CAD Render Studio

CADalyst, August, 2004

CAD Render Studio, a newly released product from IMSI Software (www.imsisoft.com or www.cadrenderstudio.com), is targeted toward current CAD users, regardless of their level of expertise, who want to create 3D images for Web and print, perform 3D translations, and render 3D solid models.

CAD Render Studio provides photorealistic rendering, animation, and publishing for those without 3D visual modeling functionality. It includes advanced publishing tools found in many high-end 3D modeling products. Use either its basic 3D creation and editing tools or import a 3D model, then apply drag-and-drop materials and textures to objects. CAD Render Studio's 3D tools let you add scene elements and create cut-away views.

Using CAD Render Studio, you can create fly-bys, walk-throughs, and Object VR and Panoramic VR animations. You can output to Shockwave 3D, Viewpoint, VRML, or QuickTime files. CAD Render Studio is a good add-on for applications such as AutoCAD, AutoCAD LT, DesignCAD, Pro/ENGINEER, CATIA, and Rhino.

Other features of CAD Render Studio are 2D nonassociative view generation and dynamic dimensioning. File import formats include ACIS SAT, Pro/ENGINEER, Parasolid, IGES, STEP, DXF, DWG, and Adobe Illustrator AI. Supported file export formats include DXF, DWG, EPS, and AI.

The system requirements for CAD Render Studio are relatively modest: at least a Pentium III processor, 128MB of RAM (256MB is recommended), a SuperVGA monitor capable of at least 800X600 resolution, and a CD-ROM drive. CAD Render Studio runs under Windows 98/ME/NT4/2000/XP.