RS Components Upgrades DesignSpark Mechanical 3D CAD Modeling Software

RS Components (RS), a trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, has unveiled the latest version of DesignSpark Mechanical, its free 3D CAD modeling software. Based on direct user feedback, DesignSpark Mechanical Version 5.0 offers new features, enhancements and customization options that have been developed following feedback from users. The new release coincides also with the 10-year anniversary of DesignSpark, RS Components’ global online engineering community.

Developed in conjunction with Ansys Inc., DesignSpark Mechanical uses direct modeling technology rather than the parametric methods used by traditional CAD software, enabling users to rapidly prototype or reverse engineer any physical object. Key features of DesignSpark Mechanical Version 5.0 are outlined in this video and include:

• Equations tool—sketch complex curves
• Constraint-based sketching and dedicated 3D sketch mode
• Measure tab with geometry analysis and quality check tools
• Custom views, saving new perspectives of a design for quick access
• Custom rendering—adjust faceting per-body or full design to achieve better surface finish and optimize for better performance on hardware
• Customizable shortcuts—access any tool in DSM with one click
• Enhanced shading—display objects with shading when exposed to ambient lighting like in real life
• Flythrough camera mode

DesignSpark Mechanical also features built-in help text, quick-guide tutorials, example designs and access to a 3D catalog of tens of thousands of 3D models from leading component manufacturers.

“Since first launching DesignSpark Mechanical in 2013 we have been committed to providing engineers with free resources that enable them to rapidly develop prototypes in the product concept design stage,” says Mike Bray, Group VP of Innovation and DesignSpark. “This latest upgrade further enhances the software and provides an even better user experience that reflects the changing needs of engineers.”

Version 5.0 of DesignSpark Mechanical is available to download for free personal and commercial use here. 

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