The software can easily be downloaded via the DS Mechanical Download page on the DesignSpark website.

Guidelines about 32/64bit and step-by-step activation processes are also included within this page.

Hosted by Traceparts, this 3D model library puts 75,000 3D models from a wide range of suppliers at your fingertips.

Just click on this icon in the ‘Design’ tab of DS Mechanical to visit the library homepage and look for your preferred part.

Make use of the featured 3D models on the homepage to get used to the navigation and download options.

After you launch the software, you should see a 'Quick Guide' tab to the left. Within here there are step-by-step instructions to create your first design and get familiarised with the basic functionality. Under Help/Resources, you can find direct links to video tutorials and quick reference cards if you are using a touch based PC.

A sold-to ID is assigned to purchasing RS Components customer. You can leave the registration field for this blank if you don't have one yet.

Users report successfully operating DS Mechanical on VMware Workstation 7.x and Player 3.x, Oracle Virtual Box 4.3 and higher.

Import: RSDOC, ECAD files (IDF, IDB, EMN), OBJ, SKP, STEP (read only), STL, TXT, JPG, BMP, PNG
Export: RSDOC, AMF, DXF, OBJ, 3D PDF (facets only), SKP, STL, XAML, JPG, PNG

Full STEP and IGES format support is available with the DSM Exchange RS Stock No.852-3012 and Bundle RS Stock No.852-3019 optional add-on modules.

Edit imported STEP and IGES file geometry
Export geometry to STEP and IGES files
Create or view 2D drawings with support annotations and full GD&T
Thread tool - create standard & custom threads
Custom drawing sheets Create and insert barcodes into drawings
Create and modify perspective views in 2D drawings from a 3D object

While the FREE version of the software is sufficient for most common design needs, the optional paid for add-on modules extend the base functionality with an array of powerful and advanced features.

Exchange Module:
Edit imported STEP and IGES file geometry
Export geometry to STEP and IGES files

Drawing Module:
Create or View 2D drawings with support annotations and full GD&T
Thread tool – create standard & custom threads
Custom drawing sheets
Create and insert barcodes into drawings
Create and modify perspective views on 2D drawings from a 3D object

Bundle Add-on Modules:
For users wanting it all, an economically priced bundle (Exchange + Drawing) is offered as well.
Edit imported STEP and IGES file geometry
Export geometry to STEP and IGES files
Create or view 2D drawings with support annotations and full GD&T
Thread tool -  create standard & custom threadsCustom drawing sheets
Create and insert barcodes into drawings
Create and modify perspective views in 2D drawings from a 3D object

Our DesignSpark software is available for use by registered DesignSpark members.
The software will periodically check that the user is still registered on DesignSpark, if the software can not verify the user i.e. there is no internet connection, then it will continue trying for 30days and then give notice that the software will stop working after a further 30days.
It is therefore recommended that the system is connected to the internet at least once every 30 days to ensure seemless usage.

An IDF exported from DSPCB comprises of two files - IDB (board file) and IDL (library file) Make sure to always keep the IDB and IDL in the same folder. To open in DSM, select only the IDB file.

Edits will always be saved in DS Mechanical's native format of RSDOC.

The activation technology used, as in many other softwares, is to prevent unauthorised use and copy of the application package. For activation, a unique token is generated for an install using your DesignSpark credentials.

There is NO expiration date for any of the licenses (Exchange, Drawing or the bundle) you have purchased. However, it is essential to remember that the add-on modules come with 12 months maintenance package included in price, which gives you access to any enhancements to the premium functionality, bug fixes, etc.

If you have a question that you would like to ask our community, you can post it in our Community Forum

You can also access our Forum via our Support Centre, - click the "Community" link