DesignSpark Mechanical is a free 3D CAD (
computer-aided design
Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computers (or ) to aid in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design. This software is used to increase the productivity of the designer, improve the quality of design, improve c ...
)
solid modelling software application.
DesignSpark Mechanical enables users to solid model in a 3D environment and create files for use with 3D printers.
Using the direct modelling approach, it allows for unlimited and frequent design changes using an intuitive set of tools. This free 3D CAD software is offered as a payment fre
download but requires a one-time registration wit
DesignSpark.comto receive the latest community news and product promotions.
In order to create engineering drawings in the same framework, a paid subscription to the DesignSpark ''Creator'' or ''Engineer'' plan is required.
Background
DesignSpark Mechanical is based on the
SpaceClaim Engineer application and is the product of a collaboration between
RS Components and
Ansys, Inc.
An introductory brochure i
available here
The goal to offer a free 3D CAD software with many features of high-end software is to engage with those such as Engineering Students or small businesses who may not require or who cannot afford premium branded 3D CAD software.
Rapid prototyping
DesignSpark Mechanical supports
Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping is a group of techniques used to quickly fabricate a scale model of a physical part or assembly using three-dimensional computer aided design (CAD) data.
Construction of the part or assembly is usually done using 3D printin ...
through
SpaceClaim's 3D direct modelling methodology using the Pull, Move, Fill and Combine tools that allow a user to interact with digital 3D objects like modelling with clay, all available in the free 3D CAD version.
3D CAD library
3D models for more than 75,000 products from the
RS catalog are available for download within the software.
Subscription plans
Paid subscription plans provide additional functionality for DesignSpark Mechanical, such as Mirror tool, full support of popular file formats such as
STEP,
STL STL may refer to:
Communications
* Standard telegraph level
*Studio/transmitter link
International law
*Special Tribunal for Lebanon
The Special Tribunal for Lebanon (STL), also referred to as the Lebanon Tribunal or the Hariri Tribunal, is a ...
,
IGES,
DXF and
DWG, and an associative drawing environment, adding many functions such as cosmetic
Threading,
Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing
Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) is a system for defining and communicating engineering tolerances and relationships. It uses a symbolic language on engineering drawings and computer-generated three-dimensional solid models that exp ...
,
Annotations and more.
See also
*
Comparison of 3D computer graphics software
*
Comparison of computer-aided design editors
*
DesignSpark PCB
*
DesignSpark PCB Pro
References
Further reading
"EE Journal article introducing DesignSpark subscription plans" EE Journal
"Diseñar en 3D con DesignSpark Mechanical" Automática e instrumentación'. No. 454, 2013. pages 36–37.
"推出3D设计软件 DesignSpark Mechanical" Global Electronics China'. No. 10. 2013.
"48-Hour 3D Design Challenge With DesignSpark Mechanical" ''
EE Times
''EE Times'' (''Electronic Engineering Times'') is an electronics industry magazine published in the United States since 1972. EE Times is currently owned by AspenCore, a division of Arrow Electronics since August 2016.
Since its acquisition ...
''.
"DesignSpark Mechanical: It's Not Your Grandmother's MCAD!" ''EE Times''.
"DesignSpark Mechanical User Design Challenge" Engineering.com.
"DesignSpark Mechanical Power Hack" Engineering.com.
"Independent software reviews on Capterra" Capterra.com.
External links
*
Official ForumIndependent review of software{{CAD software
Computer-aided design software