TurboCAD Professional version 10, by including the LightWorks 7.3 Photorealistic rendering engine, yields images up to 40 percent faster than previous versions. This latest upgrade also includes an updated Spatial 3D ACIS R11 engine that boosts solid modeling performance by up to 25 percent.
Other promised performance enhancements extend to design and presentation, and include spatial 3D deformable modeling using NURBS-based objects and parametric architectural features, as well as the ability to use 2D tools while in the rendered mode. Also, a drafting palette creates 2D layouts of 3D models and assemblies in seconds. With a few mouse clicks, the new version lets you build layouts with multiple projections, complex sectional views, and derivative sectional views.
Version 10 handles 28 of the most popular file formats, including AutoCAD DWG/DXF; Microstation DGN; and DesignCAD DCD, 3DS, IGES, STEP, and STL. Designs can be published in HTML, JPG, and MTX formats. The program comes with a full development kit and a Visual Basic macro recorder. TurboCAD Professional version 10 retails for $795. Upgrades sell for $295.
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