Version 2.0 of free, fast and intuitive 3D design software features new functionality, making the tool more powerful than ever before to support engineers in the rapid development of product concepts

Oxford, UK, 17 December 2014 - RS Components (RS) and Allied Electronics (Allied), the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the global distributor for engineers, today announced the launch of a new version of DesignSpark Mechanical, the company's fully featured 3D Concept Modelling and design tool that is available free of charge to every engineer.

DesignSpark Mechanical has been developed in conjunction with SpaceClaim, the leading provider of flexible and affordable 3D modelling software for engineers. Together with the DesignSpark PCB design tool, DesignSpark Mechanical is a key element in RS and Allied's initiative to provide tools for engineers that enable them to rapidly develop prototypes in the innovation and product concept design stage. An important element of DesignSpark Mechanical is its STL-output format, which allows the direct export of designs to 3D printers.

Version 2.0 of the software adds several important new features that have been requested by the extensive DesignSpark Mechanical user base to enable an even better user experience. The tool's new simplified user interface includes built-in help text and Quick Guide tutorials, example designs, and also makes its BOM-quote functionality even easier to find and use. In addition, the tool provides access to a new 3D catalogue allowing the rapid insertion of tens of thousands of 3D models from leading component manufacturers, as well as the integration of all the necessary RS and Allied purchasing data for fast Bill-of Materials (BOM) creation. And thirdly, a 'quick parts' 3D printing service is now integrated into the tool, which is available via RS and Allied in conjunction with its partner 3D Systems.

"The release of version 2.0 of DesignSpark Mechanical demonstrates our exceptionally high level of commitment to engineers to provide them with the tools they need to rapidly develop concepts and prototypes and get their products out within a short timeframe," said Glenn Jarrett, Global Head of Product Marketing at RS Components.

DesignSpark Mechanical is available for free download at www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/eng/page/mechanical. For more information on how DesignSpark Mechanical fits into the Rapid Prototyping innovation environment, see www.rs-online.com/designspark/electronics/nodes/view/type:design-centre/slug:rapid-prototyping

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About RS Components
RS Components and Allied Electronics are the trading brands of Electrocomponents plc, the global distributor for engineers. With operations in 32 countries, we offer around 500,000 products through the internet, catalogues and at trade counters to over one million customers, shipping more than 44,000 parcels a day. Our products, sourced from 2,500 leading suppliers, include semiconductors, interconnect, passives and electromechanical, automation and control, electrical, test and measurement, tools and consumables.

Electrocomponents is listed on the London Stock Exchange and in the last financial year ended 31 March 2014 had revenues of £1.27bn.

For more information, please visit the website at www.rs-online.com.

Editorial Contacts
Lisa Townsend
PR Manager - EMEA
RS Components
lisa.townsend@rs-components.com
+44 (0)1536 209026

Aakriti Kaushik
Product Marketing PR Manager
RS Components
aakriti.kaushik@rs-components.com
+44 (0)1865 207546

PR Agency Contact
Janice Fenton
Account Director
Publitek Technology PR
janice.fenton@publitek.com
+44 (0)1225 470000

Further information is available via these links:
Twitter: @RSComponents; @alliedelec; @designsparkRS
RS Components on Linkedin
www.linkedin.com/company/rs-components

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