Augmented reality app contained in SolidWorks 2014

Designers and engineers can position 3D digital parts on the desk in front of them

App enables designers and engineers to visualise the product they are creating

SolidWorks has confirmed that an augmented reality app shown for the first time earlier this year is to be contained as part of its SolidWorks 2014 product launch.

The app enables designers and engineers to visualise the product they are creating in a 'real-life' setting which means that virtual 3D designs captured on any IOS device, such as an iPad or iPhone, can be positioned in a physical environment. A 3D representation of a consumer good could, for instance, be placed on a desk in front of the app user for sizing purposes.

Rick Chin, director of product innovation at SolidWorks, explained the rationale behind the development of the app: “Whether you're designing a watch or a motorcycle, everything ends up being the same size on your computer screen. We zoom-to-fit to maximize our work space, and there is usually no visual reference on the screen to help us correctly perceive size. So we're not certain of a product's actual size until we have a physical model that we can compare to other objects in the real world.

“Wouldn't it be great if you could take your design and put a virtual model of it on the table right next to you in the room? That way you could then look at it next to real products, slide and spin it around on the table, and get a complete sense of the product's true size, scale, and proportions. And what if you could do this at any time in the design process, and as often as you like?”

SolidWorks said that the augmented reality app would reduce the amount of late-stage re-working that can occur when a product that has only previously existed as a 3D file is turned into a physical prototype for the first time.

The app is part of a suite of upgrades for SolidWorks 2014 aimed at making the software faster and easier to use. Many of the improvements have come from user requests on the my.solidworks.com online community. The enhancements cover the breadth of the design process, from initial 2D and 3D sketching, through to visualisation. The top-requested feature enhancements are contained below.

Design tools

• Advanced Shape Control – New Style Spline functionality, automatic Sketch Picture scaling and Conic Fillet controls allow users to create complex surfaces and organic shapes faster, easier and with more precise control.

• Faster Drawing Detailing – Perform faster and more automated drawing detailing.

• Sheet Metal Improvements – New sheet metal features enable faster creation of sheet metal geometry and improved data output for manufacturing. Users gain improved control over corner treatments, the ability to create stiffening ribs such as the indented design seen on mounting brackets used to reinforce the weight and force placed on the part.

Integrated workflows

• Enterprise PDM Streamlined Workflow – Manage more data with the new Microsoft Office integration and enhanced Web Client with graphical preview.

• Electrical Improved Integration and Performance – Enhanced integration with Enterprise PDM and eDrawings allows users to optimise, share and track electrical designs more easily for improved project collaboration.

Increased productivity

• Design Communication and Collaboration – With new support for Android devices, mobile users can expand their viewing choice beyond iOS mobile devices.

• Streamlined Cost Estimating and Reporting – Users are able to cost parts faster with less setup, then share cost data more effectively with their business value chain. For example, key product development data for assembly can now be sent to Microsoft Excel allowing for easy sharing with departments such as manufacturing and purchasing.

Enhanced visualisation

• Streamlined Simulation Setup – Simulation automatically leverages engineering data for re-use in simulations, eliminating duplication of effort and improving design collaboration.

• Enhanced Assembly Performance and Visualisation – Creates assemblies faster and easier with the new in-context Quick Mate tool bar and Slot Mate. For assembly in section views, users can include or exclude selected components allowing for a fast creation of more impressive section views.