SolidThinking 8.0 adds productivity, rendering enhancements
updated 11:55 pm EDT, Mon September 14, 2009
SolidThinking 8.0 adds morphogenesis integration
SolidThinking has launched global updates to its photorealistic rendering and animation software packages, SolidThinking 8.0 and SolidThinking Inspired 8.0. The design programs offer tools for creating manufacturable models, and allow users to render photorealistic 3D product designs. The latest version of SolidThinking 8.0 delivers a variety of productivity and rendering enhancements, along with an improved materials library with increased browsing speed and lighting previews. Users also have the ability to create multiple materials libraries
The new progressive rendering and real-time rendering improves interactivity during review and visualization phases, as well as offering a preview for the lighting and materials in a scene. Other enhancements include new 3D manipulators for scaling, rotation and translation, more interactive visualization options in the modeling views, and improved precision for point, curve or surface representation.
With the new High Dynamic Range Imaging (HDRI) users can create spherical images that are visualized within the background of perspective views while modeling. Additionally, the update comes with software enhancements for more complex reflectance shaders, generating more lifelike visual elements such as the ability to create frosted glass, car paints and metallic effects.
SolidThinking 8.0 also delivers increased rendering speed and lighting accuracy, re-rendering capabilities of selected sub-regions of an existing image, and comes with a new wizard for helping users choose the best modeling units and tolerances based on model sizes.
The new SolidThinking Inspired 8.0 update adds the integration of morphogenesis technology, allowing the software to now mimic processes and physical laws in nature. Designers are given tools for replicating biological growth processes in nature, enabling them to grow efficient shapes in specifically defined environments, and form controls. Version 8.0 also features NURBS-based conceptual design software, offering an advanced construction tree history for making alterations during the design process, as well as parameter editing and control-point editing functions.
SolidThinking Inspired also includes support for CAD, CAM and CAE systems, along with real-time rendering and bi-directional capabilities. Mac compatibility and software pricing has yet to be released.
