DesignSpark Mechanical

Our New Design Tool for Engineers

Available completely free of charge, DesignSpark Mechanical is a new and powerful 3D modelling software tool that is very easy to learn and provides a highly intuitive user experience to help engineers create design concepts in 3D faster than ever before. Developed in conjunction with SpaceClaim, the leading provider of flexible and powerful 3D modelling software for engineers, DesignSpark Mechanical overcomes two major barriers to entry faced by potential users that are new to 3D design: prohibitive cost and the considerable investment in learning time associated with traditional 3D CAD tools.

Based on ‘direct modelling’ technology, users can create geometry easily with powerful and intuitive gesture-based modelling techniques. The tool’s simplicity of use means that engineers and others involved in product development can become fully conversant with the software within minutes, rather than the weeks or months required to become skilled with traditional 3D CAD tools. Built-in functionality enables aceess to 100M+ 3D models and also allows the import of PCB layout files in IDF format from any PCB design tool including DesignSpark PCB among others, enabling an even faster design cycle. And there is no time limit on the licence and no restrictions on terms of use.

In addition, DesignSpark Mechanical allows the export of designs in the industry-standard STL format to enable quick and easy production on a 3D printer – a technology that is becoming increasingly accessible to all – thereby enabling even faster rapid prototyping of concepts and product designs.

5 Reasons to use DesignSpark Mechanical (Video/multiple videos)

Key features

Shortest learning curve of any 3D design software available to engineers

Moving from 2D drafting to 3D design can bring huge benefits in productivity. These include producing more compelling proposals, increasing collaboration, faster design times and simpler product costing. DesignSpark Mechanical features a Microsoft Office style user interface that immediately feels familiar, and its intuitive interaction with 3D models takes just minutes to learn – making DesignSpark Mechanical the ideal engineering tool to move from 2D to 3D product design.

Easy import of electrical designs

In today’s product design processes, close collaboration is needed between electrical and mechanical design. This is can be complex where different engineers are using different tools. DesignSpark Mechanical allows the import of PCB layout files from electronic design software, and drawing files from 2D electrical software allowing greater collaboration and fewer surprises later in the design process when errors and oversights can be very costly to correct.

Extensive libraries and simple costing

Creating CAD Models from scratch is a laborious and error prone task. DesignSpark Mechanical removes this design bottleneck by providing access to thousands of standard components from their extensive 3D library. Bill of materials management and product costing is an essential but time consuming part of many designs. DesignSpark Mechanical’s quoting features make it simple to get instant pricing for your design, ensuring even faster product design.

Export files for 3D printing

Today 3D printing is becoming more and more accessible, with costs of hardware and printing services becoming more attractive. DesignSpark Mechanical allows you to export in STL format for easy printing from your own 3D printing facility or a third party.

Collaborate and share designs with everyone

DesignSpark Mechanical allows you to design, create and modify without the limitations of 2D design tools. These benefits can be shared and extended with colleagues, customers, suppliers and business partners around the world – DesignSpark Mechanical is free to everyone.

Hardware requirements

CPU:

• Pentium® 4 2.0 GHZ or Athlon® 2000+ or faster, 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor

RAM:

• Minimum:512MB RAM (32-bit) 1Gb RAM (64-bit)
• Recommended: 2GB RAM or higher Video Card:

Video Card:

• Full DirectX® 9c,
• Shader Model 3.0 hardware support,
• 256 MB of graphics memory or higher,
• 32 bits per pixel,
• 1024x768 minimum resolution.
• Please ensure that you have the latest graphics driver for your card and that Direct3D Acceleration is enabled.

Software requirements

Operating Systems:

• Microsoft® Windows XP with Service Pack 3
• Microsoft® Windows Vista™
• Microsoft® Windows 7
• Microsoft® Windows 8
• DesignSpark Mechanical is not supported on virtual platforms.
• Intel-based Apple hardware running native Windows using Boot Camp is subject to the same hardware
• requirements as other Intel-based hardware and will require special licensing.