ClayTools System - FAQs   

What are the System Requirements?
See the ClayTools system requirements page

What is the difference between ClayTools system and FreeForm systems?
The ClayTools system is intended for sculptural modeling for digital content creation & fine arts. The system is ideal for sculptural modeling of complex, organic shapes for digital content creation and fine arts such as sculpture and portions of jewelry design. With ClayTools software and the PHANTOM device, you model with virtual clay and then smudge, smooth, carve, and tug to add details, blends, and textures that are challenging to achieve with traditional modeling tools. The ClayTools software works in combination with other design applications such as 3ds Max®, Maya®, and Rhino™, enabling you to expand the use of tools you may already have.

The FreeForm systems are intended for 3D modeling with precision for product design. The FreeForm Modeling system offers a fast and cost effective way for designers and modelers to create original models or modify and stylize scan data, and then output to RP systems for prototyping or milling. The system includes a comprehensive set of modeling and detailing tools, dimensional control, and import of polygon data for reference and modeling. Parting line evaluation is also included, enabling you to avoid costly production mistakes through adjustment of your models early in the design process. If your work requires CAD part interoperability and preparing models for manufacturing, the FreeForm Modeling Plus system has all the capability of the FreeForm Modeling system and also includes NURBS surfacing and solids tools, CAD part interoperability, and moldable part and mold insert functionality.

How do I purchase a ClayTools system?
Contact your local ClayTools Reseller.

What platforms are supported?
Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows XP 64

Which haptic device is part of the ClayTools system?
The ClayTools system includes the PHANTOM Omni device.

What are Haptics Extenders and supported Host Programs?
There are two HapticExtenders that are available with the ClayTools 32-bit software: the HapticExtender™/MX (for use with 3ds Max) and the HapticExtender™/MY (for use with Maya). The use of the HapticExtenders is optional. The HapticExtenders haptically-enable tools within 3ds Max® and Maya®, and enable you to use your sense of touch to feel 3D models within 3ds Max and Maya. The HapticExtenders support 3ds Max version 6, 7, or 7.5 and Maya v6.5 or v7.0 Complete or Unlimited (note that the Maya Personal Learning Edition is not supported). Although SensAble currently has no plans to update the HapticExtenders for newer versions of 3ds Max and Maya, or for 64 bit operating systems, the HapticExtenders can be enhanced using the SensAble OpenHaptics/PHANTOM Omni developer toolkit. For more information about the HapticExtenders, please see the HapticExtender ReadMe files included on the ClayTools 32-bit Edition product CD or contact SensAble at .

How can I install HapticExtenders?
ClayTools v1.0/1.1: HapticExtenders are installed via the master installer. ClayTools v1.2: HapticExtenders are no longer installed via the master installer of the ClayTools v1.2 (32 bit) CD. To manually install the HapticExtenders:

  1. Browse the ClayTools (32 bit) installation CD.
  2. Double-click the HapticExtender folder, and then select either the HapticExtenderMX or HapticExtenderMY folder.
  3. Double click the setup.exe file.
  4. Repeat for the other folder.

How can I request my license?
You can email SensAble Customer Support () from within the ClayTools application as follows:

  1. Click Help > About Licensing< /SPAN >
  2. Fill in the electronic form (Note: the PHANTOM serial number is on the underside of the unit.)
  3. Either,

    - Click “Send to SensAble” if you are using a MAPI-compatible email client such as Microsoft® Outlook®, Outlook Express, or Eudora® (the information for your permanent license will automatically be included in your email request) or
    -  Click “Save to Text” if you are not sure if your email program is MAPI-compatible. This will enable you to save the information in the form to a text file. Then email your request for a permanent license along with the saved text file as an attachment.

Please note that E-mail support has a 48-hour return response Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM EST/EDT, excluding U.S. holidays.

Where should I save my license?
Save your license file for your ClayTools program to the "Licenses" directory on the system to which you have installed the ClayTools application. This is typically located at "C:\Program Files\SensAble\ClayTools\Licenses"

What are the advantages of ClayTools 64-bit edition?
Like other 64-bit applications, the 64-bit Edition of the ClayTools software does not necessarily increase speed, but rather enables access to larger amounts of RAM, which will improve memory-intensive operations such as working with larger models.

Does ClayTools 64-bit Edition have HapticsExtenders?
The 64-bit edition of the ClayTools v1.2 software does not currently include or support the HapticExtenders.

Why does the PHANTOM Omni blink on and off?
A blinking light means your PHANTOM Omni device may not be properly calibrated. This can happen if it loses power temporarily. To correct this situation, place your stylus in the inkwell. During this process, the light should turn a solid blue, which lets you know you are ready to resume working.

When I start the ClayTools application, I get an "Unable to communicate with PHANTOM" error.
This can happen if the device is not plugged in properly or is not configured properly. Execute the following steps, checking at each point for proper operation:

  1. Verify the power supply - Check to make sure the PHANTOM Omni device is plugged in properly.
  2. Verify the FireWire cable connection - Make sure that the FireWire cable is plugged into the port on the back of the PHANTOM Omni device. Make sure the other end is plugged into the FireWire port on your computer.
  3. Verify the settings between your computer and the PHANTOM Omni device.
    a.  From the Start menu, select Settings > Control Panel.
    b.Select PHANTOM Configuration (You may need to switch to Classic View).
    c.From the device dialog, make sure that PHANTOM Omni is chosen as the model and Serial number is   shown.
  4. Verify that the PHANTOM is working - From the Start menu, select All Programs > SensAble > Phantom Test.
  5. Verify the PHANTOM Device Driver (PDD) is installed properly.
    a. Uninstall the current PDD.
    b. Reinstall the PDD.
    c. Restart the computer.