Arcs Take Center Stage
To kick off its November release, Onshape has added a new sketch tool to its arc creation options. Named “Center Point Arc,” the new tool allows users to anchor an arc by defining its center point before establishing its endpoints and radius. This new tool makes it even easier to create arched segments between parallel lines that have already been defined in a sketch.
Construction Planes
Staying in the sketching phase of design, Onshape has also improved the way that reference planes can be constructed. Now users have the ability to preselect geometric references to define a plane. Once a group of references have been picked, Oshape will automatically determine the type of reference plane that’s most appropriate for your next sketch.
That should make modelling a bit more snappy.
Assemblies Gain Flexibility
With Onshape’s “Mate Values” users can drag parts within an assembly, and the distance an object travels away from its mate connectors will be displayed on screen.
Why’s that valuable?
Well, if you’re trying to set limits on how far a component can travel so that it behaves as it would in real life, then being able to visualize the distance between mates makes it very easy to set up limits and constrain your model.
Collaboration Cooperates
My Take This Month
From here on out I image that Onshape’s updates are going to be very similar to its October and November releases. While there will be transformative tools that pop up from time to time, the focus of these monthly upgrades will emphasize smaller upgrades that make modelling quicker or easier. Though that’s not as riveting as regular blockbuster updates, it is a sign that Onshape is turning into a stable and mature product. And that’s a good thing.