We’re thrilled to introduce the new version 6.0 of the MindCAD software suite, a milestone in the ongoing evolution of our platform. This release brings a host of new features aimed at enhancing the user experience and optimizing and accelerate the workflows.
We've added GPU acceleration to the Realistic Render feature for faster performance, improved the Relax Tool for better model adjustments, enabled direct export to 3D printable mesh, and integrated MindCLOUD support in demo versions of MindCAD 3D for seamless cloud use.
This version 6.0 release represents a significant step forward, integrating powerful new tools and technologies to enhance your design and production capabilities.
General Updates
New Material Scale Property
We’ve introduced a new material scale property for both basic and advanced materials. This enhancement provides more precise control over material scaling and will be available across all our 3D products: MindCAD 3D for Footwear, MindCAD 3D Last, MindCAD 3D Sole, MindCAD 3D Variant Builder and MindCAD 3D Viewer.
Stitch Library Update & Improvement
The stitch library has been updated with new types and enhanced realism for better customization.
Key Updates:
- New Stitch Types: Added "Straight" and "Cross" stitches.
- Enhanced Realism: New stitches come with hole options for a more realistic appearance.
- Straight with Holes
- Cross with Holes
- Existing Stitches: Rounded and Simple stitches remain available.
Realistic Render Enhancements
We’ve introduced two key improvements to the Realistic Render feature, enhancing both performance and material support.
1. GPU Support for Realistic Render
We’ve introduced GPU acceleration to the Realistic Render feature, significantly improving rendering performance and efficiency.
Key Points:
- Device Support: Compatible with NVIDIA GPUs from Series 900, 1000, 2000, 3000, and 4000.
2. Transparent Phong Material Support
Support for transparent Phong (Normal) materials has been added.
Key Details:
- Compatibility: Currently supports only Phong materials.
Pending Features: Support for PBR materials (advanced material) with opacity properties will be included in future updates.
Filter Line Tool
The Filter Line Tool, now available in MindCAD 3D, mirrors the functionality of MindCAD 2D to maintain a consistent user experience across both applications. This tool allows users to filter and simplify lines.
Key Features:
- Preview Comparison: Filtering is applied to a preview line, enabling easy comparison with the original line’s shape.
Export to 3D Printable Mesh
We’ve introduced a new functionality that enables users to export models as 3D-printable triangle meshes. Model components are automatically converted into watertight meshes and can optionally be merged into a single unified mesh. This provides a 3D print-ready model, eliminating the need for post-processing in external applications and streamlining the workflow to accelerate prototype preparation.
Export to QuadMesh
A new functionality has been introduced to enable the export of models as 3D Quad Meshes.
Relax Tool Improvements
We’ve enhanced the Relax Tool with new features and UI controls for improved model deformation.
Key Improvements:
- Local and Global Deformers: Support for both local and global deformers has been added, allowing more precise control over model adjustments.
- Deformers List and UI Controls: The Model Relaxation panel now includes a list of deformers and new UI controls for easier management.
Texture Size Control
We’ve introduced new functionalities to the texture/uv tool to help ensure that textured materials are scaled to a specific real-world size.
Key Features:
- Grid Visibility: A 2D grid is now displayed in the 3D view, providing a visual guide for accurate texture sizing.
- Texture Scale Adjustment: The UI now includes a texture scale control and slider, allowing for precise scaling adjustments.
- Checkered Texture: Added the option to apply a coloured checkered texture to components, aiding in the orientation and scaling of original textures.
Reorganization of MindCAD 3D Apps Menus
We have refined the menu structure across our products—MindCAD 3D for Footwear, MindCAD 3D Last, MindCAD 3D Sole, and MindCAD 3D Variant Builder—to enhance user efficiency and accessibility. This reorganization involves relocating various menu options and sub-menus to more intuitive locations, making it easier to find and use key features.
Import Environment Maps to MindCAD 3D
We’ve added support for importing environment maps in MindCAD 3D and Variant Builder. This new feature improves rendering quality by utilizing high-dynamic-range images (HDRIs) for global environment lighting, creating more realistic and dynamic lighting effects.
Key Details:
- Supported Format: Only .exr files are supported, known for their professional-grade high-dynamic-range image capabilities.
MindCLOUD Support (Demo Version)
MindCLOUD support has been added to the demo versions of the following applications:
MindCAD 3D for Footwear, MindCAD 3D Last, MindCAD 3D Sole, and MindCAD 3D Variant Builder. This functionality limits all open/save operations to MindCLOUD access.
