Headlining the IronCAD2017 release are a number of improvements to 2D drawing and 3D modeling, increased improvements for handling large assemblies and datasets, and enhanced graphic performance.
2D Modeling
Two-dimensional drawings are the basis of CAD, and without easy to use tools, the work of designers can be laborious. In the IronCAD 2017 release, many tools have been added to make the first step of the design process easier to manage.
To begin, a new “Tangent Arc Creation Tool” has been added to the 2D drawing palette. With this new tool, arcs connecting circular objects can be made without much fuss.
An emphasis on dimensioning is also present in the latest version of IronCAD. Users now have greater control over whether a circular dimension is expressed as a radial or diameter dimension through a global setting menu. Following on that, the software's designers have also given users more control over where they can place radial dimensions with an improved radial dimension outside leader support.
Additionally, with the shift to model-based definition (MBD) in mind, IronCAD 2D sketches can now handle product manufacturing information (PMI) that can be used by in-house or third-party manufacturers.
3D Modeling
Turning our focus to modeling, IronCAD's list of improvements include new mirroring techniques, sheet metal features, sweep tool options and more. Drilling down, users will now have the option to mirror features using a linear edge as the mirror plane, making it easier to place features even if a work plane isn't available.
On the sheet metal front, a number of additions have beefed up the 2017 release; chief among them is support for creating lofted sheet metal parts. With this new tool, users can control the bend lines that follow a loft through its geometric transitions, giving more control and flexibility to the designer.
Lastly, new options have been added to the Sweep tool, which enable users to lock the profile of a sweep to a guide curve, making it easier to maintain the shape of a design even if a guide curve is moved.
Performance Enhancements
When it comes to performance enhancements, the IronCAD team has targeted large assemblies. Now, saving and loading these documents can be done 30 percent faster than before.
Part regeneration has also been a focus of this release. Users will notice that regenerating geometry will happen much faster than before, with IronCAD touting that “in test cases, we have seen improvements from 2 minutes down to 30 seconds.”
Finally, IronCAD has put in place a number of options to improve the real-time rendering of models. With all options optimized, users will experience a much faster and seamless modeling environment.
Though we’ve reviewed a number of the new features gracing IronCAD's new release, there are a ton we couldn’t cover here. To learn more those new tools, head over to IronCAD's site for all of the details.