Lundström Design has announced the release of TouchCAD 3.0, a new version of its 3D modeling and unfolding program for Mac OS X, “Classic” Mac OS, and various flavors of Windows.
TouchCAD 3.0 enables you to generate complex 3D shapes and covert them into physically buildable models. Suitable applications include marine design, production of soft material-based objects like tents, blimps and inflatable objects, reverse-engineering of existing objects, sheet metal objects, and more.
TouchCAD 3.0 sports a modeling engine with free form 3D modeling capabilities, and a toolbox that includes basic shapes and tools for extrusion, lofting, path extrudes and more. Many of the tools are parametric and can be used as a base for further development of more refined shapes, according to the developer.
Dynamic links between the 3D model and unfolded pattern view are maintained, so any changes you make to the model can be seen instantly in the Unfold view. You also have control over surface type, resolution settings, overlap widths and directions, alignment and strikeup marks, and more.
Compatible with Mac OS 8.6 or higher and native for Mac OS X, TouchCAD 3.0 requires a G3-equipped Mac or better with at least 35MB of available RAM. The software uses QuickDraw 3D, as well, and includes an installer for Quesa — a high-level 3D graphics library which is binary-compatible with QuickDraw 3D.
TouchCAD 3.0 costs US$795 for a single license. Additional licenses and updates from Lundström Design’s Touch-3D product are also available. More details can be had from the Web site.