CADSTAR 3D has been upgraded to include increased functionality and performance improvements.
 
New windows XP functions include drag and drop loading of designs, floating toolbars and modeless and dockable dialogues for Design Browser and DRC Results. Registration of file extensions with Windows Explorer allow a design to be opened by double clicking on its icon.
 
Design transfer has also been enhanced to optionally ignore objects on the inner electrical layers, which are unnecessary for carrying out 3-D checking functions, reducing memory required and increasing the application speed.  STL file importing is reportedly up to 100 times faster, with design file sizes reduced by approx. 10%.
 
Other improvements include: custom views, new commands for grouping and ungrouping geometrical objects, and automatic selection of entities for DRC and collision check functions. Keepout volumes can be viewed in a semi-transparent format and a PCB design can be merged into an existing 3-D design, preserving enclosure positions.
 
CADSTAR 3D 4.4 is priced from $5,000. For more information, visit www.cadstarworld.com/3d

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