Rhinoceros users now enjoy history-free parametric modifications to 3D solid models through new features of free* RhinoDirect plug-in
LEDAS Ltd., the independent provider of end-user variational design tools, technology components, and software development services for the CAD/CAM/CAE/PDM market, today announced the public release of beta 0.2 of its RhinoDirect plug-in module for Rhinoceros 3D modeling software from Robert McNeel and Associates. RhinoDirect allows Rhinoceros users to modify 3D geometric shapes parametrically using geometric constraints and driving dimensions. Version 0.2 of RhinoDirect is available as a free download at www.DrivingDimensions.com/labs.php.
Version 0.2 adds several important features to RhinoDirect. Geometric constraints and driving dimensions are now stored when users perform commands such as copy-and-paste and importing models from other 3DM files. Constraints and dimensions are no longer deleted when users modify geometry with Rhino commands, such as for holes, fillets, and Boolean operations. The plug-in now correctly supports Rhino’s built-in history. And in another enhancement, the plug-in can now parametrize arbitrary solid bodies composed of planar and cylindrical faces independently of their orientation with each other.
"In the two months since we released RhinoDirect 0.1, more than 500 worldwide Rhino users took part in beta testing the plug-in," said Dmitry Ushakov, Director of Product Management at LEDAS. "Driven by reports from our beta testers and internal quality assurance process, we found and fixed several bugs. As a result, we significantly increased the stability of the plug-in. We thank these uses for their useful feedback that helped us to improve our product."
About RhinoDirect
RhinoDirect 0.2 is compatible with Rhinoceros 4.0 SR5B (and higher), and can be run on 32-bit Windows XP, Vista, and 7. The beta version can be freely downloaded at DrivingDimensions.com/labs.php, where visitors will also find detailed on-line help, step-by-step tutorials, video tutorials, and a set of sample examples to play with.
RhinoDirect is an extension of LEDAS’ RhinoAssembly plug-in, the ultimate tool for assembly design and kinematic simulation of mechanisms composed of rigid parts. It is commercially available from DrivingDimensions.com/store/Rhino for US$395.00. Both RhinoDirect and RhinoAssembly belong to the LEDAS Driving Dimensions product line.
About Driving Dimensions
Driving Dimensions are end-user applications developed by LEDAS as plug-ins for popular 2D and 3D modeling systems. They provide advanced parameterization capabilities for programs like SketchUp and Rhinoceros. Driving Dimensions are based on the LEDAS’ Variational Direct Modeling technology for history-free editing model elements that preserve design intent, and are expressed by explicit and implicit driving dimensions (linear, angular, radial) and geometric constraints.
Simultaneous satisfaction of geometric and dimensional constraints is achieved through LEDAS’ LGS 3D geometric constraint solver, technology developed by LEDAS since 2001 and available for licensing to all CAD developers. More information about Driving Dimensions portfolio of applications can be found at www.DrivingDimensions.com
About LEDAS
LEDAS Ltd. is an independent software development company founded in 1999. It is based in Novosibirsk Scientific Centre in Akademgorodok, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science. A leader in constraint-based technologies, LEDAS is a well-known provider of computational software components for PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) solutions: geometric constraint solvers for CAD/CAM/CAE, optimization engines for project management, work scheduling and meeting planning as well as interval technologies for knowledge-based engineering and collaborative design. The company also provides services for PLM markets: software development, consulting, reselling as well as education and training.
More information about LEDAS is available at www.ledas.com
Driving Dimensions, RhinoAssembly, RhinoDirect, and LGS are trademarks of LEDAS Ltd. Any other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
*Limited time offer. RhinoDirect is available at no charge during its beta testing stage.