PTC Melds 2-D simplicity into CoCreate 17.0PTC Melds 2-D simplicity into CoCreate 17.0

PTC is borrowing concepts from the 2-D world to simplify its CoCreate explicit modeling tool with a new release aimed at boosting design engineers’ productivity.

CoCreate 17.0, which will ship in the second quarter, delivers context-sensitive mini toolbars, real-time explicit modeling and rendering features and new interaction paradigms and tools-the goal being to minimize the need for a traditional user interface. The real-time explicit modeling features, for example, allow engineers to create and modify 3-D models easier, displaying results instantly as changes are made.  In addition, the real-time rendering functionality depicts all elements of an emerging 3-D design, including materials, realistic shadows and a mirror plane.

Together, the new usability features accelerate design productivity by up to 2x, according to PTC officials. They claim the release allows for a 40% reduction in time spent creating 2-D profiles, enables the modification of models up to 2x faster and cuts back the time spent creating and modifying advanced 3-D patterns by 60%. The upgrade also pushes the envelope with CAD interoperability, allowing for the high-quality import of Pro/ENGINEER parts and assemblies in addition to high-quality GRANITE-based export of parts and assemblies from the CoCreate modeler.