Whats New in solidThinking 8.5

solidThinking 8.5 achieves outstanding levels of improvement by introducing more than 900 new features, enhancements and updates. Better. Faster. Easier.

Modeling Functional performance enhancements (loading time, frame per second shading, selection/deselection).
Faster workflow and simplification of Select Object / Edit Parameters / Edit Points working modes.
A new and improved round tool with advanced options for shape control and handling of overflowing/overlapping rounded surfaces.
A new Face Extract modeling tool for the creation of new surface objects by extracting faces of existing objects.
More snap shortcuts and construction aids, including the new snap to tangent.
Simplified user-interface navigation and scene organization including the possibility to visualize if the selected objects are part of some groups in the Hierarchy Browser.
Selection of Dependant and Source Objects for easier scene organization.
New sort and selection filters (Curves, Surfaces, Polymesh, Pointmesh).
Dramatically faster and higher-quality environment mapping and interactive visualization accurately taking into account lighting of the scene.	click to view
Rewritten printer support on Mac OS X
Rendering/Presentation
A new real-time photorealistic rendering option, which integrates raytracing and progressive rendering to obtain a more photorealistic representation of lighting and materials.
Enhanced anti-aliasing techniques and more efficient glossy materials for real-time rendering.	click to view
Reflection Catcher, a new function that adds reflection below the model in a photorealistic rendering when the model is added to a back plate image.
Enhanced materials library with more than 300 new "apply-and-render" materials. Material default settings have been optimized for best results.
New ready-to-render lights.
New ready-to-render interior sets.
Increased selection of background images and environments. Updated plug-in for Maxwell Render 2.0
Computational Inspiration (Inspired) Ability to run morphogenesis™ form generation technology on multiple model parts and materials and leverage the results to stimulate designs Define parts as design or non-design space. Show design space and morphogenesis results simultaneously for full review of the form generation. Measure static weight distribution of parts and assemblies on supports. Faster, more intuitive part manipulation through smart snaps. Simple push and pull capabilities for turning 2D sketches into 3D design spaces.
Data Exchange/CAD Collaboration New direct import for several native formats including H3D Reader, SAT (ACIS), Catia V4, Catia V5, Parasolid (x_t and x_b), Pro/ENGINEER, SolidWorks and UGS NX - all at no additional cost. New export capability for Parasolid native format (x_t and x_b). Improved import and export capability for IGES, STEP and STL.