Solidworks 3D Mouse Enhances Navigation

3D Connexion has announced 3D mouse capabilities for Solidworks, designed to bring increased navigation intelligence to the design process. With this feature, 3D Connexion 3D mice can automatically follow a designer's point of interest and continuously determine the optimal centre of rotation, enabling an easier and more intuitive exploration of the largest models and the smallest details.

In addition, the centre of rotation can now be seen at all times via an icon. 3D Connexion will be demonstrating the feature at Solidworks World in Anaheim from 31 January to 3 February, 2010. When using the new update, two modes of setting the centre of rotation are available.

The Auto Rotation Centre sets the centre of rotation to a point on the model that is nearest to the display-screen centre, particularly useful for use at higher zoom levels. For additional control, users can easily pick a new centre of rotation point on the 3D model to suit the design task.

The feature will be available in late February via a free 3Dxware software update and will support Solidworks 2005-2010 on Windows XP, Vista and 7 across the entire product line. The 3D Connexion product line includes the Professional Series with the Space Pilot Pro, Space Pilot and Space Explorer, and the Standard Series with the Space Navigator and Space Navigator for Notebooks.