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(continued...) Where similar mates are required, for instance numerous components needing to be aligned onto a shaft, the Multiple Mate mode can create a Multi Mate folder so that the common reference, mate type or distance parameters can be updated in one edit.
Use of the alt key as a behaviour modifier when dragging components in an assembly enables mates to be created rapidly and intuitively with a pop up toolbar for any modifiers such as distance.
To aid editing of large assemblies, the Isolate pop up toolbar enables the visibility of all but the selected components to be set to hidden, transparent or wireframe.
This view can also be saved as a display state for instant recall.
Of particular interest to industrial designers are the significantly improved controls for fully defining and dimensioning splines.
Higher quality splines can generally be achieved by minimising the number of control points and this is now possible with the ability to adjust spline handles asymmetrical about the control point, using the alt key modify when symmetrical movement is required.
New tangent or equal curvature relations can be created between faces and 2D or 3D splines to aid blending of new features with existing geometry.
A number of new and enhanced surface modelling tools also indicate SolidWorks' ongoing commitment to achieving a comprehensive solid and surface toolset.
Perhaps of greatest benefit is the option in many instances to use a Boundary Surface instead of a loft as it can be specified to be tangent or curvature continuous to existing surfaces in both directions.
Curvature combs can be displayed in one or both directions with control over scale and density to aid visualisation.