DesignSpark Mechanical is a free 3D CAD ( computer-aided design)

solid modelling Solid modeling (or solid modelling) is a consistent set of principles for mathematical and computer modeling of three-dimensional shapes '' (solids)''. Solid modeling is distinguished from related areas of geometric modeling and computer graph ...

software Software is a set of computer programs and associated software documentation, documentation and data (computing), data. This is in contrast to Computer hardware, hardware, from which the system is built and which actually performs the work. ...

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.com
to 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 RS Group plc (formerly Electrocomponents plc) is a distributor of industrial and electronics products based in London, England. It is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. History The company was foun ...

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 through

SpaceClaim SpaceClaim is a solid modeling CAD (computer-aided design) software that runs on Microsoft Windows and developed by SpaceClaim Corporation. The company is headquartered in Concord, Massachusetts. SpaceClaim Corporation was founded in 2005 to ...

'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

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, STL,

IGES The Initial Graphics Exchange Specification (IGES) is a vendor-neutral file format that allows the digital exchange of information among computer-aided design (CAD) systems. It's an ASCII-based textual format. The official title of IGES is ''D ...

DXF AutoCAD DXF (Drawing Interchange Format, or Drawing Exchange Format) is a CAD data file format developed by Autodesk for enabling data interoperability between AutoCAD and other programs. DXF was introduced in December 1982 as part of AutoCA ...

and DWG, and an associative drawing environment, adding many functions such as cosmetic Threading, Geometric dimensioning and tolerancing,

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s and more.

References

External links

*
Official Forum

Independent review of software
{{CAD software Computer-aided design software