IronCAD v10 new features

A new real-time rendering option built on HOOPSŽ technology from Tech Soft 3D, the leading provider of component graphics technology to the CAD; CAM; and CAE industries, has been added to improve real-time graphical performance when working with larger assembly files. Using the new rendering settings:

Camera Interaction - Dramatic improvements in the 3D rotation and camera interaction when dealing with larger assembly files will be felt by user by integrating the HOOPS technology along with Level of Detail support.
Selection - Quicker selection and highlight feedback will be visible to the users using the HOOPS quick highlight capabilities.
Latest Graphic Driver Support - You will be able to take advantage of the latest graphics card drivers using either OpenGL or Direct3D (Microsoft's Vista preferred pipeline). These drivers are fully tested and certified by Tech Soft 3D on the HOOPS technology integrated into IronCAD.
Visualization Improvements - True transparency and advance texture handling are implemented to give better visualization during the design process.

In addition to the immediate interaction and visualization improvements, HOOPS provides a foundation for future graphical improvements that can be implemented to continue aiding users in the continual need for real-time rendering advancements. The application will continue the support of its Software and OpenGL rendering modes for customers that are satisfied with the current capabilities or have limited graphic cards accessibility.

4000 Part Example Using New Real-time Rendering

Save and Load Improvements

Improvements have been made in both the save and load of data to increase the productivity when dealing with larger assembly files.

Quick Visualization Loading - A new option has been added to the File-Open Dialog that allows the user to load the visual representation of the 3D data prior to the full load. This option will stream in the visual representation and will allow the user to manipulate the camera settings while the full load of the 3D data is loading in a separate memory thread (dual processor machines will aid in the loading performance). A progress bar has been added to display the progress of the full loading process.

Example of the Quick View Loading Option

20-30% Save Improvement and Foundation for Future - The programs underlying structure has been modified to reduce the save time by only saving modified data even in a single file environment. In addition, these change build a foundation for future versions of the program to reduce the amount of data initially loaded leading to a true on-demand loading of data.

User Interface Updates and Additions

IronCAD has implemented a new user interface foundation to allow for consistency with the Microsoft XP platform UI and for future options including additional Microsoft platform UI's. This new implementation includes common items such as:

Support for Windows Themes - Users can set there own desired Windows Theme's for the look of the Toolbars and Dialog color and the application will adopt these settings.
Toolbar Customization and Display Setting - Users can fully customize the toolbar setting to the preferred setting for their common tasks. In addition, the toolbar support the Add/Remove options to quickly add/remove commands without tedious tasks of searching for commands in general toolbar command managers.
Toolbar Icon Tooltips Improvements - Icon moue-over tooltips on toolbars have been enhanced to show the Icon Name along with a short description of the command. This enhancement aids new users learning curve when determining which commands to activate during their design process.

Icon Tool Tip Example

Toolbar/Short-Cuts XML Manager - A new XML Manager has been added to store the toolbar status and positional information along with keyboard shortcuts. These XML files can be sent to other users to setup common UI configurations within design groups.

In addition to the common Microsoft UI consistency enhancements, improvements have been made in the user interface to help aid users during the design process as well as allowing users the ability to maximize the design environment real estate.

Docking Scene Browser - The Scene Browser frame has been enhanced to allowing docking to new locations within the program frame and outside the frame (Support for Dual Monitor usage). This capability allows the user the ability to place the Scene Browser in the most convenient location for their desired design process. Support full floating capabilities, the Scene Browser can be placed on a second monitor to help maximize the design real estate.
Quick Access Property Browser - The Quick Access Property Browser provides a single location for common actions and properties at the users current selection level. This capability provides for a common location for users to access commands which shortens the learning curve by eliminating an up front knowledge of the full commands offered in the application. Users will be presented with the most common commands that can be applied to the selection (or multiple selection) as well as actions that are commonly performed at this selection level. The Quick Access Property Browser has been implemented in the Scene, 2D Sketch, and the 2D Technical Drawing Environments (Default level and view selection level only in the drawing). This browser defaults as a tab within the Scene Browser. Users can un-dock (or split dock within the Scene Browser) the Quick Access Property Browser in order to locate the browser in the most convenient location.

Example of the Quick Access Property Browser

Command Manager Browser - Ribbon Bar commands have been migrated into a single common Command Manager Browser that ties into the Scene Browser and Quick Access Property Browser interface. When a command is activated that has addition options for the user, the Command Manager will appear within the Scene Browser frame. The Command Manager appears as a Tab within the Scene Browser that can be docked separately again to allow the user the ability to define the most efficient location.

Blend Faces Command Bar Example
Catalog Updates - The standard catalogs have been improved in multiple areas in this releases. The following updates have been implemented:
- Updated Icons - Icons in the Shape, Advance Shape, and Tools catalogs have been updated for better visual appearance and to match the UI update.
- Docking Support - The catalog group can be docked to different locations within the program or outside the program to take advantage of dual monitors. This again gives the users the ability to maximize the user interface real estate.
- Quick Access - A new option has been added to the catalog to allow quick access to a selected catalog. This option allows users with many open catalogs to quickly access a desired catalog without the need to scroll to the catalog.
- SmartPaint Image Generator - Using the SmartPaint Eyedropper to add images/textures to the catalog now uses a new image generator when using the new realistic rendering option. The image generator will generate a icon that represents the SmartPaint settings to give the users a visual representation of the stored images.

2D Sketch Environment Improvements

Quick Access Property Browser Direct Input - If the Quick Access Property Browser is open in the Sketch mode, the users can directly input coordinate and curve information during creation and editing of elements. This improves the productivity in the sketch environment by eliminating the need to access additional dialogs or right-click menus to set specific element input variables.
Over/Under/Fully Defined Status - The 2D Sketch Environment has been updated to highlight the constraint status of elements within the sketch. Sketch elements can be over-define, under-defined, or fully-defined based on the constraints applied to these element. Color representations can be specified to denote the constraint status to give a visual appearance of the states. When a user enters an over-defined status state by adding additional constraints, they will be given an option to place the constraints as reference constraints to keep the element from becoming over-defined.

Example of the Profile Status Notification

New Coincident Constraint - A new constraint type has been added to the 2D Sketch Environment. The Coincident constraint allows endpoints/center points to be constrained to elements within the sketch.
Fixed Constraint - A fixed constraint has been added fix the selected element within the 2D coordinates. The Fixed Constraint locks the element's size and location. However, the end points of a fixed line are free to move along the infinite line that underlies it. Also, the endpoints of an arc or elliptical segment are free to move along the underlying full circle or ellipse.

Fixed Constraint Example on a Line and Circle Element

SmartConstraints - A new options on the Constraint settings in the 2D Sketch has been added for SmartConstraints for common elements. Elements such as Chamfer, Fillet, Polygon, Rectangle, and Parallelogram along with Tangent Geometry will get automatic constraints added to maintain the design intent of these elements. This option can minimize time spent creating constraint when building parametric geometry.

Example of SmartConstraints

Improved Constraints and Accessibility - Existing elements have been updated to support additional constraints. Fillets, Ellipse, Elliptical Arc, and Center Points of Arcs have been updated to support constraints. Users can added dimension constraints to the Fillets and Minor/Major Lengths of the Ellipse and Elliptical Arcs. Arcs Center Points can be fixed in a similar manner as Circle Center Points. Both Elliptical Arc and Arc support dual solving modes based on the locked status of the center points (Solve moving center point or solve by moving endpoints when the center point is locked). Along with improvements in the constraints, accessibility improvements have been made to give access to constraints that were previously hidden in right-click options. Both the Mirror and Projection constraint option have been added to the constraints toolbar to reduce the learning curve for users.
Reference Snapping to 3D - During creation and modification of 2D elements, users can now reference 3D geometry without the need to project the geometry to the 2D Sketch. Holding the cursor over a 3D element for a brief second will place a reference indicator to the 3D element on the sketch. This indicator will use the SmartSnap highlighting behavior to allow the user to refer to the 3D reference element which reduces the time spent projecting construction geometry onto the sketch.
Sketch to Solid Maintain Constraints - When creating solid geometry from 2D Sketch shapes, improvements have been made to maintain 2D Constraints that have been added to the elements. These improvement work for both creation from the full 2D Sketch and creation from elements within a sketch. This enhancement helps preserve the design intent when copying 2D Sketch elements from shape to shape.
2D Spin Axis Selection - A new option has been added to Spin IntelliShapes to allow the user to define a new spin axis. Users can select edges from other parts or feature within the same part. If the selection is a feature of the same part, the spin axis will associate to the selected edge. User can unlock this association if desired.
Endpoint on/off Setting - A new option has been added in the Show dialog of 2D Sketches to display/hide the endpoint highlights in the sketch environment. This setting helps the visualization of the 2D Sketch when dealing with many open elements within the sketch (typically found when importing geometry from other systems).

3D Curve and Surface Improvements

Curvature Display for Splines (3D Curve and 2D Sketch) - 3D Curve and 2D Sketch Splines now support the ability to display the curvature (combs). This display provides visual representations of the slope and curvature of the spline and dynamically update as the points/tangency are dragged. The display is turned on per selected spline by right-clicking and selecting Display Curvature. Users can adjust the scale and density by right-clicking on the spline as well. Once the display is turned on, it will remain visible in the 3D Curve and Sketch mode as well as the 3d mode. Users can globally disable the display under the view menu.

Display Curvature Example

3D Spline Curve Support for Magnitude Settings - The 3D curve spline element now supports the ability to specify exact values for the tangency magnitude. Users can right-click on the tangency handle to edit the magnitude value and to lock the value to maintain the setting.

Magnitude Setting Control on 3D Curve Splines

Maintain 2D Sketch in Surface Creation - When creating surfaces, users are able to select existing edges, 3D Curves, and 2D Sketch elements. Selecting 2D Sketch element will now remain editable as a 2D element in the edit mode of the surface. In previous versions, the 2D Sketch would be converted to a 3D Curve element, eliminating the full control access to edit the curve. Now the 2D Sketch will remain and you will be able to edit in the sketch mode giving you access to all the 2D Sketch functionality.

Example of a Surface Using the 2D Sketch and Maintaining Edit Capabilities

Enhanced Surfaces Definitions - Various surface types have been enhanced to leverage the kernel representation capabilities for better results in surface creation. Surface types such as the mesh surface, loft, fillet, and extend surface now use the kernel representation to give more predictable and accurate results.
Extend 3D Curve to Point/Value - A new option has been added to endpoints of 3D Curve splines to extend the curve using a straight segment to specified distance, to a point, or to a curve. The To Point option allows a user to select a point of face/surface of shapes to extend the 3D Curve. The To Curve option allows line segments the ability to extend to other 3D Curves.
3D Interpolated Spline - The Interpolated spline allows users to draw a spline on surfaces which will interpolate the spline to the surface definition. This is similar to drawing on a surface with a pencil. During the creation mode, the users will be able to edit the control points of the spline to position the spline to the desired location. Once the 3D Curve command is finished, future edits of the spline cannot maintain the interpolation to the surface since the surface shape may have moved or changed order in the structure.

3D Curve Interpolated Spline Example

Loft Surface Support for Guide Curves - The Loft Surface command now supports the ability to add guide curves to control the curvature of the loft. This capability is similar to the guide curve support in the solid loft creation already supported. Users can define the desired number of guide curves to control the loft shape.

Example of a Loft Surface with Guide Curves

Additional 3D Curve Types - New 3D Curve types (Circle and Polyline) have been added to extend the creation ability of the 3D Curves. The circle type allows the user to define the center point, radius, and the plane to draw the circle. The polyline creates a continuous line segment 3D Curve.
Coordinate System Plane Referencing - During the creation and modification of 3D Curves, users can reference the active coordinate system in the scene. This allow the user to force the 3D Curves to snap to the selected coordinate plane and the user can change the look at direction to be perpendicular to the plane. To use the coordinate system referencing, select the coordinate system prior to starting the 3D Curve command.
Fillet Creation by Two Pick - The 3D Curve Fillet has been enhanced to support creation by picking two line segments with a specified radius. This option provides the user additional flexibility and control when creating fillets.

General 3D Environment Improvements

Internal Links Across Parents - New support for internal part/assembly linking across different parent shapes is now available within the single scene environment. Users can link parts and assemblies under different assemblies at different levels in the hierarchical structure by dragging them into new assemblies within the Scene Browser. Normally this capability is only achieve by creating individual part/assembly files and linking them in as external referenced files. That method forces the users to manage extra data on their file system. The Internal linking allows the user to minimize the number of files on disk and returns the same results. The internal links is not supported across external linked files. Internal links will be broken when they exist in files that are saved as external.
Configurations Improvements - New support has been added to configuration in the following areas:
- Insert of Configuration - When inserting parts/assemblies into the working environment, users will now have options to select the desired configuration used in the inserted part/assembly.
- In-place modification of Configurations - Users now have the ability to change the configuration state of parts/assemblies that are externally linked into the working environment. Right-click options on the Scene Browser link give users access to the available configurations.
- Design Variation Configurations - New support for Design Variation in configurations has been added. Using the Design Variations, users can specify which variations are applied to configurations. This allows user the ability to change the position, size, attributes, and BOM information of parts and assemblies between configurations.
Collision Detection in Mechanism Mode - You can now detect collisions with other components when moving or rotating a component within the mechanism mode. The software can detect collisions with the entire assembly or a selected group of components. You can find collisions for either the selected components or for all of the components that move as a result of constraints to the selected components. The collision will highlight the collision area and has options to stop the motion at this collision and to insert a sound at collision points. This capability helps determine the validity of mechanism movements created by the users.
2D Sketch Under Feature in Scene Browser - IntelliShape features can be expanded in the Scene Browser to show the 2D Sketch associated with the feature. This helps determine if a feature is an IntelliShape feature or a imported/combined feature (features without sketches). In addition to the display, the sketch feature will highlight the sketch constraint status (over/under/fully defined) by displaying a (-), (+), or empty indicator next to the sketch name denoting the status.

Example of a IntelliShape Expanded with a Under-Defined Status Sketch

Material Name and Density Catalog Support for SmartPaint - User can now create SmartPaint catalog entries that carry the material name and density. Using the SmartPaint Eyedropper, right-click while placing the SmartPaint in the catalogs. This will give options to create only the SmartPaint or Material and SmartPaint. The capability allows users to define materials with density and visual properties that can be stored in the catalogs for reuse.

Material Example in a Catalog and Its Properties

Save Selected as External Links - A new option has been added to allow users to save a selected assembly and its shapes as individual external references. The option will recursively parse the assembly and save the parts and assemblies out to the specified location using the part/assembly name. This option is found under the File menu as "Save All As External".
Smart Assembly Temporary Reference - A new temporary constraint reference has been added to the Smart Assembly attachment connectors. When a user drops a component using the Smart Assembly, a temporary constraint will be added between the connectors of the two mating objects. This allows the user the ability to move, rotate, or extend the component that was dropped on and the dropped on components will update to these modifications. The constraint is a temporary constraint since the constraint will be broken between connectors if you move or rotate the component that was dropped and connected using the Smart Assembly.
Smart Assembly Matching Connector API Option - There is a new option in the API for the Smart Assembly project that allows the developers to enable a matching pair dialog. This dialog will display all the possible matching attachment connectors when dropping onto a object that has connectors. The user can select on the matching list to preview the connection and apply the connection when the correct connection is matched.
Attachment Point Lock Offset - Attachment points currently have the ability to lock to a face that they are placed on. You can now offset (position or rotate) the attachment points (using the TriBall) while maintaining the lock attachment to the face. This allow users the ability to place the attachment points in a desired location from a selected face and maintain that location if the face position changes.

Advanced Realistic Rendering Options

A new realistic rendering option is now available to offer extended capabilities beyond the existing IronCAD realistic rendering. This new option extends the existing capabilities by enhancing the existing interface capabilities along with adding the following additional rendering options:

Improved Raytracing - New Raytracing algorithms have been implemented to improve the raytraced shadow effects and performance in realistic renderings. Users can control the depth of number of ray bounces lights perform which can effect the performance and quality (higher the number will usually result in slower performance with better results).
Global Illumination - Global Illumination (GI) enhances the realism by not only accounting for direct light from light sources but it also takes into account indirect illumination. Indirect illumination can be light from object and environments that add to the realism of the rendered result. Global Illumination also adds the benefits of radiosity, caustics, and soft shadows.
Radiosity Support - The inclusion of radiosity calculations in the rendering process often lends an added element of realism to the finished scene, because of the way it mimics real-world phenomena. Consider a closed room with a window. Radiosity will allow the room to light up naturally like in a real world environment by blending colors from objects onto others as well as producing a glow effect of light.
Caustics - Caustics are patterns of focused light created by curved surface that are reflective or refractive. Caustics are created by emitting photons from light sources that pass through surfaces that are transparent or reflective or both. This can be set individually on a light in the GI Tab of the lights properties or by using Global Illumination to emit photons.
HDRI Environment Support - High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI) is a set of techniques that allow a far greater dynamic range of exposures (i.e. a large range of values between light and dark areas) than normal digital imaging techniques. The intention of HDRI is to accurately represent the wide range of intensity levels found in real scenes ranging from direct sunlight to the deepest shadows. HDRI's have a big impact on the realism of reflections because they can produce reflections on object that are much brighter than reflections caused by normal textures. HDRI's alone can make a vast improvement over any existing renderings performed in IronCAD.
Area Lights - Area lights produce light from a rectangular area that will produce soft shadows. This light can be sized and positioned similar to other lights, however it will only generate soft shadows. These light usually require additional rendering time but will product higher quality shadows based on the samples specified.
Soft Shadow Support - Soft shadows are the shadows outside the shadow area generated by completely blocking the light by objects. This is referred to as a partial shadow or penumbra. Soft shadows add more realism to rendering, however they are normally more intensive to render and require addition rendering time. Soft shadows are supported on Area, Spot, Point, and Direct light sources as well as emitted surfaces and shadows produced from Radiosity and GI.
Glow and Volumetric Lights - Both Spot and Point lights now support the ability to add a glow effect to the light. This glow is not a volumetric light, so it will pass through objects. However this light will allow user to produce effects highlighting lights in areas. Spot lights have an additional option to support Volumetric Lights. This is similar to real spotlights passing through a fog generating a glowing effect. This can produce additional realism in specific rendering environments.
Emission Light Sources - Light can now be emitted from surfaces to produce additional lighting effects. Any surface can be set to emit light in the SmartPaint properties of the selected face/surface under the Emission Tab. This effect is created by creating a meshed lighting surface of a series of lights. Using this capability will require additional rendering time depending on the size of the surface.
Depth of Field - Depth of Field (DOF) is the distance in front of and beyond the object that appears to be in focus. Cameras now allow the user to define the focal point and the amount of the out of focus region.
Specular and Diffuse Control - New control has been added to control the bidirection reflectance distribution function for the diffuse and specular finishes on objects. In plain words, the function formalizes an observation that color shades and brightness of an object depend on both the direction of illumination and the direction to observer. Users can change this setting to add in additional realism for specific material characteristics. For example, Car Paint will have different specular results then that of rubber.
True Transparency - True transparency is now supported in the rendering environment. Previous version would not simulate transparency accurately when the object became more transparent. In this new improvement, you will see better transparency and more accurate results of color fading when the transparency increases.
Transparent Shadow Support - Shadows passing through a transparent object now support transparent effects due to the transparency. Basically the shadow will fade as it passes through a transparent object instead of producing a hard shadow based on the light being blocked by the object.
Blended Alpha-Masking Textures - Images used in Textures can not support Blended Alpha-Masked images. This allows users additional control in setting up the desired affects.
Fresnel Reflection - Fresnel Reflection is the adjustment of the reflection based on the angle between the surface normals and the viewing angle. Based on this information, the attenuation of the reflection is adjusted to give more accurate results.
2D and 3D Procedural Shaders - Various 2D and 3D procedural shaders have been added to various effects in the SmartPaint properties. These shaders are more sophisticated than conventional textures that are computed using mathematical formulas eliminating pixelation found in textures. These shaders allow you to produce materials that are simply not possible with textures that can generate very powerful and unique results.
Material Library - A material catalog is available based on the new rendering capabilities to be used as a foundation for users to expand from to create your own unique materials.
Multi-Thread Render to Window Support - The new rendering capabilities support a multi-threaded process when rendering to a pop-up window. This allows the user to start a rendering and continue working in the 3D Environment. Users will need a system that has dual processor support to see the added benefit of this capability.
Scan Line and Pixel Preview - The rendering process can be set to render in a random, scan line, and spiral mode to allow users various preview option types. These options can be changed prior to rendering based on the critical areas to be previewed when setting up renderings.
Realistic Preview During Modifications - When editing SmartPaint properties, a new realistic preview has been added to help aid in the creation and modification of material settings.
Lights Suppression State - Lights that have been suppressed in the Scene Browser have been updated to show the suppressed state by updating the icon to a greyed out icon. This is consistent with other icon changes in IronCAD for suppressed objects.
Multi-Select Lights for On/Off and Shadows On/Off - Lights can be multi-selected and turned on/off as well as turning on/off the shadows. This option improves the setup time when trying various settings and lighting effects for realistic renderings.
Enhanced Image Export Support and Size - Images exported using the new rendering can now support larger size settings (previous versions limited the size on various export types). This allows users the ability to render in a wide variety of formats at different sizes.
Updated Codecs for Animation Export - Animation codecs have been updated to improve the animations exported. Animations can be exported at Full Frames uncompressed as well as many other compression types.
Rendering Toolbar - A new toolbar has been added to allow the user to change the rendering display status in the 3D Environment. Users can toggle between wireframe, wireframe with color, facet, shaded, edges on/off, hidden edges on/off, silhouette edges on/off, as we as access to realistic rendering settings and render now.
Advance Camera Toolbar - A new toolbar has been added to help in the setup of the camera for realistic renderings. Users can adjust common camera settings such as pan, tilt, yaw, roll, Z up direction, arc, and perspective.

Import-Export Translator Additions

UGS Translator Support - New translator options for import/export are available that support Unigraphics version 11-18 and NX1-NX4 versions. This is available as an add-on option for users to extend their ability to share data between multiple CAD systems.
3D PDF Export - 3D Parts/Assemblies can now be exported as Adobe Acrobat 3D PDF files. 3D PDF files enable 3D-based collaboration and CAD data interoperability in a light-weight file format that is standard in the industry.Users can increase engineering productivity by sharing Adobe PDF files containing precise geometry and product manufacturing information with users of free Adobe ReaderŽ software to mark up 3D designs, or leverage Adobe PDF files for downstream manufacturing processes without having to buy CAD translators.

Subsystem Upgrades

Parasolid Modeling Kernel Updates - Updates to the Parasolid kernel have be implemented. These updates include various improvements to the modeling geometry as well as support for new version. Files up to version 19 can be imported and exported.
ACIS Modeling Kernel Updates - Updates to the Acis kernel have be implemented. These updates include various improvements to the modeling geometry as well as support for new version. Files up to version 17 can be imported and exported.
D-Cubed Component Updates - Component of the D-Cubed offering including the 2D DCM, 3D DCM, and the 3D CDM have been updated to the latest version to improve performance and reliability of solving and collision.
TechSoft 3D HOOPS Toolkit Updates - Updates to the latest version of the HOOPS toolkit allows users to export and share IronCAD scene files in the latest HSF format. This allow users to share data with other applications such as viewer while taking advantage of the latest visual and performance improvements.
Spatial 3D Interop Translators - Updates to the many import/export options available in IronCAD (including IGES and STEP) have been updated to the latest versions offered from Spatial. This update improves the reliability of the import/export interoperability between CAD systems.
PTC Granite Updates - IronCAD add-on option for the PTC Granite has been updated to the latest version supporting version 4.0 and Wildfire 3.0.
Update to Microsoft .Net 2005 - IronCAD development platform has been updated to the latest version of Microsoft's .Net Development platform to take advantage of improvements offered by Microsoft. This update also extends into the API which is used to extend IronCAD capabilities by end users and outside developers. User will be able to use CB .NET 2005 and the .NET 2005 development platform to develop custom applications.
IronCAD Help Documentation - IronCAD's Help Documentation has been updated for better navigation and search capabilities. In addition, Show-Me reference tutorials have been updated and are hosted on the IronCAD support page to allow for additional tutorials to be updated frequently to help continue the learning process of the application. The help system has an online version that will continue to update to provide additional helps between release version - Online Help.

2D Technical Drawing Environment Improvements

2D Technical Drawing View Creation Improvements

Improvements have been made in the drawing view creation utilizing a new quick view mode which is resulting in 2 to 10x (or greater) improvements. This mode is best used when working with larger model data in the general creation and detailing design process. When exporting or printing final production drawings, it may be best to use the existing precise or draft modes for the most accurate representations.

Quick View Creation Example

2D Technical Drawing Interaction Improvements

Improvements have been made in the general interaction within the 2D Technical Drawing when dynamically panning and zooming. Level of detail has been implemented on annotations and other elements that are computationally heavy when dynamic operations are performed. The level of detail allows the dynamic operations while maintaining visual representations of the annotations and geometry.

Example of Level of Detail on Dimensions in 2D Drawing

BOM Table Format Improvements

The BOM Table has been updated to give users an easier method of formatting the table. A new control for editing the BOM Border formatting such as outer border, inner borders, and all borders with line types and color controls has been added. In addition, user will have formatting controls for the text on a per selected or table basis for setting font, size, color, and cell fill color.

BOM Table Cell and Border Format Setting

BOM Table Sort/Reorder Capabilities

New sorting options have been added to the BOM table to support sort by criteria and to reorder the selected row. Users can use sort criteria such as sort by, then by, and then by to sort the contents of the generated BOM table. Using this criteria, user have options to maintain the item numbering to avoid changes to items already created in the drawing. The sort order is maintained through update of the BOM. In addition, users can manually reorder the selected row to generate custom ordered BOM tables.

BOM Sort Options

Hole Callout Support within the Hole Table

The Hole Table has been updated to support hole callout information generated from the 3D environment. Users can choose to display Tap/Drill, Thread Description, Hold Depth, Drill Angle, Hole Type, Type Depth, and Countersink Drill Angle within the Diameter or Radial columns. In addition, the Hole Item Box Select has been enhanced to only select the custom holes once when adding the item number. This prevent duplicate item numbers for holes like counterbored or countersink.

Text References to Part/Assembly Properties

New options have been added to the text link to property capabilities to allow references to specific parts/assemblies in addition to the current file property linking. User can pull from part/assembly information that is currently accessible in the BOM table (part name, part number, description, material, sizebox, and custom properties). This capability will allow users to setup custom templates to automatically pull information from parts/assemblies into the title block information or it can be used in other annotations like text with leaders.

Settings for Text References to Part/Assembly Properties

Reference Hatch on View Geometry

Reference Hatching can now be applied within views on the projected view geometry. Users can select a face or a close boundary to apply a hatch region. The region will be maintained when the geometry is modified as long as the face or boundary still exist. This capability provides the user that ability to define designated areas or materials on the projected geometry.

Reference Hatch Applied to Geometry

Automatic Center Line/Mark Updates

The automatic center line/mark functionality has been updated to act on visible and hidden geometry displayed. This update will eliminate unnecessary creation of center lines/marks that would be present in drawing views based on non-visible geometry.

Partner CD Product Updates

IronCAD's Partner CD has been updated with the latest version of the Gold Partner products including Algor's Design Check, Concurrent Systems Design Data Manager, and Progress Soluzioni's IronPRO Add-in Tools. New partner product have been added as follows:

CAM (Dolphin CadCam's PartMaster) - Dolphin CadCam Systems Ltd (established in 1995) is a recognized world leader in the creation, distribution and direct supply of CadCam software. We specialize in CAM for the CNC machining market, offering a depth of both practical and technical expertise second to none in the CadCam software market. We currently supply our software to a range of sectors including: Manufacturing, Engineering, Pharmaceutical, Education and Oil. Within each of these major sectors we also supply to a variety of ancillary services; no company is too large or too small to benefit from our CadCam software solutions. Dolphin CadCam Systems Ltds Administration, Training and Technical Support Centre is situated in Kilmarnock, Scotland.

The PartMaster suite includes 2D drafting, 2.1/2D Milling (with rotary A or B axis), 2D Drilling, Laser and Plasma cutting, 2+2 axis turning, 2 and 4 axis Wire EDM and Involute gear design modules. The Dolphin Export add-in tool for IronCAD allows IronCAD users to export model geometry to PartMaster's machining modules for milling, turning and wire EDM. Dolphin CadCam have a long association with the extrusion die industry and many die manufacturers use PartMaster for all aspects of extrusion die manufacture. OEM versions of the PartMaster suite have been produced for specialist machine tool builders within the sign making industry.
Rendering Content (DOSCH DESIGN) - DOSCH DESIGN develops innovative computer graphics products for 3D design, advertising, print publishing, architectural visualizations, animation, motion design and multimedia presentations.

In this endeavor DOSCH DESIGN turns its passion for design quality into valuable and time-saving productivity tools. Great attention to product detail and quality is paired with the philosophy of making these products available to the user at a very attractive price. Dosch Design products are useable "license-free", which means no further cost or fees are due when used commercially.

As part of the IronCAD Gold Partner program, Dosch Design delivers sample High Dynamic Range Images (HDRI) that can used in IronCAD's/Inovate's Advanced Realistic Rendering free of charge. These samples images include both high and low resolution that can be used for accurate reflections or for lighting sources. Sample images of the HDR images provided on the IronCAD Gold Partner CD can be viewed on the Partner Site. To view a full list of available content offered from Dosch Design, please visit www.doschdesign.com.
Mutli-Media Training Material (The IronCAD Essentials) - Softeacher International is built on the success of our multi media training material. We use the tried and true teaching method of learning by doing. Our belief is that sustainable knowledge only comes from systematic practice. Our carefully developed material guarantees a learning experience over the ordinary. Since 2003 we have supplied Swedish reseller Solidmakarna with IronCAD courses and now they are available to IronCAD users worldwide. Our material is created for self training, but may also be provided as classroom training through your local IronCAD reseller.

The IronCAD Essentials is the first international translation of our multi media training materials for IronCAD. It is a four day course which guides both beginning and experienced users from the very basics of IronCAD to its more advanced features. Our user friendly training, containing narrated, subtitled instructional films, allows the students to directly apply what they're learning at their own pace.

Future Product Insights (Labs)

IronCAD Labs is designed to give IronCAD customers the ability to test drive emerging technology and products in order to help shape these technologies to meet the exact needs of the customers. The products and technologies offered on IronCAD Labs are design to help extend the IronCAD capabilities into the other aspect of the design process in addition to extending IronCAD alone. Visit IronCAD Labs at www.ironcad.com/support/labs to see the latest technologies and products.