The base version of DesignSpark Mechanical will remain free, fully supported and updated by RS. Originally launched in 2012, DesignSpark Mechanical is a free 3D software tool that allows designers to quickly model and prototype designs. In this environment, drawings support annotations, including geometric dimensioning and tolerances, notes and leaders, to JIS, ISO, and ANSI standards.

The drawing environment also provides a familiar workspace for those accustomed to working in 2D.

It enables the creation of detailed dimensioned drawings allowing designers to move on to final manufacturing.

The second module, DesignSpark Mechanical Drawing allows the changing of designs, as well as the ability to create and modify geometry from within drawing views. It means that companies can pass designs to their mechanical department or outside contractors for final design creation and manufacturing and do not have to invest in 3D CAD licences or training. The module can enable engineers to integrate DesignSpark Mechanical into a product development toolchain that works across various software platforms. The first new module is DesignSpark Mechanical Exchange, which adds advanced import/export capabilities and enables the import, modification and export of industry-standard STEP and IGES file formats, which allows exchange of design data with CAD tools such as SolidWorks, Catia, ProEngineer and AutoCAD. The modules are intended to move DesignSpark Mechanical from the visualisation and prototyping arena into the manufacturing space. The two new modules were suggested by users in an RS survey, and were developed together with SpaceClaim, the company that assisted RS with the original DesignSpark Mechanical software.

The additional modules allow designers to use advanced import/export capabilities and change designs from within the drawing view. RS Components expanded DesignSpark Mechanical with two new optional modules that further extend the functionality of the tool.

Designspark mechanical price