Developed in collaboration with SpaceClaim, a leading provider of flexible and affordable 3D modeling software for engineers, the new DesignSpark Mechanical is highly intuitive and easy to use, which will bring significant benefits to design engineers worldwide. Available in multiple languages, this new tool represents a significant step in the evolution of the DesignSpark online engineering community's resource center.
The availability of DesignSpark Mechanical overcomes two major barriers faced by potential users who currently lack access to a 3D design solution but would greatly benefit from using 3D modeling to rapidly develop prototypes and sophisticated products. Prohibitive costs and a considerable time investment for learning are the main obstacles associated with traditional 3D CAD tools. DesignSpark Mechanical's free availability is not its only advantage; its ease of use also allows engineers and other product development stakeholders to operate the tool and collaborate in minutes, rather than weeks or months.
Glenn Jarrett, Global Head of Product Marketing at RS Components, stated: “With the launch of DesignSpark Mechanical, it is now possible, for the first time ever, to make a 3D design tool of this level of sophistication available free of charge. Engineers worldwide will love this intuitive and flexible modeling software. Using DesignSpark Mechanical from an early stage of the design cycle can eliminate much of the extra work associated with traditional product development processes. This is a very important initiative that will allow engineers to bring innovative products to market quickly, and the STL output format will allow for direct export of designs to 3D printers.”
With access to over 38,000 3D models available in the DesignSpark online library, DesignSpark Mechanical offers all engineers the ability to complete a design from start to finish with a completely free, professional modeling tool. RS and Allied have also partnered with TraceParts, a world leader in 3D content, to provide access to the millions of models available on the CAD portal tracepartsonline.net in DesignSpark Mechanical format.
“Allied and RS are joining forces with SpaceClaim to launch DesignSpark Mechanical, combining the power and ease of use of SpaceClaim’s direct modeling technology with access to RS and Allied’s extensive component library, trusted by millions of engineers worldwide,” said Rich Moore, Vice President of Business Development at SpaceClaim. “Functionality in traditional CAD software is more difficult to learn, and with DesignSpark Mechanical, users can quickly create 3D models to accelerate engineering design and enhance their competitive advantage.”
The active user base of 3D CAD worldwide is estimated at approximately 1.5 million. However, it is also estimated that there are another 20 million engineers worldwide who do not currently use 3D CAD but could significantly benefit from a tool like DesignSpark Mechanical. This new software will not only unleash creativity but also streamline the product development process, enabling the direct production of professional prototypes to provide detailed, dimensioned manufacturing drawings.
DesignSpark Mechanical employs a powerful methodology called "direct modeling," which differs significantly from the traditional parametric functionality found in 3D CAD software. The tool uses simple features that allow for real-time editing and changes, enabling engineers and other project collaborators to quickly and easily create models and experiment with their ideas and prototypes. This is all achieved through four basic tools: Pull, Move, Fill, and Combine, along with familiar Windows keyboard shortcuts such as cut/paste and undo/redo, making the software highly intuitive for new users.
DesignSpark Mechanical can also be used as a complementary 3D tool alongside existing 3D CAD tools in the product development process, such as creating initial prototypes. The tool can eliminate bottlenecks in the initial design process by allowing changes and additions to be made in seconds, instead of waiting for the CAD department to do so using traditional 3D software.
3D designs can also be exported in STL format, the standard file format that enables rapid prototyping and computer-aided manufacturing, as well as providing quick access to bills of materials and quotes via RS Online. DesignSpark Mechanical can also import printed circuit board design files in IDF format from any PCB design software, including RS Components' renowned DesignSpark PCB software.
You can download DesignSpark Mechanical for free at www.designspark.com/mechanical
DesignSpark Mechanical, the new 3D design software from RS Components and Allied Electronics, is ideal for engineering and prototype design. Its intuitive user interface makes the transition from 2D to 3D design and adoption by engineers without CAD expertise quick and easy.
• Available completely free at designspark.com: all engineers worldwide can access the benefits of 3D design
• Rapid creation of professional prototype designs for product proposals
• Powerful and intuitive modeling: anyone can create solid model geometry without the complexity of traditional CAD functionalities
• No CAD expertise required: electronic and industrial engineers can learn to use the tool in minutes and work collaboratively with other disciplines involved in product specifications and design
• Eliminates bottlenecks: allows design changes and additions in seconds, without waiting for the CAD department to update the model using traditional CAD tools
• Generates detailed and well-dimensioned manufacturing drawings
Direct Modeling Methodology
• Model from simple shapes to complex combinations and complete surfaces
• The four tools “pull, move, fill, and combine” enable intuitive 3D design
• “Pull and move” work on surface and edge editing for maximum flexibility
• Includes helper functions for thin-walled, mirror, concentric, circular, and beveled geometries
Bill of Materials
• Tracks the bill of materials and instantly provides the ability to obtain a quote via RS Online: calculating project costs becomes a simple task within the design process, from initial prototype to production
Creation and manipulation of 3D cross-sections
• Ability to draw 3D figures (extrudes, rotations, and sweeps) without leaving the 2D cross-section
• New prototypes can be sketched and solid 3D designs obtained without extra work
Unrestricted parameters
• Dimensional values can be easily edited by simply selecting the element
• No need to configure complex constraint systems
• Different users can configure and save their own sets of dimensions
Flexible assembly structure
• Designed parts can be converted into an assembly and vice versa
• Complete assembled structures can be created even before drawing a shape
• Changes can be made even to related elements
Context Design
• No need to switch modes; the same tools can be used to edit assemblies, parts, drawing views, and 3D marks.
Import/Export
• Allows importing PCB design files in IDF format
• Importing over 38,000 3D CAD models from the RS and Allied catalogs
• Designs can be exported in STL format for rapid prototyping
3D Models
• Creations can be combined with 3D component models available in the ModelSource library from RS Components and Allied Electronics
