Bricsys has announced the release of Bricscad v12 for the Linux operating system. All three editions – Classic, Pro and Platinum – deliver 3D modelling and CAD API programming equal to the Bricsys product line running on Windows. All editions feature a 2D constraint solver and users are able to attach many kinds of constraints to 2D elements, including perpendicular, parallel and concentric. Other improvements common to all editions include the ability to trim hatches, add custom hatch patterns, define page setups, generate live section planes and model in 2D and 3D with visual styles. An improved raster engine allows GIS applications to smoothly zoom and pan very large bitmaps.
The Pro edition offers 3D direct modelling, the modern way to design products in 3D, together with dynamic dimensions to allow fast and accurate modelling operations. Users are able to toggle smoothly between 2D and 3D design modes – switching between familiar environments and direct modelling operations. A new intuitive user interface element called the ‘Quad Cursor’ enables users to create and edit 3D models with a minimum of clicks. Hovering the cursor over edges, faces and solids highlights them instantly and makes at-cursor buttons available for direct operations, such as push-pull, rotate and chamfer – all in real-time. In addition, users can perform 3D operations in real-time rendered visual modes.
The Platinum edition contains everything found in the Pro edition, with the addition of a 3D constraint solver for .dwg-based modelling. Users are able to add 3D constraints to edges, faces and many kinds of solid primitives. A constraint control panel lists the constraints and users are able to view constraints in the model simply by selecting them in the panel. In addition, the Platinum edition protects users against over-constrained models. It also includes a design intent detector, which can analyse repetitive operations on elements, detect the intentions of users and apply the appropriate operation automatically.
The company has also confirmed plans to release the entire Bricscad v12 suite on Mac OSX in the second half of 2012.
