IronCAD

IronCAD operates on both ACIS and Parasolid kernels simultaneously—choose per part based on downstream needs. Use Parasolid for ANSYS/NX interop, ACIS for Autodesk compatibility. Switch kernels mid-design via right-click > Properties. The dual-kernel approach allows best-of-both-worlds geometry operations.

IronCAD's Scene (assembly) environment embeds parts directly—no separate part files needed unless desired. Drag parts from the catalog into position. Use 'Link External' for shared components needing independent version control. This unified approach eliminates the traditional part-assembly-drawing file management overhead.

Drag standard parts, features, and assemblies directly from the Catalog Browser into the 3D scene. Parts snap to target geometry intelligently—bolts find holes, brackets align to faces. Organize custom catalogs by project or discipline. Use the Search function across all loaded catalogs for fast component finding.

The TriBall is IronCAD's universal positioning tool—select any object and use the concentric rings and axis arrows for precise rotation and translation. Reposition the TriBall center to change the rotation pivot. Right-click axes for numeric input. Copy along axes for linear patterns without using formal array commands.

SmartAssembly auto-constrains parts based on geometric recognition (holes align, faces mate). Drag a bolt near a hole and it snaps into position. Define assembly behaviors (sliding, rotating, fixed) for kinematic simulation. This intelligence reduces constraint definition time by 60-80% vs manual mate approaches.

IronCAD offers two environments: Innovation (creative/history-free) and Precise (structured/history-based). Use Innovation for concept design and rapid iteration without feature tree constraints. Switch to Precise when parametric control and design intent documentation matter. Mix both modes within the same part file.

Create 2D drawings from 3D models using the Drawing Sheet environment. Auto-generate standard views (front, top, side, isometric) with projection. Add dimensions, notes, and GD&T callouts. Views update when the 3D model changes. Use drawing templates with predefined borders, title blocks, and company standards.

Extend IronCAD using the C++ API for custom tools, data import/export, and design automation. Access the scene graph, solid bodies, and feature parameters programmatically. Build compiled add-ins (.dll) for performance-critical operations. Use the API documentation and sample projects from the IronCAD developer portal.

Use IronCAD's built-in KeyShot rendering integration for photorealistic images. Assign materials from the KeyShot library, set environment lighting, and render. For quick visualization, use the 'Realistic' display style in the viewport. Export rendered images at high resolution for marketing materials and client proposals.

Push, pull, move, and rotate faces directly without history tree dependencies. Select faces and drag to extrude, offset, or taper. IronCAD's direct editing works on native and imported geometry equally. Combine with parametric features by switching individual operations between history-free and history-based modes.

Access the built-in Standard Parts Catalog containing fasteners (bolts, nuts, washers), bearings, O-rings, and structural sections per ISO/ANSI standards. Configure part parameters (size, length, material) before insertion. Add vendor-specific catalogs from component suppliers. Create custom catalog entries for proprietary parts.

Use Mechanical Tools for engineering calculations: gear design, spring calculation, shaft analysis, and bearing selection. Input design loads and constraints to generate properly sized components. Tools follow DIN/ISO standards. Generate calculation reports documenting design decisions for project documentation.

Apply boolean operations (Unite, Subtract, Intersect) between solid bodies in the same scene. Ensure bodies fully overlap at the operation region—tangent-contact booleans may produce thin geometry. Use 'Keep Source Bodies' option when the original shapes are needed for further operations. Check results with section views.

Import/export STEP AP203/AP214 and IGES for cross-CAD data exchange. STEP preserves solid topology better than IGES for complex assemblies. Configure import healing options (stitch gaps, remove slivers) per file. For SolidWorks/CATIA/NX exchange, prefer STEP AP214 with geometric validation enabled.

SmartAssembly auto-constrains parts based on geometric recognition (holes align, faces mate). Drag a bolt near a hole and it snaps into position. Define assembly behaviors (sliding, rotating, fixed) for kinematic simulation. This intelligence reduces constraint definition time by 60-80% vs manual mate approaches.