solidThinking Releases Evolve 2015

solidThinking’s Evolve 2015 includes a number of critical improvements. Is it ready to compete with CAD’s biggest players?

solidThinking released the latest version of its 3D modelling tool Evolve. Called Evolve 2015, the new release contains a number of key features that improve the software’s NURBS modelling functionality, speed up modelling workflows and upgrade the software’s render engine.

NURBS Modelling Features

According to solidThinking, all of the software’s PolyNURBS modelling tools have been improved to “increase functionality and robustness.” Additionally, polymesh models can now be edited with all surface and solid modelling tools, making Evolve extremely flexible.

Some other key features from the Evolve 2015 release include:

·         Edit PolyMesh tool combines vertex, edge and face editing into one tool to simplify the polymesh editing workflow

·         Interactive controls for chamfering edges and extruding, insetting and translating faces

·         Combine PolyMesh tool allows separate polygonal objects to be combined into one single polymesh structure

·         Faces Bridge tool allows connections between separate faces

·         Edit PolyMesh tool lets you automatically convert polymesh objects to NURBS surfaces with continuity

Workflow and User Interface Features

One of the biggest upgrades in Evolve 2015 concerns its UI and workflow functions. Aside from new hotkey standards, the software also features an improved undo function that can target point editing, and a new unit display console that’s far more intuitive.

As for workflows, Evolve now features a World Browser tab that improves access to all of the objects, layers, materials, cameras, lights, construction planes, dimensions and drafting views in a model.

Customizable pan and zoom controls have also been added, giving users better control over their design experience.

Rendering Features

Rendering is becoming an increasingly important part of product design validation and marketing. When it comes to creating photorealistic images that will be presented to both internal and external clients, only the best will do. To achieve this level of detail Evolve 2015 features a new rendering technology and a redesigned user interface.

solidThinking improved Evolve’s interactive rendering tool so that users can set up final renders quickly and with greater precision. Evolve 2015 also supports KeyShot version 5, helping your renders blur the lines of what’s real[DA1] .

So, with all of these new features is solidThinking gaining any ground on the likes of SolidWorks, Inventor or Creo? For me, solidThinking appears to still be young a program to be a real alternative. However, I’m interested to see where their software heads in the coming years.

Source: solidThinking