DesignSpark Mechanical brings 3d design to all engineers
1 min read
RS Components has launched DesignSpark Mechanical, a 3d solid modelling and assembly tool that is free to download. The package, developed in conjunction with SpaceClaim, is believed to bring major benefits to design engineers, allowing them to overcome the ownership costs associated with traditional 3d cad tools.
"This is the first time a 3d design tool with this level of sophistication has been made freely available," said Glenn Jarrett, Global Head of Product Marketing at RS Components. "This is a significant initiative that helps engineers to bring innovative products to market quickly and DesignSpark Mechanical's STL output format enables direct export of designs to 3d printers."
Jarrett said the release also recognised the fact that electronic engineers are spending more time in the mechanical arena and pointed out that an easy to use, intuitive tool would help to support them in new product development.
Martin Keenan, head of applications strategy, expanded. "We're providing a solution that will help all engineers," he claimed. "All engineers share common challenges; they are 'time poor' through decreasing time to market. So what if electronic designers could do some mechanical design early in the design cycle? This tool is designed to meet the needs of everyone in the design process."
DesignSpark Mechanical features 'direct modelling', in which simple gestures enable real time editing. This, RS claims, makes it possible to create geometries and to explore ideas and product concepts in 3d. All basic designs can be created using four basic tools – pull, move, fill and combine. Windows keyboard shortcuts such as cut/paste and undo/redo are also supported.
DesignSpark Mechanical can be downloaded from the DesignSpark website on 16 September 2013.
