Press Releases

RS Components and Allied Electronics boost rapid prototyping with new version of DesignSpark Mechanical 3D design tool

Version 2.0 of free, fast and intuitive 3D design software features new functionality, making the tool more powerful than ever before to support engineers in the rapid development of product concepts

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 16 December 2014:

RS Components (RS) and Allied Electronics (Allied), the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the global distributor for engineers, today announced the launch of a new version of DesignSpark Mechanical, the company’s fully featured 3D Concept Modelling and design tool that is available free of charge to every engineer                                                                                    

DesignSpark Mechanical has been developed in conjunction with SpaceClaim, the leading provider of flexible and affordable 3D modelling software for engineers. Together with the DesignSpark PCB design tool, DesignSpark Mechanical is a key element in the company’s initiative to provide tools for engineers that enable them to rapidly develop prototypes in the innovation and product concept design stage. An important element of DesignSpark Mechanical is its STL-output format, which allows the direct export of designs to 3D printers.

Version 2.0 of the software now adds several important new features that have been requested by the extensive DesignSpark Mechanical user base to enable an even better user experience. The tool’s new simplified user interface includes new built-in help text and Quick Guide tutorials, example designs, and also makes its BOM-quote functionality even easier to find and use. In addition, the tool provides access to a new 3D catalogue allowing the rapid insertion of tens of thousands of 3D models from leading component manufacturers, as well as the integration of all the necessary RS and Allied purchasing data for fast Bill-of Materials (BOM) creation. And thirdly, a ‘quick parts’ 3D printing service is now integrated into the tool, which is available via RS and Allied in conjunction with its partner 3D Systems

“The release of version 2.0 of DesignSpark Mechanical demonstrates our exceptionally high level of commitment to engineers to provide them with the tools they need to rapidly develop concepts and prototypes and get their products out within a short timeframe,” said Glenn Jarrett, Global Head of Product Marketing at RS Components.

DesignSpark Mechanical is available for free download at www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/eng/page/mechanical. For more information on how DesignSpark mechanical fits into the Rapid Prototyping innovation environment, see //www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/nodes/view/type:design-centre/slug:rapid-prototyping