Highlights of VariCAD 2023-1.0 version
This version includes the new ability to launch a second VariCAD window, changes to the solid’s tree scheme, and the ability to deactivate and activate solid elements and view previews while browsing a list of open documents.
Headquartered in the Czech Republic, VariCAD has a long history of developing CAD systems focused for mechanical engineers. Its goal is a comprehensive, powerful and easy-to-use 2D/3D system “all for one very affordable price.”
In addition to the standard tools for 3D modeling and 2D drafting, VariCAD supports parameters and geometric constraints. It supplies a mechanical part/symbol library and tools for shells, pipelines, sheet metal, crash tests and various calculations. Its also one of the few vendors supplying CAD software for Windows and Linux. Using the Open Design Alliance libraries, it allows editing of DWG files (without conversion).
The release of 2023-1 follows on the heels of version 2022-2 released in July, which focused on smart dimensioning. The new single-dimensioning features allow you to dimension an entire 2D drawing.
After starting the feature, select the endpoint of an object and VariCAD assumes you want to create a horizontal, vertical or aligned dimension. It waits for you to pick the second point before creating the dimension.
By selecting two lines, the system creates an angular dimension. If the lines are parallel, it creates an aligned dimension that shows the distance between them. When selecting an arc, you get a radial dimension. When selecting a circle, you get a diameter dimension. If you hold Shift as you select a chamfered line, the software creates a note with the chamfer length and angle.
VariCAD smartly creates the right dimension based on your selections. Not only this, but as you place the dimension you can smartly align it to any existing dimension. This makes it easy to create drafting standards-based proper-looking drawings.
What’s New in 2023?
Opening a Second VariCAD Window
With 2023-1.0 you can open a limited functionality second window (a new instance of the application). The primary focus is for reviewing a second model while building or editing in the main window. From the second window, you can measure and copy objects (to the clipboard) to paste into the main window. You can dive into the assembly structure, bill of materials (BOM) and sketch contours. In all situations, it is possible to copy data into the main VariCAD window.
Working with Solid Tree Structure, Deactivating Solid Elements
Changes to the solid tree include supplying a consistent behavior and experience in all situations. You can invoke the feature via the right-click menu (on a solid) or pick the corresponding icon in the toolbar.
With a solid’s tree structure, you can now deactivate and activate elements. Deactivating an element (like a hole) suppresses it in the structure without removing it. When later (re)activating elements, the solid rebuilds with them.
Inactive elements appear only in the tree. While browsing objects in the tree list, these inactive objects highlight the same way as active objects. Their displayed shape corresponds to the pre-deactivated state.
Preview of Open Documents
After opening many documents, you can switch between documents using the Windows menu (or from a command). Version 2023-1.0 displays a preview of the documents. This makes it easier to find the file you want to switch to (not always the easiest thing to do when many documents are open).
As this feature can put a burden on the graphics engine, VariCAD disables it when detecting insufficient hardware. You can manage this feature via the configuration (“cfg”).
A 3D Clipboard
The behavior of copying and pasting 3D objects is manageable from the options. Depending on the settings, pasted solids are placed in their last position or in center of the model.
Solids inserted from the clipboard can keep their original transformation. This allows you to assemble 3D solids exactly according to the original model.
Measure Distances, Angles and More
You can access all measurement features from the corresponding toolbar and from a pop-up menu (when right-clicking in an empty area). This works for both 3D and 2D objects.
A Free Viewer?
If you are not in the market for a CAD system, you may still want to look at the free VariCAD Viewer. Not only is it a viewer of CAD files; it also supplies conversion tools. Open (and batch print) 2D DWG and DXF and 3D STEP and 2D/3D VariCAD file formats. Convert DWG to DXF (and vice versa) and convert STEP files to IGES or STL formats.
VariCAD 2023-1.0
VariCAD 2023-1.0 is available now. Find it on the VariCAD website. To evaluate a free 30-day license, download it here.
