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(continued...) A Hammer command allows surface patches to be interactively manipulated.
A curved surface can also now be used as a cutting tool to slice a solid and there is greater control over spiral constructions with variable pitch and radial offset settings.
3D volumes, centres of gravity and surface areas can be calculated.
Multiple orthographic and perspective views of a model can be displayed simultaneously.
The view toolbar provides tools to manipulate 3D but dynamic manipulation for visualisation is limited.
Materials can be assigned to parts and views displayed in flat or Gouraud shaded modes.
Light sources can be defined and key frame animations created and saved out as AVI files.
Models can be saved out as VRML files for viewing in web browsers and format support includes AutoCAD 2000 DWG and DXF files including hatch entities.
A batch convert feature enables multiple files in other formats to be converted into DesignCAD files.
Thanks to other technologies within the Upperspace Corporation there are also extensive bitmap import facilities including direct scanner support for Autotrace conversion into CAD friendly vectors.
DesignCAD 3000 is supplied with over 1000 2D and 3D symbols.
DesignCAD 3000 offers extensive modelling and drafting capabilities combined with free technical support by phone, web, email or fax.
Despite the level of functionality at a remarkable price, it is likely to prove difficult to be effective in applications where regular editing during the design process or design revisions are the norm.
If viewed primarily as a 2D tool with 3D capabilities for occasional use, a purchase decision will come down to personal preference for the interface and work method.