3Dconnexion 3D Mice Support SolidWorks 2011

By DE Editors

3Dconnexion has announced support for SolidWorks 2011, the newest version of the 3D CAD design software.

“3Dconnexion’s 3D mice help organizations across the globe work smarter and faster in SolidWorks,” says Dieter Neujahr, president of 3Dconnexion. “The enhancements in the 2011 software suite are poised to dramatically impact the ability of today’s design teams to bring ideas to market even faster, focusing on speed, collaboration and engagement — all of which are central benefits to designing with a 3D mouse.”

Leveraging a six-degrees-of-freedom sensor, 3Dconnexion 3D mice offer navigation and natural control by allowing SolidWorks users to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate.

Highlights include:

• Advanced Design Review: 3Dconnexion 3D mice augment new capabilities in SolidWorks 2011. For example, in HVAC and Cooling Modules, a 3D mouse can aid the comprehension of flow analysis data, facilitating improved visualization of obstructions that might impede optimal flow patterns, according to the company. In addition, using a 3D mouse with the Defeature tool enables users to quickly review the model at different angles to ensure the appropriate level of detail remains.
• Enhanced Navigation and Efficiency: 3Dconnexion 3D mice offer design performance enhancements with programmable buttons for access to commonly used SolidWorks 2011 commands, enabling designers to better focus on their models. In addition, the QuickView Navigation keys on 3Dconnexion’s Professional Series 3D mice provide one-touch access to up to 32 different views.
• Intelligent 3D Navigation: 3Dconnexion 3D mice automatically follow the user’s point of interest to continuously determine the optimal center of rotation, according to the company. Alternatively, SolidWorks users can pick a new center of rotation to suit the design task at hand.

The entire 3Dconnexion product line is compatible with SolidWorks 2011.

For more information, visit 3Dconnexion.

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