DesignSpark Mechanical

DesignSpark Mechanical is a CAD software specifically designed for mechanical design and engineering. According to the vendor, it is suitable for small to medium-sized companies as well as individual designers and engineers. The software caters to a wide range of professionals and industries, including mechanical engineers, product designers, industrial designers, manufacturing companies, and research and development departments.

Key Features

Easy geometry creation: DesignSpark Mechanical offers a direct modeling kernel that, according to the vendor, simplifies the process of creating complex 3D models by allowing users to join line segments and curves to create surfaces. The Move tool facilitates copying and patterning, while 3D editing tools like Pull, Combine, and Blend transform solids into the desired shape.

3D Mirror tool: The 3D Mirror tool in DesignSpark Mechanical allows users to flip objects over a mirror line or plane. According to the vendor, any changes made to the original object are automatically applied to its reflection. Users can isolate the mirror relationship to specific features, providing flexibility in design modifications.

Detailing options in drawing sheets: DesignSpark Mechanical provides a range of detailing options for 2D engineering drawings. Users can add notes, geometric tolerances, hole tables, BoM tables, welding symbols, and surface finish tools to their designs. The software supports multiple industry standards for annotations, including ASME, JIS, ISO, and GB, and conforms to the ASME Y14.5 standard for GD&T symbol creation.

Model-Based Definition (MBD): DesignSpark Mechanical supports Model-Based Definition (MBD), which, according to the vendor, enhances clarity compared to 2D drawings. MBD enables in-depth 3D visualization with semantic GD&T and 3D dimension annotations. Users can easily convey manufacturing requirements and reuse specific parts in multiple projects.

Sketch with equations: According to the vendor, users can sketch using parametric equations in both 2D and 3D space with DesignSpark Mechanical. The software offers a range of available curve types, including Archimedes spiral, Catenary, Sine wave, Helix, Slinky, Spirals, Lemniscate (Bernoulli), Trochoid, Tractrix, Lissajous, and Viviani's curve, allowing for precise customization.

Sketch with applied constraints: DesignSpark Mechanical enables users to apply constraints such as collinearity, tangency, and symmetry to create precise geometric relationships. According to the vendor, a construction line can be used to mirror constrained features, enhancing design accuracy.

Integrated 3D model library: DesignSpark Mechanical provides access to a vast library of over one billion manufacturer-approved part 3D models. Users can seamlessly insert these models into their projects or download them for later use. Models are tagged with RS product codes, simplifying the creation of bill of materials and obtaining production quotes.

Measure and Quality tools: DesignSpark Mechanical offers dedicated tools for checking errors, estimating the size, mass, and volume of objects, and displaying body interference. According to the vendor, the software helps users assess the quality of design surfaces by identifying anomalies, ensuring high-quality outputs.

Customization options: DesignSpark Mechanical allows users to customize various aspects of the software to suit their preferences. Users can customize keyboard shortcuts, workspace views, rendering and shading settings, anti-aliasing, color schemes, and toolbar layout, enhancing their overall design experience.