3Dconnexion has announced new 3D mouse capabilities for SolidWorks, bringing increased navigation intelligence to the design process. With this new feature, 3Dconnexion 3D mice can now 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, further enhancing the navigation experience. The new feature will be available in late February via a free 3DxWare software update.

3Dconnexion will be demonstrating the new intelligent navigation feature in Booth 201 at SolidWorks World in Anaheim, Calif., 31st January to 3rd February, 2010.

“Previously, SolidWorks users had to zoom in fairly close and manually select a new centre of rotation. We have listened to the feedback of our customers to provide designers with total control over the point of interest,” said Dieter Neujahr, president of 3Dconnexion. “By automatically establishing and displaying the optimal centre of rotation, designers are now free to focus on design creativity and flexibility when using 3D mice in SolidWorks.”

When using the new update, two modes of setting the centre of rotation are available. The new Auto Rotation Centre sets the centre of rotation to a point on the model that is nearest to the display screen center, 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 new feature will be available in late February via a free 3DxWare software update, and will support SolidWorks 2005 — 2010 on Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 across the entire product line. The 3Dconnexion product line includes the Professional Series with the new SpacePilot PRO (MSRP £299), SpacePilot (MSRP £199) and SpaceExplorer (MSRP £129), and the Standard Series with the SpaceNavigator (MSRP £99) and SpaceNavigator for Notebooks (MSRP £129).