DesignSpark Mechanical - Version 6.0 Release Notes and Changelog

The v6.0 release of DesignSpark Mechanical introduces new features and enhancements which are discussed in the following notes. To learn how to use individual features, please refer to tutorials on the learning area of the DesignSpark website.

Note that certain features discussed below are exclusive to our paid subscription plans; compare our plans here: https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/subscriptions-pricing-page 

If you are a long term user of DSM and need clarification on the different layout of Sketch and 3D tools, please refer to this article: https://www.rs-online.com/designspark/advice-on-working-with-sketch-constraints-in-the-standard-sketch-mode 

The changelog below lists key fixes and minor enhancements in subsequent releases.

Changelog

Version 6.0.3 (Released October 4, 2023)

• Fixed issue with length scale selection in Units options where only ‘Standard’ could be selected. Scale options can now be switched (as expected) and DSM will need to be restarted for the new scale option to apply to all new projects.
• Fixed issue with adding material properties to components.
• Contextual tool help fixed and now correctly links to the Index page.
• DesignSpark options menu help now links to the correct pages.
• Improvements to AutoSave and Recovery tools.

Version 6.0.2 (Released June 26, 2023)

• Fixed F1 help shortcut for feature hover tooltips
• Standard sketcher set as default mode based on user feedback for simplicity of use. Constraint-based sketching can be toggled on via DesignSpark options > Advanced.

Version 6.0.1 (Released May 31, 2023)

• General improvements for stability and performance
• Revised Help documentation with new user interface and chapters for latest features - access via Help icon or F1 key shortcut.
• Added option to 'Log out and Reset licence' in Help/Resources > About dialog. This is useful for licence troubleshooting or DesignSpark account change purposes.
• Fixed legacy RSDOC file import issue which affected a small group of users.
• Fixed issue with constraint-based sketching where entering a new value in the dimension box did not change the dimension.
• Updated links for DesignSpark site help and support buttons.
• Added 'enable left-hand mirror transform' option to DesignSpark options > Advanced. (Creator and Engineer plans)
• Updated drawing sheet program templates to use new RSDOCX file formats (Creator and Engineer plans)
• New templates linked to program and visible in Formats drop-down (Creator and Engineer plans)
• Added export drawing sheet to image formats - JPG and PNG (Creator and Engineer plans)

Version 6.0 (Released January 24, 2023)

• Built-in web viewer updated to support HTML5 and respects user's browser setting.
• Updates to software branding to follow latest RS DesignSpark changes.
• Added design file preview for native RSDOC/RSDOCX formats in Windows File Explorer and Desktop.
• Changes to licencing to support new subscription offer.
• Updates to DesignSpark and 3rd party supported service links.
• Unified main program and file translator into single installer exectuable.
• Added check update button in Help/Resources tab for user to find latest version and update where applicable.
• Improved blend tool logic with Parasolid kernel.
• Improved Pull Up-to operation logic with Parasolid kernel.
• Fixed GLB file export for non-English Windows locales.
• Fixed RSDOC import issue for large files (>25MB).