuild models.

ThinkDesign has been used on various applications at Stylus Automotive right from Automotive Lighting Design, Aerospace Concept, Two Wheeler Design and more. Stylus primarily used ThinkDesign for rendering purposes, of highly reflective surfaces and other details of automotive lights. “The output quality achieved was extremely high end, believable and fast. The same quality could have been achieved in other similar softwares over a much longer time , and with more set up complexities than in ThinkDesign” States Sanghamitra Datta, Managing Director, Principal Designer, Stylus Automotive. She further adds “Earlier it would have taken us about 8 to ten days to achieve level one of this output quality, however with ThinkDesign we started gathering deliverable quality within the first 4 hours of our exercise. Also, the simple common sense approach to rendering helped us deliver fast to our client. Such time saving applications are very appreciable in quick low budget turn key projects such as the above mentioned”.


“It’s our pleasure to be associated with Stylus Automotive and we are glad ThinkDesign offered Stylus the right solutions and our customer could successfully derive the ROI. We look forward for more such close collaborations with our customers worldwide” states Mr. Silvano Joly, Executive VP Marketing, think3.

Stylus Automotive is now trying to pursue and apply ThinkDesign more in the design and styling of vehicles both interiors and exterior design, surfacing, detailing and design. Also it’s looking into the application of the software in the field of Aerospace and Marine Interior, Styling, Design and build. These are a part of its future projects and applications. “We are looking forward to working more with GSM and more serious solid modelling aspects. Also down the line we are hoping to synch up our engineering applications to the engineering design components of the applications. This will help us delete too many other superfluous engineering software as well” states the Stylus Automotive Team.

Think3 launches the PDP Certified Consultant and Service Provider Program

Bangalore - Think3, Inc has launched its WW PDP Certified Consultant and Service Provider Program for its existing and potential partners. Supporting the newest platform TD PLM - that think3 released last year - the program is announced globally and is open to all System Integrators and Service Providers who are interested in partnering with think3.

Think3's existing collaboration with some prominent System Integrators and Service Providers such as Mahindra & Mahindra India, EniT India, Syspo France, Innovia, Genesis and First Solution in Italy have bought excellent mutual benefits and think3's partners are very excited about the newly launched certification program and are looking forward to getting enrolled. The certification program is based on the existing product line PDP Solutions (Product Development Process Solutions) and the Consultants and Service Providers will gain exciting businesss openings.

The PDP Consultant and Service Provider Program Certification Program will be available in 4 stages, the first two phases will be traditional class room sessions where one will get trained on Product knowledge and Pre-Sales orientation. The 3rd phase will include training on Standard Customization tools once the software is sold to the customer and finally the 4th phase will be on the job training where the partners will have the possibility to work with think3 PSO (Professional Service Organization) team on implementation projects for TD PLM accounts. The partners will benefit from Partner Certification, Brand visibility on the think3 website and Marketing Collaterals, Full fledged training on our products , Demo Licenses, Exchange of potential opportunities, wider presence in the global market that think3 operates in, Strong Pricing Policy, Sales, Marketing and Technical support and more.

All interested partners can enroll directly on think3 web sites where more information and the application form are available.

"This program will bring in lots of opportunities and growth for our partners and think3, with this strategic marketing initiative we intend to tap the new markets and penetrate in the existing target segments" states Mr Silvano Joly - Think3 Executive VP. He further adds "partnering with System Integrators and Service Providers will give us an extra mileage as we could cater to the same target group with innovative solutions to our customers".

TD-PLM suite is a customer-driven solution which understands user's needs and offers them tools to address their challenges. TD-PLM is the best solution for managing the entire lifecycle of a product from its conception, through design and manufacture, to service and disposal. It integrates people, data, processes and business systems and provides a product information backbone for companies and their extended enterprise. The product covers all PLM master requirements and doesn't impact the existing organization or IT. It ensures rapid and complete implementation: customers go live in less than 6 months, with 24/7 support and on line training. It's extremely well integrated with other CAD products at GUI Level.

Think3 and SEAC02 announce the "Green Digital Marketing Platform"

Bangalore - To Celebrate Earth Day 2010, think3 and its software partner SEAC02 announce the "Green Digital Marketing Platform." This initiative is a shared project between think3, its customers and technical partners with the goal of providing the international market an innovative platform that is also aligned with the needs of the environment.

With a fully digital approach, think3 continues to confirm its 'Green Company' status, and promote this philosophy to its customers and to the market. Currently methods of sharing pre-released product prototypes throughout different areas of a company are very time consuming and certainly not very 'green.' Physical prototypes alone can be extremely expensive.

Think3's "Green Digital Marketing Platform" is dedicated to making digital prototypes available to technical and non-technical staff during the development phases, as well as prospective consumers in the actual marketplace, be it on-line or in-store. Using today's modern rendering software, in conjunction with Augmented Reality, it is possible for real-time browsing, modification of digital models, potentially leading to a purchase by the consumer.

Choices on final product can be made via the internet or at point-of-sale kiosks in various retail locations. Augmented Reality software is provided by SEAC02, dynamic company from Turin, Italy, leader in the Augmented Reality and the Realtime Rendering markets. During this process ThinkDesign, think3's CAD software, offers unique capabilities for design review, where sales, marketing and engineering members make decisions related to the shape, details and functionality of a product. In the past, any design modifications meant weeks or months added on to the product lifecycle. Now, these modifications can be done in real-time using think3's GSM technology.

SEAC02 has released Linceo VR 3.3, which is optimized for ThinkDesign, and includes rendering, real-time animation, Augmented Reality, and new functions for engineers and designers in the area of "via-web virtualization." Linceo VR is designed to easily share prototypes within the company at a very low cost to the environment, allowing for easy PDF creation and dramatically reducing the need to create expensive catalogs. Augmented Reality allows a consumer to virtually 'try on' a product prior to purchase (for example: a consumer could "wear" a pair of sunglasses selected online at a company's website). This applications is designed to run on normal laptop, iphone and ipad, increasing the accessibility to most various users and giving the consumers a stronger emotional reaction to a given product, and also allows for very interesting and moving marketing campaigns.

Think3 executive VP Silvano Joly says "As of release 2010 ThinkDesign users will benefit -first in the world- of an Augmented Reality output. The GDM platform benefits of the combination of 30 years of experience in the PDP (Product Development Process) with the dynamic and innovative real time rendering and augmented reality platform Seac02 has realized since 2005. Likely our customers will have a huge business and technical advantage using it: in fact they will be able to use the digital assets delivered by the cad for design review, collaborative engineering, marketing and customer interaction. User friendly and reasonably expensive this new platform will be another think3 enabling solution according to our motto think3: software that works." Andrea Carignano -Seac02 founder and CEO- added: "the partnership with Think3 completes our vision of a simpler designing process, letting the designer focusing on his or her ideas and not on technical matters about the software. As of today, thanks to Think3 Design and LinceoVR, any change becomes a realistic visualization of the prototype in real time, the design materializes in the surrounding environment with the augmented reality, product placement and benchmark become instantaneous as well as the sharing of information"

Think3 Seminar on ThinkDesign Styling unleashes the creativity of designers

Bangalore - think3 recently conducted it's Seminar on ThinkDesign Styling, a robust Industrial Design software on 12th March 2010 at its office in Bangalore with participants from Titan Industries, REVA, Royal Enfield, IDIOM Design Consulting Ltd, TVS Motors, Shristi School of Design and others.

“ThinkDesign Styling is the most advanced and beautifully hidden CAID technology of the world with customers right from Alessi, Honda, Pininfarina Industry, Royal Enfield, Buell-Racing, Titan Industries and more… our customers are very delighted using our software as it offers Unsurpassed High Quality Shapes ”states Mr. Davide Ciarloni, WW Director for ID Solutions at think3….

He further adds “the software can do wonders with its unique GSM capabilities where in the designer would get rapid modification and iterations along with high quality shapes and surfaces...”

REVA Electric Car Company presented how ThinkDesign Styling has enabled them in generating Digital Math that meets Styling quality and Manufacturing requirements. We had with us Mr. Giridher Katta, DGM Styling Studio from REVA presenting to the audience how ThinkDesign added value and was used in designing the car exterior and interiors.

“Think3's advanced styling tools have helped us in creating "The next revolution" in automotive Design” states Mr. Katta, DGM Styling Studio REVA. Think3 is closely associated with REVA Electric Car Company since last 2 years.

The seminar started with presentation from Mr. Davide Ciarloni, WW ID Director on High Quality for digital shapes, process and possible obstacles during the tooling phase with examples and references from Automotive, Consumer Goods & Transportation industry.

"The response for the seminar was excellent and as a result think3 shall shortly conduct two days workshop for its prospects and customers," the company announced.

ThinkDesign Styling offers an innovative approach to design. With its Target Driven Design, it frees users from the technological constraints of traditional design systems. With ThinkDesign Styling, designers first set targets: points, curves or even the exact highlight they want to get on an object, then focus on the product shape, anyway they want, and transform the project into a model that includes all technical and engineering aspects while preserving the original design intent. It is possible to create a preview of every shape deriving from a modification made with GSM³ (Global Shape Modeling) and select the required one only. It enables higher creativity levels while increasing and enhancing design processes. In addition to traditional creation and modification functionalities, ThinkDesign Styling’s rich capabilities include powerful tools such as Global Shape Modeling, capping, blending curves and blending shapes, associative global sweep, as well as dynamic morphing, automotive grid and rendering.

Think3 launches new International VAR Organization to follow indirect sales channel

New Organization will support VARs and indirect sales operations in France, Germany, Europe and Americas.

Bangalore- Think3 has launched the new International VAR Organization for building, growing and supporting the Indirect Sales Network worldwide. The new Organization will be responsible for think3's MCAD and PLM indirect sales activity in Europe, the Americas and the rest of the world (excluding Italy, Japan, China and India where the company has its own direct subsidiaries).

The new Organization, headquartered in the US and Europe, will be led by Massimo Signani, Head of the International VAR Organization, with over 24 years at think3 and an extensive record having held various positions in the company, and Wolfgang Weiss, Technical Manager, who has been involved in some of the most important projects of think3.

The newly-formed division will support reseller activities, develop a common 'VAR team' that jointly defines, develops and launches initiatives via think3's VARs network, and hire and train new channel partners. The Task Force will be devoted to increase customer satisfaction, customer intimacy and to promote CAD and PLM solutions 'that work.'

"We have decided to entrust the International VAR Organization to think3 'veterans,' with years of experience in the company, to guarantee the maximum continuity of service," states Silvano Joly, Vice President, Sales and Worldwide Marketing at think3. "Think3 can be considered the 'welcome outsider' by VARs as we have uniquely positioned solutions that cover the entire process of product development and represent a valid, competitive alternative in the market for performance and positioning. One of the first results of the International VAR Organization is the partnership with Erik Buell Racing, recently announced, which is tasked with supporting Erik's team to develop their business and find success fast."

Erik Buell Racing selects ThinkDesign to lead sportbike innovation

Erik Buell Racing of East Troy, Wisconsin – the new company founded by Erik Buell after the recent closing of Buell Motorcycle Company – announced that it would be using think3’s ThinkDesign (CAD) and ThinkPLM (PDM) to optimize its product development process.

Buell Motorcycle Company had been using think3’s CAD and PDM solutions since 1998. In 2007, for the creation of the new 1125R sportbike, Buell Motorcycle Company extended the partnership with think3 and adopted ThinkDesign, think3’s styling solution, for ensuring maximum design creativity. Erik Buell, Chairman of Erik Buell Racing and his engineering team were so pleased with the power, ease of use and results attained with think3 that they wanted to continue its use at Erik Buell Racing.

“I’m a huge fan of think3’s solutions,” stated Mr. Buell. “It’s a very powerful product, and can handle the kind of complex designs and design modifications we do daily with lots of ease and lots of speed. ThinkDesign was an invaluable tool for us at Buell Motorcycle Company and we’ll take advantage of this tool again at Erik Buell Racing.”

Erik Buell Racing is devoted to the research and development of racing motorcycles and specializes in the manufacture and supply of race parts (powertrains, brakes, suspensions, bodyworks, chassis, etc.). It offers turnkey new Buell 1125-based race motorcycles – including the 1125RR models. Erik Buell Racing will also be engaged in various racing circuits, especially in competitive AMA Pro Racing, and offers technical support to customers for these competitions.

“We are developing a number of interesting projects related to the upcoming races” – states Mr. Buell -“and this is important because it means a lot to continue to see our bikes run and win in the specialty in which they are engaged, not only in 2010 but beyond.”
Erik Buell Racing has selected think3’s ThinkDesign for its 3D Surface and Solids Design Capabilities and for the flexibility and scalability which allows full customization.

“ThinkDesign’s Global Shape Modeling (GSM3) technology” – adds Buell – “allows us to carry out accurate changes in a quick and automated way, at different stages of the product development process, while preserving the original design intent and reducing production time. With ThinkDesign we can meet our objectives within the planned timeframe, presenting sportbikes with a unique design that combines American style with excellent performance.”

“The multi-year cooperation between think3 and Erik Buell is a testament to the value and innovation provided by think3’s solutions,” states Silvano Joly, Vice President Sales and Worldwide Marketing, think3. “Erik Buell Racing and think3 are now true partners, and think3 will help the team to develop their business and find success fast”.

Erik Buell Racing’s partnership with think3 will be supported by think3’s newly-formed International VAR Organization, which is tasked with supporting think3 customers and cultivating new sales throughout the world. Look for more news on the International VAR Organization coming soon.

Think3 signs agreement with Prosolvia-tech for management of Illustrated Spare Part Catalogs

The new agreement will allow think3 customers to improve the management of post-production and post-sale processes.

Milan – To facilitate the management of post-production and post-sale processes of complex products, think3 has partnered with Prosolvia-tech , an Italian software company that develops and implements software solutions to increase efficiency in managing the 'after market' processes.

In particular, think3’s customers can count on Easy SPARECAT, complementary solution, interfacing with the think3’s CAD and PLM products, developed by Prosolvia-tech for the creation, multi-channel publishing (paper, web and standalone) and retention of Illustrated Spare Part Catalogs.

Prosolvia-tech has consolidated over the years expertise about the processes associated with configuration management and logistical support, developing software solutions in partnership with large global corporations and government agencies.
Experience within Aerospace/Defense sectors allowed Prosolvia-tech staff to achieve high-tech degrees of specialization and to develop vertical software solutions (EASY Suite and NOVA Suite) for managing post-sale processes in the industrial market.

EASY SPARECAT is a multiple languages product designed for manufacturers that need to manage large quantities of spare parts over a fairly long life cycle. This solution enables the user to create, publish and update illustrated spare parts catalogs simply and effectively. EASY SPARECAT simplifies the dissemination of information as your products change. Through a process of controlling modifications and the introduction of new nomenclature codes (integrated with the product configurations), you can manage the process of updating illustrated spare parts catalogs simply and instantaneously, thereby reducing post-sale support costs, as well as the costs of managing a sales network. The result is greater efficiency in the management of post-sale and technical assistance.

EASY SPARECAT enables to create Illustrated Spare Part Catalogs starting from the import of a BOM coming from PLM systems (thinkPLM and TD PLM) and documentation coming from 3D exploded or 2D drawings created with ThinkDesign; EASY SPARECAT Publisher allows you to publish the Illustrated Part Catalog to different types of media, such as Web Browser, CD-rom and PDF. The publication can be made on intranet, via CD-ROM and using hardcopy printing, without conversion and/or export.

“With this new partnership – states Silvano Joly, Vice President Sales & Worldwide Marketing at think3 – we offer our customers the opportunity to increase customer satisfaction with the timeliness of an effective maintenance service. Spare parts management is particularly interesting in that it can be a real opportunity for revenue growth and the starting point for the development of innovative services. In the short term we aim to expand cooperation with Prosolvia-tech for the other solutions offered by the company.”

“The integration of EASY Sparecat with think3’s products – adds Paolo Caliari, Founder of Prosolvia-tech – allows making the most modern and efficient platform in the world for the production and publication of Illustrated Spare Part Catalogs. We are very pleased with the results that prove the absolute validity and cutting-edge technology of software made in Italy.”

In order to offer not only products but complete solutions, think3 is constantly seeking new agreements with reliable partners, recognized as a 'leader' on the market, to complete its offering of CAD and PLM solutions.

GE's Light Technology & Design Center at Bangalore designs products on fixtures with ThinkDesign

Bangalore - GE Lighting, a division of GE Consumer and Industrial, is using think3's ThinkDesign Styling to design ORANE, GLITRA, STEALTH and OPTYLANE products.

GE's Team India has established the LTDC (Light Technology & Design Center) at Bangalore. The tech center focuses on new design of lighting fixtures, with its state of art testing facility to test newly developed fixtures, and today its one stop solution to all the lighting requirements of Indian market. To design its product on fixtures GE Lighting opted for ThinkDesign Styling and have designed indoor and outdoor lighting products on ThinkDesign.

“LTDC has SOLID EDGE as its main design platform. In addition to this think3’s ThinkDesign is used in new concepts with intricate surface features. GE Lighting decided to go with ThinkDesign because think3’s CAD solution has benefits of both parametric and feature based software’s. ThinkDesign Styling is really handy while initial modeling and also while editing in later part of design stages”. Quotes Mr. Maruti and Mr. Nitin, Design Team at LTDC.

“GE Lighting is one of our oldest customers in India and we are happy that the client has found ThinkDesign Styling quite useful while designing its products. We look forward for more such associations with our customers and delight them with think3’s innovative CAD and PLM technology” states Mr. Vignesh Kumar Padmanabhan- Head South Asia Sales.

GE Lighting used ThinkDesign Styling to design ORANE, GLITRA, STEALTH and OPTYLANE products. Think3’s CAD solution enabled optimum management of all steps in the modification of surfaces. ThinkDesign Styling offers an innovative approach to design. With its Target Driven Design, it frees users from the technological constraints of traditional design systems. ThinkDesign Styling’s rich capabilities include powerful tools such as Global Shape Modeling, capping, blending curves and blending shapes, associative global sweep, as well as dynamic morphing, automotive grid and rendering. The designer would save 70-80% of his design time on design Iterations and Modifications. This is the speed at which thinkDesign works for its advanced GSM technology.

Think3’s Global Shape Modeling (GSM³), provides designers with a very high level of technological innovation ensuring unrivalled ease of use. Currently, this is the only creation and modification tool that enables users to make changes in a quick and accurate way in any stage of the design process, accelerating interactions with unlimited creativity and eliminating the need of rebuilding models.

ORANE is basically outdoor city beautification product with its unique shape compared to its existing competitor’s products, it stands out from the crowd. “Using ThinkDesign was very helpful in modeling initial concept models” states Mr. Maruti and Mr. Nitin, GE LTDC Design Team.

GILTRA belongs to ORANE family, but is outdoor wall mount city beautification product. Initial concept models have been designed using ThinkDesign and the aesthetic look is impressive.

STEALTH is an indoor commercial fixture for office interior. This product has been designed and detailed completely on ThinkDesign. ThinkDesign’s surface modeling features turned out to be very impressive.

OPTYLANE is mid range outdoor street lighting system. The design of this product has been carried out on ThinkDesign, even detailed drawings have been made using ThinkDesign.

“This project was a very good exercise to explore the capabilities of the software” said a member of the Design Team, GE Lighting.

GE Lighting provides technology ranging from incandescent to speciality products.

Think3 ties up with Mindpower Engineering Solutions to penetrate Tamil Nadu territory

Bangalore, India - Think3 has tied up with MINDPOWER (Mindpower Engineering Solutions Pvt. Ltd) to penetrate in the Tamilnadu territory. MINDPOWER would focus on the entire range of ThinkDesign suite of products for the TN territory.

Think3 and Mindpower would follow a strong strategy to cater to the market demands in Tamilnadu and offer the best and effective solutions to its customers.

“With this partnership think3 plans a strong go to market strategy and explores the potential market in Tamilnadu for CAD/PLM/PDM” said Mr. Silvano Joly, Vice-President Sales and worldwide Marketing at think3. “With think3’s advanced technology and MINDPOWER’S vast CAD/PLM experience we are positive to create a niche in the TN market by meeting the expectations of the prospects and delighting the customers with our service” he added.

“Tamilnadu Industrial Segment is huge and multi-segmented into various streams of engineering and interestingly think3 has the best technology addressing the each specific stream of engineering right from 2D Drafting, 3D Modeling, Engineering Design, Styling for New Product Development and Integrated Tooling Solutions from Concept to product. And to unleash the best, the unexplored PDM / PLM Market segment is wide open for Stable & Sustainable solutions from think3 Suite of offerings” states Mr.R. Krishnamoorthy, Director Mindpower.

He further adds “MINDPOWER Relationship with Think3 will be a strategic partnership to offer the best in class engineering solutions to the market segment we address and ensure the implementation success will yield more referral customers in the industry”. To add, he states a famous quote on Collaboration by Sir Issac Newton & MESPL go by that, “If I have seen further than others, it is by standing upon the shoulders of giants.”

Think3’s ThinkDesign Engineering addresses the needs of mechanical manufacturing companies by offering productive and reliable tools. From traditional 2D design controls, to innovative and integrated 3D design functionalities in a single environment, ThinkDesign Engineering provides a comprehensive CAD solution that allows companies to define their products in a faster, more efficient and flexible way. Part Modeling, 2D/3D/PLM Transparency, AutoCAD Compatibility, Interactive Solid Modeling, Smart Objects and Adaptive Measures, Integrated Sheet Metal, Advanced Assembly Management, 2D and 3D translators, direct FEA/FEM interface, product data management are all in one intuitive and easy-to-use product. These are just a few aspects of ThinkDesign Engineering’s world.

BWIR Completes Acquisition of think3 India-based Engineering Services Division

Integrated within BWIR's Chennai operations.

Chennai - Barry-Wehmiller International Resources (BWIR), a global provider of business and technology solutions to the manufacturing domain, announced completing transition of think3's India-based engineering services division serving the European market. The division will be integrated with BWIR's engineering services operation in Chennai, India, further expanding the firm's delivery and execution capabilities to a broad range of clients worldwide. The acquiring agreement between BWIR and think3, Italy was signed early this year and marks the 45th acquisition for Barry-Wehmiller Companies since 1987.

As part of the consulting platform of St. Louis-based Barry-Wehmiller Companies, Inc., BWIR has been a pioneer in the engineering services domain for more than a decade and offers a breadth of services ranging from complex machine design, new product development, manufacturing consulting and support, and sophisticated controls technology. BWIR's engineering services practice is complemented by additional expertise in enterprise solutions and IT consulting, positioning BWIR as a single source for its customers' complete engineering and IT needs.

"The agreement with think3 strengthens BWIR's growing presence in the European market, while complementing a pattern of aggressive revenue growth that has increased at a compound annual rate of more than 40 percent," explained BWIR President & Managing Partner Vasant Bennett. "Our model of developing long-term customer relationships, our proven execution strategy and our global competency combine to create a compelling value proposition, which we believe will prove mutually beneficial to our customers as well as our engineering professionals as we partner with think3."

With a record of innovation spanning 30 years, think3 has emerged as one of the most significant global players in the engineering technology and services market, with operations in the U.S., Italy, Germany, France, Japan and China. In addition to the transition of think3 engineering services, the agreement designates BWIR as a global implementation provider for think3's complete range of product solutions, adding another dimension to the evolving partnership between the two companies.

"BWIR's proven engineering services and software implementation capabilities, complemented by the complete suite of think3 products, will enable BWIR to expand its ability to offer world-class engineering solutions to a global client base that already includes a variety of mid-market and Fortune 500 manufacturing companies worldwide," explained BWIR Vice-President & Senior Partner Senthilkumar Deivasigamany.

Commenting on the agreement, think3 CEO Filippo Zuccarello stated, "Beyond the transition of think3's engineering services division to BWIR, we look forward to pursuing opportunities in which the synergy between think3 and BWIR will provide greater resource capabilities to meet our global strategic objectives. Through this new partnership, think3 and BWIR customers will have access to a comprehensive range of quality products and services suitable for a competitive manufacturing company."

In fiscal year 2008, a strategic combination of organic and acquisition growth allowed Barry-Wehmiller to reach a new milestone, with annual revenues surpassing $1 billion for the first time in the company's 123-year history. Barry-Wehmiller now has more than 5,200 team members serving the global marketplace in more than 50 operations worldwide.

Think3 supports approach to multisensory modeling in funded project

Think3 is member of the consortium implementing the project SATIN. This project with a total cost of 5.1 million € was funded with 2.9 million € from the EU and started in 2006 under the coordination of Politecnico di Milano for 36 month duration.

SATIN stands for “Sound And Tangible Interfaces for Novel product design”. Other members of the consortium are the Portuguese Institituto de Engenharia de Sistemas e Computadores research institution, the Technical University of Eindhoven, University of Nottingham and as partners from the industry Alessi, Italdesign – Giugiaro, MOOG-FCS, Steklarna Hrastnik.

The research develops a new multimodal and multisensory interface system for product design integrating in an effective way novel modeling paradigms based on the fusion of vision, haptic and sound interface, through a “designer-centered” approach.

You can see the movie of the SATIN project on www.youtube.com/satinproject
This video presents the SATIN project and in particular its final result: the SATIN system. In the video, the several modules are described. A user demonstrates how to use the SATIN system for evaluating and modifying aesthetic shapes.

The SATIN system consists of a haptic interface, including two FCS-HapticMaster devices connected and integrated with a new haptic strip for shape evaluation and modification. The user can explore and evaluate a surface shape along a trajectory interactively defined by slipping her fingers on the haptic strip that takes the shape of the curve on the virtual model. The shape can be modified by exerting pressure on the haptic strip in single points, or by applying traction/compression and flexion/torsion at the ends of the strip. The visualization system is rear-projection based. The user wears stereoscopic glasses for 3D models viewing; her viewpoint is driven by an optical tracking system. The virtual shape is precisely superimposed to and co-aligned with the haptic strip in order to mimic real life situations. The system also provides metaphoric sounds related to geometric characteristics of the explored shape (curvature, discontinuities, etc.) and also provides feedback about the user’s actions (i.e. forces applied during shape manipulation).

'PDP Award, Andrea Pininfarina' gets large number of entries from around the world

International Jury that will evaluate the works submitted by students led by Honorary Chairman, Paolo Pininfarina.

The international design contest, ‘PDP Award, Andrea Pininfarina,’ organized by think3 and the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Politecnico di Milano, currently has a large number of entries from around the world.

The awards ceremony will take place on July 7, 2010 in the presence of the International Jury consisting of:

1. Paolo Pininfarina, CEO, Pininfarina Spa – Honorary Chairman, PDP Award A.P.
2. Umberto Cugini, Professor, Politecnico di Milano – Chairman PDP Award A.P.
3. Nevio Di Giusto, CEO, Research Center FIAT
4. Chris Bangle, Professional Designer
5. Pierre Castinel, Head of Design at Tata Motor
6. Renzo Trivero, Automotive Consultant and Contractor
7. Alain Massabo, VP Advanced R&D, think3
8. Stefano Cinti Luciani, VP Program Management, think3
9. Davide Ciarloni, Program Manager Senior, think3
10. Silvano Joly, VP worldwide Marketing, think3 – Secretary PDP Award A.P.

"We are very pleased to have obtained the membership of such distinguished jurors who wanted to demonstrate the great proximity to the Turin business leader, Andrea Pininfarina," said Silvano Joly, Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at think3. "The positive feedback has convinced us to extend the deadline for delivery of projects to enable greater participation to a contest that is getting great support and echo around the world.”

In consideration of the great feedback received and of the complexity of guidelines, think3 also extended the deadline for delivery of projects set to April 7th 2010. According to this new schedule the awards ceremony will take place July 7th 2010 (1 months before the anniversary of the disappearance of Eng. Andrea Pininfarina), thereby maintaining always the day 7 as a symbolic date for the commemoration.

Participation is free and open to individual students or groups of students representing design institutes and university faculties of engineering, design and architecture. The competition is open to all new, unpublished products designed with CAD solutions. Projects will be judged on the basis of their innovative content, the originality of their design and the potential for industrialization of the product. Judging will take into account all aspects of the development process, from the idea through product design and engineering, market analyses, market positioning, choice of materials and the requirements for mass production.


Paolo Pininfarina is the Chairman of Pininfarina SpA, and has been since 2008. After completing his studies with a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Politecnico di Torino in 1982, he began working at Pininfarina. Mr. Pininfarina had two internships, one in the United States at Cadillac in Detroit and one in Japan at Honda. He now continues its work in Italy at the "Industrie Pininfarina SpA" where in May 2006 he became Vice President. Among his other activities, he is Program Manager in the Engineering Program 200 GM for General Motors and member of the Scientific Committee of the European Institute of Design in Turin.

Umberto Cugini is Professor at the IV Faculty of Engineering at the Politecnico di Milano since 2001. Among his other positions, he has been a Member of the Board of Directors of the Fondazione Politecnico (www.fondazionepolitecnico.it), Chairman of the Technical Innovation Consortium (www.cpi.polimi.it); and Coordinator of the PhD in "Methods and Techniques of Product Development” from 2002 to 2006. He is also the coordinator of numerous international research projects.

Nevio Di Giusto is Managing Director and CEO of Research Center Fiat SCpA and of Elasis SCpA, the main divisions of Research and Innovation in the Fiat Group. He has a degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Politecnico di Torino and began his career at Fiat in 1978. In 1992 he was appointed Head of the Coordination of the Style of Fiat Auto and, in 1994, Head of the institution “Innovation and Development Design”. In 1997 he was Head of Development Platforms at Fiat Auto, and in 2001, Director of Product Engineering at Fiat Auto. In 2004 he was named Managing Director and General Manager of Elasis (Pomigliano, NA) and starting from December 2005 he assumed the same role for the Fiat Research Center in Orbassano (TO). Since November 2005 he was Chairman of Fiat Group Executives, and in December 2006 he became Chairman of the ATC - Association Technique Automobile. In February 2007 he was elected Vice President of Industrial Union of Naples, with responsibility for Research and Innovation.

Chris Bangle, after graduation in 1981, began his career at Opel and moved to Europe. As an interior designer he worked on numerous projects including the Opel Tech 1 and the Opel Junior (with the Opel Junior he receives a special mention for the originality of its interior design at Frankfurt in 1983). In 1985 he was approached by Fiat Style Center with the proposal to treat the design of the exterior. In 1992 he became Director of the Fiat Style Center. In this period the revitalization of the auto group in Turin started with projects like the Fiat Coupe and the Alfa Romeo 145.
In October 1992 he became Head of BMW Style Center, the FIZ of Monaco of Bavaria. Under his leadership, the BMW design changes completely within a few years. Among his most famous models: the spider Z3, the first SUV, the X5, the Series 5, the 3 and the flagship 7.

Castinel Pierre is head of Design at Tata Motors. He started as a modeler for Peugeot and worked there for three years. In 1988 Castinel was asked to do an internship where he competed for the creation of Renault's first concept car. His model would become the 1988 Megane concept. After winning one year at Art Center Europe where he continued to study, Castinel returned to Renault as a designer. During his 20 year career at the French automaker, he was involved in the design of the Renault Trafic, the Laguna 2 and a multitude of commercial vehicle designs. Having launched the brand identity for Renault Samsung in Korea, Castinel worked as creative Design Manager on Samsung SM5, SM7 and SM3. He also worked as project manager on Renault Koleos, Sandero and the forthcoming Megane.
As Tata's Head of Design, Castinel now spends his time between the company's design studios in the UK, India and Korea. Castinel is charged with developing the design direction and forming the brand identity for Tata's full line of vehicles: cars, pickups, SUVs, MPVs, trucks and buses.

Renzo Trivero graduated in Mechanical Engineering in 1981 and started his career in 1982 as Technical Director Assistant of Industrie Pininfarina. From 1987 to 1988 he was responsible of the Pininfarina’s St. George plant. From 1989 until 1992 he was Model and Prototype Manager of “Pininfarina Studi e Ricerche”. From 1992 to 1996 he was Program Manager Director at Industrie Pininfarina and within two years he was Product Development Director of Industrie Pininfarina. In 1999 he was appointed Product Development Director at Luceplan Spa. Since 2002 he is Associate Partner and Managing Director of Elpa Srl (automotive engineering consulting): he has collaborated with Fiat Auto, Pininfarina, Azimut-Benetti Yachts, Design Jordan, Ferrari, and many other customers.

Rudo Enserink uses ThinkDesign to design Ocean Rodeo’s new 2010 Kite Control System

To design the new Ocean Rodeo 2010 Kite Control System Ocean Rodeo started a collaboration with Rudo Enserink, a multi-skilled Computer-Aided designer.

Ocean Rodeo Sports Inc. (Canada), founded in 2001 by Richard Myerscough and Ross Harrington, manufactures and designs kiteboarding equipment, drysuits and clothing for all levels of riders.

To design a totally renewed kite control system Rudo Enserink chose think3’s CAD solution, ThinkDesign. Rudo Enserink has been working with ThinkDesign for over 10 years. He took the opportunity to build this new product in the later Beta-version of v2009.1 and contributed to the final release of ThinkDesign.

The kite control system is the arrangement of control elements that make the kite fly, sheet in and out, steer, launch, re-launch and land and incorporates a number of trimming and safety systems. As the kite performance is largely defined by rider input the control system is a truly integrated part of the total kite setup. For the 2010 model year Rudo Enserink worked with Ocean Rodeo kite-designers on a totally renewed kite control system: the new requirements included improved ergonomics, wear resistance, reliability, comfort, styling and a good price.

“I chose think3’s CAD software – states Rudo Enserink - for its integrated solid and surface approach and the proprietary 3D kernel. ThinkDesign is the best program for the demanding industrial designer, combining speed, power, precision, edit-ability and a vast array of styling tools. One thing I really love from ThinkDesign is the flexibility to parameterize or not. Constraints can be helpful but can also be a pain: ThinkDesign offers many ways to switch back and forth between constrained designing and a more free creative style”.

He further adds “Whether it was a swept fluent shape or a fastener, turning surfaces into skins or solids, keeping the relation to their creating curves intact, or deciding whether it is needed to make a local or x-ref component, it can all be done at any stage of the modeling process and allows you to speed through the many choices a designer needs to make”.

During the design cycle tentative designs changed into serious concepts with the help of many cool styling tools like GSM (think3’s Global Shape Modeling technology) and weighed curvature continuous fillets inside robust parametric modeling. ThinkDesign v2009.1 improved shading and live cross-sections provided quick and effective collaboration between Rudo and Ocean Rodeo, allowing for simple screen shots of the model to be included inside e-mails.

“One of the features I find myself using a lot is the ‘connect curve’ with killer options like G2 or G3 to create the most stunning blends. Another set of features that I discovered were the ‘interactive modeling’ tools, they turned out to be true time savers for late design changes. Even though they lack the styling power of GSM they come in handy when minor details need fixing and they are fully integrated with the history tree” adds Rudo Enserink.

ThinkDesign kept playing a reliable role as ideas and changes were updated continuously throughout the process. With this new kite control system Ocean Rodeo Sports has managed to place itself on the front line of innovation one more time.