DesignSpark Mechanical
 | |
 Sample design loaded in DesignSpark Mechanical v6.0. | |
| Developer(s) | Ansys, Inc., RS Group plc |
|---|---|
| Initial release | September 16, 2013 |
| Stable release | 6.0.3
/ October 4, 2023 |
| Operating system | Windows |
| Platform | x86-64 desktop, laptop |
| Available in | 25 languages[1] |
List of languages English, Bulgarian, Czech, Danish, German, Spanish, Finnish, French, Hungarian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Slovenian, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional) | |
| Type | MCAD software |
| License | Proprietary freeware and subscriptions |
| Website | www |
DesignSpark Mechanical is a 3D computer-aided design (CAD) solid modeling software application. It is licensed as proprietary freeware.
It enables users to solid model in a 3D environment and create files to use with 3D printers. Using the direct modeling 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 free download, but requires a one-time registration with DesignSpark.com to receive the latest community news and product promotions.
To create engineering drawings in the same framework, a paid subscription to the DesignSpark Creator or Engineer plan is needed.[2]
Background
[edit]DesignSpark Mechanical is based on the SpaceClaim Engineer application and is the product of a collaboration between RS Group plc and Ansys, Inc. An introductory brochure is 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 education students or small businesses who may not need or cannot afford premium branded 3D CAD software.
Rapid prototyping
[edit]DesignSpark Mechanical supports rapid prototyping through SpaceClaim's 3D direct modeling methodology using the Pull, Move, Fill and Combine tools that allow interacting with digital 3D objects like modeling with clay, all available in the free 3D CAD version.
3D CAD library
[edit]3D models for more than 75,000 products from the RS catalog are available for download within the software.[3]
Subscription plans
[edit]Paid subscription plans provide added functions for DesignSpark Mechanical, such as Mirror tool, full support of popular file formats such as STEP, STL, IGES, DXF, and DWG, and an associative drawing environment, adding many functions such as cosmetic threading, geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, annotations, and more.[2]
See also
[edit]- Comparison of 3D computer graphics software
- Comparison of computer-aided design editors
- DesignSpark PCB
- DesignSpark PCB Pro
References
[edit]Further reading
[edit]- "EE Journal article introducing DesignSpark subscription plans". EE Journal
- "Diseñar en 3D con DesignSpark Mechanical". Automática e instrumentación. No. 454, 2013. pages 36–37. ISSN 0213-3113 (in Spanish)
- "推出3D设计软件 DesignSpark Mechanical". Global Electronics China. No. 10. 2013. ISSN 1006-7604 (in Chinese)
- "48-Hour 3D Design Challenge With DesignSpark Mechanical". EE Times. ISSN 0192-1541
- "DesignSpark Mechanical: It's Not Your Grandmother's MCAD!". EE Times. ISSN 0192-1541
- "DesignSpark Mechanical User Design Challenge". Engineering.com.
- "DesignSpark Mechanical Power Hack". Engineering.com.
- "Independent software reviews on Capterra". Capterra.com.