The v6.1 release of DesignSpark Mechanical introduces new features and enhancements which are discussed in the following notes. To learn how to use individual features, please consult the built-in documentation, articles and learning area.
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
1. NEW - Assembly tools
Assembly toolbar available for DesignSpark Engineer subscribers. Assembly tools are used to establish geometric relationships, control degrees of freedom, and manage component hierarchies within DSM. It allows users to build static structures and dynamic, moving mechanisms from individual CAD bodies.
2. Enhanced large assembly performance
- Significant performance improvements when editing large assemblies
- Faster face selection, move, pull and modify operations
- Reduced delays when working with complex imported CAD models
- Better memory utilisation.
3. Improved Direct Modelling
- More robust Boolean operations
- Improved handling of difficult or imperfect geometry
- Better support for editing imported CAD without feature history
4. Lightweight geometry uses less memory and allows for faster import times
- Can toggle surface and solid geometries to lightweight by right-clicking on the body
- If you right-click on a lightweight body, you can convert it back to heavyweight
5. New Ansys file type for lightweight bodies (.stride)
- Can import and export the Ansys Stride files (.stride)
- All geometry in the file is lightweight
6. AutoCAD DXF and DWG
3D solid data can now be exchanged in both AutoCAD DXF and DWG formats - applicable to DesignSpark Creator and Engineer subscribers.
7. Show Face/Edge/Curve Control Points
- Under Measure Tab, in the Quality area, new function called “Show Face/Edge/Curve Control Points”
8. Custom Component Properties
- New file option to import component properties
9. Equation
- Equation has various default equations for curves, not just surfaces
10. Support files
Support files search path can now be specified in File>DesignSpark options>Support files for custom symbol libraries, custom thread XML files, etc.
11. Multiple Bug Fixes including
- Right clicking on an image and selecting replace image now replaces the image. Before it would keep the old image but changing the aspect ratio of the image.
- CAT5 publication names with foreign language characters are now imported correctly.
- Resolved a performance issue in both Constraint Sketcher and the standard Sketcher that caused DesignSpark Mechanical to become extremely slow or appear frozen when working with complex spline geometry.
- Resolved a geometry corruption issue that occurred when moving conical features associated with drilled holes or protrusions.
- Resolved an issue affecting PNG image import transparency settings, where single-colour transparency was not being applied correctly despite appearing to work in the Advanced Settings preview.
- Resolved an issue where the maximum modelling volume limitation prevented successful import of large curve definitions from .txt files.
- Resolved an issue where moving components associated with helix curves could trigger errors and leave the model in a corrupt or unstable state.
- Resolved an issue where line weight settings did not apply correctly when DSM was running in the Japanese language UI.
- Resolved an issue with the Hide Others visibility command where certain reference geometry was not hidden consistently across components.
- Resolved an issue where the scale graphic did not update correctly after switching to Large Length Scale (XL) mode, causing the displayed scale indicator to remain at standard-scale values.
- Resolved an inconsistency between the Standard Sketcher and Constraint Sketcher that prevented styling of projected sketch geometry.
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