Introduction

Designer is a direct modelling solution for CAD targeted at the CAM user.

Key Features

  • Import many popular CAD formats.
  • Direct modelling allows modification without rebuild.
  • Hole capping and feature removal.
  • Quickly adjust blends, pockets and boss features.
  • Handles wireframe, solid and surface models, and meshes.
  • Create new parts, fixtures, stock and machines.
  • Modern user interface.
  • Optional 2D Drawing module.

What's New

General

Installation

  • Units can be selected during the installation process.

Software Updates

  • From now on, Software updates will be deployed using the Hexagon Universal Updater which is installed with Designer 2020.1.

Loaders

  • SpaceClaim and Rhino files can now be imported directly into Designer using SolidLink.
  • JT Open files can also be imported if you have the purchased the specific module.

User Interface

  • An option to Reset selection from the pick has been added.
  • A new layout has been introduced providing improved utilisation of the available space:
    • The docked Options dialog has been replaced by the Layers manager.
    • When a command is run, the options dialog appears. To hide it, use the blue arrow in the top right corner. To expand it again, move the mouse over the docked tab and the dialog will remain visible.

Workplanes

  • The ability to quickly create a workplane from 3 points has been added.

Wireframe

New curve options

  • Intersection curves

    • This function creates curves at the intersections of faces and bodies. It also creates points at the intersection of faces and bodies and wireframe elements or edges.

  • Isocline curves

    • This function creates isocline curves at specific angles on a face or body.

Import point files (*.txt)

  • Import points and automatically create polylines.

    • This function reads text files containing the coordinates of a series of points. The points are imported into Designer as Points, Pointset, Polylines or a combination of these entities. The imported points can be interpreted as Points, Pointset, Polyline, Polyline + Points, or Polyline + Pointset.

Modelling

  • Apply images on faces and surfaces and insert logo images to the 2D Drawing templates.
  • Adjust the transparency settings of individual faces in bodies.

Surfaces

  • Auto-constrained

    • Enhanced functionality and an improved User Experience.

  • Edit boundary

    • A powerful tool to modify the trimming of a faces directly on a sheet or solid body without having to extract any surfaces.

Analysis

  • New rendering options:

    • Undercut shading changes the graphical display to show the model, relative to the active workplane, in three colours for top (Z+), bottom (Z-) and vertical faces with an optional draft angle.

    Accessibility shading changes the graphical display to show the model, relative to the active workplane, in two colours, highlighting the faces which are accessible from the top by a simple 3-axis tool.

  • Bounding box

    • Variable offset in XYZ to create custom stocks.

  • Validate bodies

    • Improved feedback for model fixing.

2D Drawings

  • Create grids on views in the 2D Drawing environment. Grids may be applied to views created on a relative origin.
  • Save 2D Drawings with the associated 3D models.

Annotations

  • Simplified dimension settings.
  • Annotate elements and arcs/circles from the min, max or centre point.
  • Improved text creation and wrapping along elements.

Mesh

  • Improved feedback when meshing regarding the number of triangles in the model.
  • The Number of triangles is displayed in the dynamic query and properties panel.
  • When saving STL files, the number of triangles is displayed in a toast notification.

See also...

Tutorials