DesignSpark Mechanical takes advantage of the ease of being a direct modeler, but it also allows you to add parametric features. Most direct modelers that I have used lack any parametric functionality.
In contrast, a direct modeler is very easy to use and is not history-based the order in which a feature is created is irrelevant. It also allows for the user to go back in the history of the design and change properties and then have them propagate through the rest of the design. Most MCAD products are either parametric, history-based modelers or direct modelers.Ī parametric, history-based modeler has a work flow in which the order of features is important. I was given the opportunity to test this new tool for the last few weeks, and I can say that it stands head and shoulders above the rest.īefore we proceed further, there are a few MCAD concepts one needs to understand. 48-Hour 3D Design Challenge With DesignSpark MechanicalĭesignSpark Mechanical is a shot across the bow to the low-cost MCAD world that is beginning to power desktop 3D printers.I Bet My 3D Holographic Watch Is Better Than Yours.Allied/RS Bring Free 3D Design Software to Everyone on the Planet!.However, it appears that Max has been swept away by the recent announcement of a new, free 3D design package called DesignSpark Mechanical: When it came to 3D Design software, Max was originally leaning toward using SketchUp Make coupled with a free plug-in to generate the STL output files required by 3D printers. What’s the Best 3D S/W for My 3D Printer?.Have you been following Max Maxfield’s recent columns with regard to 3D Printers?