Quick Links Assembly Management Improvements Detailed Part Design Improvements 2D Technical Drawing Improvements Operating System and System Updates
Assembly Management ImprovementsWindows 64-Bit Operating System Support for large Assembly DataCustomers in IRONCAD are continually expanding their needs for large assembly data. This can sometime push the limits of a 32-Bit operating system that has limited amount of available RAM and often performs memory swapping with virtual memory. To aid the customers, IRONCAD V11 has added support for the 64-bit operating system to allow the users to take full advantage of the systems capability. New Loading Capability to Reduce Memory and Improved Save TimesNew loading capabilities have been added to IRONCAD to improve the memory management and load/save times on large assembly data. During the open of files in the Advanced OpenGL/Direct3D rendering mode, only the structure and feature information will be loaded along with the light weight graphical information. When the users modify the features or when certain commands need this information, the data will be automatically loaded for the edited components and any related components. The capability improves the following areas:
Interaction improvementsMany changes to the internal environment of IRONCAD have been performed to improve the interaction of data when large assembly data is loaded. Selection, edit of geometry, drag and drop of new geometry, and TriBall positional changes have all been improved to interact consistently fast both when the Scene Browser structure data is visible or closed. 2D Technical Drawing Performance ImprovementsImprovements have been made in the 2D Technical Drawing environment to enhance performance in the view creation process. View creation with the "Automatic creation of center lines/marks" and the "Select Part/Assembly within the Scene" enabled have been significantly improved. Sketch Improvements Containing Large DataSketches containing large data of curves and grids have been improved in the Advanced OpenGL/Direct3D rendering mode when camera operations are performed. Noticeable improvements are seen in the general camera interactions at both the full zoomed level as well as the zoomed in level when data is clipped to perform faster. Zoom to SelectionCommon interaction commands when dealing with large assembly data have been added to lower the overall design time spent in IRONCAD. One such improvement is the Zoom to Selection. The option can be selected in the Scene Browser or from the graphical display area to quickly zoom to the component being worked on. This command can apply to assemblies, parts, and even features. Combining this option with other IRONCAD utilities like the Hide Command, can improved time navigating the display to find critical components.
Zoom to Selection Example Find in Scene Browser CommandAnother common interaction command for large assemblies, the Find in Scene Browser, helps reduce design time spent navigating the structure to find the selected components. This new command automatically directs you to the selected object in the scene browser which will expand to the correct level to allow the user direct access to the item.
Find in Scene Browser Example Save Notification ReminderWhen dealing with large assemblies or even smaller files, many time users forget to save data along the way. A new automatic save notification has been added that can be set to a user defined time interval to help remind the user to save and store their critical design data.
Assembly Calculated and Specified Mass SettingsAssemblies can now carry calculated and specified mass values that can be transferred to the Bill of Materials on the drawing. The calculated mass is a calculation of the total mass of all parts included in the assembly. Specified mass allows the user the ability to specify a set mass for the assembly. This setting is useful for imported data that you may want to use in your calculations. The mass settings are found in the assembly properties and the specified mass can also be set in the property browser of the assembly.
Assembly Mass Calculation Example
User Interaction ImprovementsAdvanced Scene Browser Search CapabilityA new Advance Search capability has been added to IRONCAD Version 11 to help navigate product structures in the design. This advance search capability not only searches for assembly, part, and IntelliShape names, but it can even search part properties, suppressed items, hidden items, and custom applied properties. The search results are fast and clearly displayed with a hierarchical display. Search results can be selected and actions can be performed on the selection as if you were working in the normal Scene Browser. In addition, commands like "Locate in Scene Browser" can be performed to quickly direct the user to the Scene Browser location of the selection. Users can save searches to quickly access them at a later point in the design or other designs. Since the Search capability was designed within the IRONCAD Tab display of the Scene Browser, the tab can be undocked and positioned at any desired location that fits the designers work flow. This advance search capability reduces design time by allowing the user the ability to search within the content to find the critical data they need without spending time browsing the structure for the information.
Search Browser Example Double-Click Edit Dimension SupportIRONCAD Version 11 supports double-click editing on common dimensions applied in the design environment reducing mouse-clicks which can improve the overall design time. Double-click editing can be performed on 3D dimension, Sizebox Dimensions (including Assembly, Part, and IntelliShape levels), TriBall Position Dimensions, and 2D Sketch Constraint Dimensions.
Double-Click Dimension Edit Example Direct Drill-Down to Part/IntelliShape on ClickWithin complex assembly structures, many mouse-clicks are usually necessary to drill down to the selected design state that the users will be editing. IRONCAD Version 11 has introduced direct drill-down hot-keys to access the part and assembly levels. The users and hit the Ctrl or Atl keys when left-click selecting to directly access the part or IntelliShape levels respectively. This direct access can drastically reduce design time by allowing the user to efficiently access the necessary data during the design modifications.
Alt and Ctrl Key Direct Selection Example Prevent Editing Setting on Parts/AssembliesSharing designs within a design group is a common practice in 3D modeling. However in some instances, it may be desired to lock users from accidentally modifying designs or standard components. New settings at the part and assembly level have been added to disallow edits at the respective levels. This setting prevents the user from access the data below the level that the setting is applied. Visual indicators in both the Scene Browser and in the graphical selection area have been added to help the users to determine if the setting has been applied.
Prevent Selection Example Assembly/Part Cursor Mouse-over IconsIn IRONCAD's continuing effort to help users clearly understand the design data, new mouse cursor feedback has been added to denote part and assembly levels in addition to the current IntelliShape and Face levels. These icons clearly denote if a user has selected a part or an assembly to help navigate the next action in the users design step. Multiple Select Quick Access Property Browser CapabilityImproving on the Quick Access Property Browser added in version 10, new support for multiple selection has been added to various control in the Quick Access Property Browser (slider controls and list boxes). This improves the overall design modifications on multiple objects which in turn helps reduce design times. Re-sizable File Open/Save DialogsRe-sizeable file open/save dialog support has been added to allow the user the ability to re-size the dialogs to help display more items. This helps the user navigate the data to find the desired designs or data easily.
Re-sizeable Dialogs Example Light Quick Access Property Browser SupportThe Quick Access Property Browser has been enhanced to support selected Lights and multiple selected lights. This allows the user quick access to change common light settings on a single light or multiple selected lights which reduces time spent in setting up your environment for visualization and photo-realistic rendering.
Lights Property Browser Example Undo/Redo Camera History CapabilityIRONCAD cameras have been improved to support full undo/redo capabilities on camera position changes including switching cameras and switching between active split window panes. This allows the user the ability to easily cycle through the camera history that could have been set to show critical elements of the design.
Camera Undo/Redo Example Parameter Expression Linking to Excel SpreadsheetsUsers can now link parameter expressions to an excel spreadsheet to drive IRONCAD models parametrically from a common excel file. Users can build excel documents that may be generated automatically using customer inputted data from a website configuration for example. This excel spreadsheet can be referenced in IRONCAD to parametrically drive the IRONCAD model by using a parameter expression (i.e. excel("c:\parameter.xls","Sheet1","A2"). This capability reduces user errors that may arise by copying and pasting data from one source to another.
Detailed Sketch ImprovementsOffset Constraint and bidirectional offset SupportThe 2D sketch offset command has been enhanced to support an offset constraint and the ability to create a bidirectional offset. The offset constraint allows the user to create an association between the originating curve and offset curve. This association allows the user to modify the offset curves where both will update to maintain the offset distance. This allows the user the ability to create more complex sketches that have offset associations to make edits easy without the need to recreate the geometry. The bidirectional offset allows the users the ability to use the originating curve as a reference while offsetting in both directions from this curve.
2D Sketch Offset Improvements Example 2D BSpline EnhancementMany improvements have been made on the BSpline tool to allow the user the ability to create more complex geometry by allowing for more control and accuracy. This improvements include:
2D Sketch Spline Improvements Example Reference Point Capability in the 2D Sketch2D Reference Point capability has been added to the 2D Sketch. This will allow users the ability to create reference locations to build 2D Sketch geometry from. The points can be created directly on the 2D Sketch or can be created from projections and projection constraints allowing the user to refer to existing 3D geometry. 2D Sketch Quick Access Property Browser Command UpdatesThe Quick Access Property Browser has been enhanced to allow additional capabilities in various 2D Editing commands. These changes allow the user to have more control on the curves to perform the command on and allows additional options from the previous version enhancing the design capability for the user. These improvements include:
Move, Rotate, Scale, and Mirror Command Options Linear and Circular Pattern ToolNew Linear and Circular Pattern tools have been added to the 2D Sketch environment allowing the user to create patterned geometry in the Sketch. This initial implementation allows the user the ability to select the desired patterned curves and definitions to create a non-associative pattern. Future enhancements will be added to support pattern constraints.
2D Sketch Linear and Circular Pattern Example Constraint Dimension Improvements
2D Sketch Constraint Improvements Example
Detailed Part Design ImprovementsPart-to-Part Boolean Feature Editing SupportEnhancing the current IRONCAD boolean capabilities, IRONCAD V11 now supports the ability to retain features of both boolean parts for editing after the boolean. The users will be able to access the features in the Scene Browser to make edits to the boolean part.
Part-to-Part Boolean Feature Example Loft Improvements for Centerline Guide CurveImprovements have been made in the IRONCAD lofting capabilities to support centerline lofts, loft guides, and match point definition. These enhancements allow for the user to build more complex loft features to meet their design needs. In addition to the loft enhancements, automatic references can be made during the loft creation that can make subsequent edits easier by maintaining initial design rules.
Loft Improvements Example True/Real Thread Creation on Cylindrical SurfacesIn addition to the existing graphical threads, IRONCAD V11 allows the user to create associative threads to cylindrical surfaces. This allows users the ability to build true threads that can be detailed or manufactured downstream in the process. Users can define the profile of the thread to meet their specific requirements.
True/Real Thread Creation Example Variable Pitch Helix Spring SupportNew improvements have been made to the Helix tool to support a variable pitch. This variable pitch can be defined in the beginning, middle, and end of the spring definition allowing the user to build the specific spring desired.
Variable Pitch Helix Example 2 Plane Projection to Single Curve CapabilityUsers can now create a projection curve that is created by combining a projection of 2 curves in intersecting planes. This projection curve can be used to create surfaces in the desired orientation.
2 Plane Projection to Single Curve Example Wrap 3D Curve to Cylindrical SurfaceA new command has been added to allow the user to wrap a 3D curve onto a cylindrical surface. This wrap command is different than a projection in that it basically unrolls the surface to a flat, projects the curve onto the flat surface, and then wraps the surface back to the cylindrical shape.
Wrap 3D Curve Example Project 3D Curves to Multiple SurfacesThe 3D Curve Projection tools have been enhanced to support the ability to project 3D Curves onto multiple surfaces. This allows the user to build the desired 3D Curves that can be projected onto multiple surfaces that will used in other operations.
Project 3D Curves To Multiple Surfaces Example Import/Export Improvements
STL Export Options
Import Options Added 2D PDF ImprovementsMany improvements have been implemented in the 2D PDF export (both manual export and 2D PDF reader) to better support communication of the IRONCAD drawing files. Quality settings have been added for Image Resolution and Image Quality to allow for high quality printing from the PDF. 3D PDF ImprovementsImprovements to the 3D PDF have been implemented to support better communication to members outside the design team. Double-sided rendering support has been added to allow for users to easily open the 3D PDF's without having to change settings in Adobe Reader. 3D Positioning ImprovementsTriBall Copy/Link to Multiple Point Location SupportNew improvements to reduce design times have been added to the TriBall positioning tool. One of these improvements includes the new multiple point creation capability for Copy and Link. The users can invoke the Copy/Link to multiple locations command on the right-click menu of the TriBall center point. The user can then use the power of the TriBall to define locations anywhere the TriBall can position. These locations can be precise inputs, snap points, or any general location. After placing all the desired locations, the user simply accepts the command and the copies or links are generated. Since this command is enabled on the TriBall, the operation can be performed at the Assembly, Part, and IntelliShape level.
TriBall Multiple Copy/Link Example TriBall Reference Location CapabilityIn addition to the Copy/Link at multiple locations capability, the TriBall has also been enhanced to support multiple reference locations. Using the existing Attachment Point capability, the user can create multiple locations on assemblies, parts, and IntelliShapes that can be used as a reference point locations for the TriBall. These reference points are locations where TriBall operations such as translation and rotations can be performed. The users can quickly toggle through these points using the "Tab" key or can directly point to a specific location in the Right-Click menu of the TriBall. In addition to the accessing the attachment points, the TriBall can be used to create the locations during the design process. This capability saves the user time from going between different commands. Combining this new reference point TriBall locations with the existing Smart Assembly capability, can provide a powerful combination to the users by allowing quick drag and drop position locations and automatic orientation of data.
TriBall Reference Location Example Position TriBall Center Command with Multiple Shapes SelectedThe existing "Position TriBall Center" command has been enhanced to allow the command to work on multiple selected shapes. This enhances the existing functionality to work in a multiple selected shape environment helping the user work faster in their design process by applying multiple actions in a single command.
TriBall Position Center With Multiple Selections Example TriBall Short-Cut Assignments AddedShort-Cut assignments have been added to the TriBall Right-Click menu to allow the user to create custom short-cuts that can improve their design efficiency by reducing the mouse clicks in accessing common design process commands
TriBall Move Shape Visual Highlight ImprovementMany times the users may use the TriBall "Move Shape Only" command or may be automatically set in this TriBall command (this would be in cases like the Smart Assembly for example). In some instances, the users may not understand that they are in this mode of the TriBall. To correct this issue, the TriBall has been enhanced to clearly mark the differences between the "Move Shape and Anchor, Move Shape Only, and Move TriBall Only by setting a unique color for each respective mode.
SmartAssembly Connection OptionsUser options have been provided to control the default drop behavior of the Smart Assembly. Users can set the drop action to position and size only or can have the drop action set to position, size, and associate. This allows the users to define the correct drop actions for their design application process or needs without customizing the Smart Assembly add-in logic.
SmartAssembly Stretch ImprovementsImprovements have been made in the Stretch command to correctly handle associations made during the Smart Assembly command. These improvements correct the stretch to work in the proper manner. In some instances in order to achieve this, the associations will automatically be removed saving the user many steps to correctly stretch their components.
3D Visibility ImprovementsBackground Real-time Rendering ImprovementsImprovements to the Advanced OpenGL/Direct3D rendering mode have been made to enhance the visualization of models during the detail design process. These improvements can also be used to take quick screen captures to communicate your design to members outside the design team without the need for full realistic rendering. These improvements include:
Real-time Shadow Plane Example
Real-time Reflection Plane Example
Real-time Shadow Mapping Example
Direct3D/OpenGL User Setting OptionDifferent operating systems and graphics cards can perform better based on the OpenGL or Direct 3D settings. Windows Vista for example has superior graphical performance under Direct3D versus running under OpenGL. IRONCAD V11 allows the user to change this setting to ensure that the best performance can be achieved on your system. Hide Part/Assembly Identification in Scene Browser And Show Selected supportWith the introduction of Hide Commands in IRONCAD Version 10, users have requested the ability to denote the hidden elements in the Scene Browser. IRONCAD Version 11 now supports a visual indicator in the Scene Browser that denotes between visible and hidden components as well as suppressed components. In addition, we added the ability to select hidden components in the scene browser and show the selected. This allows the user the ability to selectively show and hide the desired component in their design process.
Scene Browser Hide Icons and Show Selected Example
2D Technical Drawing ImprovementsPart/Assembly Hide Support for Quick ViewsThe Part/Assembly Selection for View Creation has been updated to fully support the Quick View creation type. This enhancement allows the users to fully take advantage of the fast view creation capabilities and the single scene environment design. The combination saves the users time in creating many external linked files and time generating more precise views during the design and layout stages. Text with Leader JustificationA new style option has been added to Text with Leaders to allow for automatic justification of the text during creation and edit. This new option saves the users time in adjusting the justification settings when creating text with leader annotations.
Edit Section Line Capabilities to Redefine Section LinesImprovements to the Section capability have been made to allow for the user to redefine the section line information after the creation. This allows the user to move the section line and staggered section line segments.
Edit Section Line Example Multiple Broken-Out Section View Support on Single ViewsThe Broken-Out Section view has been enhanced to support multiple section views on a single view. This allows the user to create multiple broken-out sections at different depths to clearly define the desired information without the need for multiple views saving the user space and time wasted in view creations.
Multiple Broken-Out Section View Support Example Shaded View Option Flag During Creation of the ViewIn many detailed designs, the users may want to convey a more realistic representation by shading the views. Normally this would require the user to create the views and then select each view to shade. A new option has been added on the view creation dialog to shade the views being created. This will automatically shade all the views in a single command instances saving the user manual steps in the past.
Fast Advanced OpenGL/Direct3D View Creation Preview CapabilityWhen dealing with large assembly data, the preview in the view creation dialog could take extra time in the generation process since it was using a legacy rendering mode. This time could increase when the users toggled the front view direction to change the orientation or to verify the correct orientation. If the user is using the Advanced OpenGL/Direct3D mode in the 3D Environment, new improvements have been made to reuse this information in the preview window reducing the generation time. This allows the user to work faster in generating the views which will help in the overall design time. Double-Click Edit of Drawing Sheet Tab NameUsers can now rename drawing tabs by simply double-clicking on the tab names and hitting enter to accept the change. This follows standard editing in spreadsheets like Microsoft Excel. Export Drawing to DWG/DXF Allows Page Scale OptionA new export option has been added to the export options for DWG/DXF to export the drawing at a predefined page scale. This allows you to set the page scale when exporting to match that of your views. This ensures accurate measurement of your drawing when being read by other users.
Do Not Print Control for LayersDuring the design, it may be necessary to convey design note information on the drawing that is not normally represented in the final output. To accommodate for this, a new layer option has been added to allow the user to specify if a layer will be printed.
Undo Support for Text Edit and Movement ChangesUndo support has been added to account for text edit and position changes on the drawing. This allows the user the ability to easily undo changes to the text information and position without the need to recreate the data. Broken View Zig-Zag Size ControlNew handle controls have been added to the broken view Zig-Zag lines to control the position, size, and angle of the lines. Users can independently change the location of each line while maintaining the angle control for both line. In addition, the users have snap highlights to precisely align the positions of the lines.
Broken View Zig-Zag Size Control Example Edit Scene from Drawing Loads Scene in Configuration SpecifiedEditing the scene from the drawing is a common practice in IRONCAD. In the past, the edit scene command would load the scene at the last used configuration setting. IRONCAD Version 11 has enhanced this capability to load the scene in the configuration that the drawing view was specified in. This allows the user to quickly access and edit the scene in the configuration that they wish to perform the action.
Edit Scene from Drawing Loads Scene in Configuration Specified Example Resize Views on New View Creation SettingsGlobal option have been added to allow the user to set the default resizing behavior of views when adding new views to an existing sheet. This new option eliminates the constant dialog pop-ups that would display in the view creation process saving the user an extra mouse-click.
Smooth Edge Option on Drawing View StylesEnhancing the quality display on the drawing, a new option for Smooth Edge visibility has been added. The users can set the line type and color for both the visible and hidden smooth edges. This helps enhance the drawing display by clearly denoting the smooth edges from real visible edges.
Smooth Edge Option on Drawing View Styles Example
Operating System and System UpdatesWindows Vista SupportIRONCAD Version 11 has been updated to support Microsoft Vista. Vista support offers the users to take advantage of the latest OS improvements including graphical rendering improvements under Direct3D. Advanced OpenGL/Direct 3D Upgrade ImprovementsUpgrades to the underlining graphical engine in the IRONCAD Advanced OpenGL/Direct 3D have been performed. HOOPS 3D from TechSoft3D has been updated to the latest version 16.23 which improves real-time graphical performance. Details on improvement in the HOOPS engine, visit http://developer.techsoft3d.com/current/release.html. Unicode SupportIRONCAD V11 has been updated to support Unicode. This improves language translations between different operating systems around the world.
Subsystem Upgrades
3rd Party Integration UpdatesAlgor DesignCheck ProfessionalA new add-in offering has been supplied with IRONCAD Version 11 for Algor DesignCheck Professional. For users that need more than the free add-in of Algor DesignCheck Part Static-Stress Analysis, this new optional add-in provides much more power and benefits to accurately analyze users designs. Information about Algor DesignCheck and DesignCheck Professional can be found at www.ironcad.com/explore/solutionpartners/analysis/algor. For information about purchasing Algor DesignCheck Professional for IRONCAD , please contact IronCAD or your local reseller.
Softeacher InternationalBased on The IronCAD Essentials - Professional 5 Day Training, Softeacher is now offering a free one day training for IRONCAD available to any IRONCAD customer. The one day course provides a basic understanding of 3D-modeling within IRONCAD as well as how to detail a model in 2D. This free training teaches the basic fundamentals of IRONCAD to allow new customers a jump start in learning the full power of IRONCAD. To access the download, visit IronCAD Gold Partner - Softeacher International. Print3D CorporationPrint3D Corporation is a global provider of custom rapid prototyping services, providing CAD users an advanced set of software tools that integrate directly into their modeling environment. Print3D’s powerful real-time pricing engine makes quoting and ordering parts as easy as printing a document.
The free Print3D for IRONCAD plug-in gives you the ability to price and order production parts of your designs directly from your IRONCAD workspace. The plug-in adds a Print3D command to the application menu and toolbar. The software’s pricing algorithms calculates instant, guaranteed quotes on all the CAD components you have open in IRONCAD. Use the plug-in dialogue box to specify paint finishes, metallic coatings, or special handling instructions. To access the download, visit IronCAD Gold Partner - Print3D Corporation.
IronCAD Labs Beta VersionsCAXA DRAFTCAXA DRAFT 2D Design application has been added to the IronCAD Labs Beta program to allow users to test and provide feedback on future products offered to customers worldwide. CAXA DRAFT has been updated with a new user interface, full association with IRONCAD 3D Files, full Bill of Material associations to IRONCAD 3D Data, full support for transferred dimensions for the IRONCAD 3D Data, and many more 2D improvements. Visit the IronCAD Labs community section for details about the updated version and beta rules or contact IronCAD for details.
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