Punch! ViaCAD Pro v12 Upgrade From Any 2D/3D versions v9-v11 With Training Guide
Professional 2D/3D CAD, Plus Training
ViaCAD Pro V12 and Training Bundle combines all the professional 2D/3D drafting, modeling, and rendering of ViaCAD Pro v12 with complete training to boost your knowledge and skill. It's everything you need to create professional architectural or mechanical designs.
As low as
$399.99
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In stock
SKU
4613
Professional 3D CAD software that packs a Punch! but won’t break the bank
ViaCAD Pro places the full power of 3D designing right at your fingertips. ViaCAD Pro’s precision solid modeling and drafting toolsets make it perfect for those who do CAD design as part of their profession. The addition of mesh-based modeling coupled with subdivision technology makes creating 3D conceptual drawings a snap. It also contains 2D switching, so you can toggle back and forth between 2D and 3D views as needed.
ViaCAD Pro can help you design projects such as:
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Compatibility and file sharing
ViaCAD Pro software plays nice with others. ViaCAD Pro is compatible with AutoCAD® with up-to-date DWG import and export capabilities. So your team will be able to work together without forcing everyone to be on the same brand of CAD software.
ViaCAD Pro is also compatible with over a dozen popular CAD and Graphics formats, so you’ll be able to deliver files that can be opened and edited by users of other popular design software.
- ViaCAD provides compatibility with AutoCAD® DWG files
- DXF/DWG versions from R12 to 2019
- STL Import/Export for 3D printing
- SVG Import and Export
- 3MF Import & Export
- VMRL 2.0 Texture Support
- OBJ Texture Support
- Adobe Illustrator® Import
- PDF Import
- SketchUp 2019 Import/Export
- Collada™ (DAE) Import/Export
- Complete support for Metric and Imperial units
We will help you learn
While ViaCAD Pro is feature rich, we work hard at making it easy by including intuitive tools like our LogiCursor™ that makes CAD a snap by suggesting your next move as you draw.
Your purchase of ViaCAD Pro also includes access to our training tutorials, so you will not have to learn through trial and error. We are experts at creating CAD software and our tutorials will help you to become an expert user quickly.
Simple and flexible pricing
We offer ViaCAD Pro in two different pricing models to best suit your needs.
Permanent License - Download once and own it forever. Ideally suited for users who need a single license or users who feel they may not need to upgrade each year.
Annual Subscriptions - This is ideal for multiple user seats. With an active subscription, you will always be receiving the latest enhancements and new functionality.
ViaCAD Training Guide
ViaCAD Training Guide (Pro, 2D/3D, 2D)
This multimedia Training program aims to provide the ViaCAD user with a comprehensive learning tool which spans 2D drawing and 3D design.
This Guide is presented in a Tutorial format, allowing the user to follow the step-by-step instructions from concept to completion. All the Tutorial content in this Guide contains designs which instruct how to create 2D geometry in order to produce 3D solid models in fluid start-to-finish tutorials.
Each Session contains an Introduction Sheet which illustrates in detail the sketch or model which will be produced during the Session, complete with important information, estimated session duration, and a fully completed drawing sample of the session. The drawing sample can be opened using your Punch! ViaCAD software.
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ViaCAD Pro makes advanced 3D and 2D design work seem easy
Get professional quality CAD design output without pulling your hair out. Our software includes a wide selection of tools so that the right tool for the task is just a mouse click away. ViaCAD Pro has 3D mesh modeling capability with subdivision technology to go from coarse to smooth surfaces. You (and your customers) will be blown away the photorealistic rendering of your finished designs.
- Design complex organic shapes with extensive NURB surface modeling tools
- 2D Geometric and Dimensional Constraints to manage geometrical relationships between 2D shapes
- Push/Pull Modeling allows 3D surfaces to be edited with your mouse and cursor
- Powerful 3D editing tools such as blending, chamfering, and shelling
- Architectural and woodworking tools such as rabbet, miter and dovetail joints
- Extensive 2D drafting tools such as text, dimensions, 3D to 2D drawing, bill of materials
- Multiple Viewports provide 2, 3 even 4 views of your design and drawing between them
- Integrated Photo Realistic Rendering and support for Keyshot LiveLinking™
- And much more!
Intuitive Design and Editing Utilities
Drawing precisely is easy with ViaCAD! We have designed it to be user friendly and intuitive to work with. The LogiCursor™ anticipates your next action and guides your cursor to potential point selections in the drawing. The Gripper adds drag and drop capabilities to make editing designs easy breezy. Customizable Grids add another level of ease by providing precision drag and drop in rectangular, polar (circular), and isometric layouts.Precision Drafting and Annotations
ViaCAD Pro is also a robust design documentation tool with over 20 customizable dimension styles, including industry dimension formats. Other great features to help you document and annotate your projects include:- 26-dimension styles
- Import bitmaps for logos and reference images
- Spell check is provided for another level of accuracy
- Single click Fills and Hatch
Architectural Planning Tools
ViaCAD Pro includes all the professional level architectural tools you and your team need to draft, print, and collaborate on projects together.- Architectural wall tools
- Composite walls to show materials
- Parametric doors and windows
- Instant 3D walls, roofs, and floor slabs
- Compatibility with AutoCAD® DWG files
- ACIS®-based geometry means you are creating with the same technology as software that costs thousands of dollars
Woodworking Tools
ViaCAD Pro includes tools to speed up your woodworking projects. You can quickly create otherwise tedious joints such as Dado joints and miter joints.- Joints including rabbet, miter, and dovetails
- Dado joints including options for through, stopped or blind
- Edge treatments including cove, round, bullnose, Dupont, waterfall, Ogee, and custom
- Tongue & Groove
3D Modeling Tools
ViaCAD provides powerful solid modeling technology found in many higher-end products. Additionally, ViaCAD Pro delivers surface modeling tools to expand design capabilities.- Feature-based History Tree for editing
- A complete design tool with extrusions, Booleans, surface modeling for more complex smooth surfaces
- Precise geometry suitable for 'concept to manufacturing'
- Associative surface modeling
3D Print Check
Checks for print viability, displaying warnings or errors to the user.
Surface Normals Check
Facet normals define the inside and outside areas of a part. If facet normals are pointing the wrong way, the 3D printer may have problems creating the part. This will check for problems and we have several commands that can help you fix it.
Overhang Analysis
This will help you visually inspect modeling areas that may require structural support for 3D printing. Meshes, surfaces, and solids facets normals are compared to the work plane direction. Angles that are less or equal to 45 degrees are highlighted as red.
Wall Thickness Analysis
This tool provides a means to visually inspect modeling areas that may be too thin for 3D printing. Meshes, surfaces, and solids facets are examined using ray intersections.
Preview Slices
This interface will help you to slice models given a direction and thickness. The dialog box allows for animation through the slices and single-stepping. Use to verify that a part has closed, non-overlapping sections, a requirement for 3D printing.
Auto Position
The Auto Position tool translates the model to the positive x, y coordinate system at z=0.
Support Structure
Manually adds geometry to support material as it is created by the 3D printer. Support structures controls, include Attach Radius, Midpoint Radius, Base Radius, Base Thickness, and Drag base and midpoints to modify structure location.
Show Printer Volume
Toggles the boundary of the default 3D Printer. The volume is defined within the Printer Definitions dialog box.Printer Definitions
Sets key parameters of the 3D printer, including length, width, and height of the volume accessible by the printer. The parameters in the Printer Definitions dialog box are used for commands such as 3D Print Check and Auto Position.BOM Fraction Measurements
The Bill of Material Create BOM feature has a new option to support fraction measurements. To use this feature, select the Attributes and BOM dialog box from the Tools menu. Select your objects and associated a data set such as CutList properties. Apply to selected. Now select the Create BOM option to create a table. In the BOM Settings dialog box, select the Decimals pull down option. And then Select Fractions to display measurements as factions of feet and inches.
PBR Photo Rendering
PBR, or physically based rendering, is a method of rendering computer graphics that aims to accurately represent the way that light interacts with different materials in the real world. In PBR rendering, the appearance of a material is defined by a set of parameters that describe its physical properties, such as its roughness, reflectivity, and transparency. These parameters are used to calculate the way that light reflects off the surface of the material, taking into account the angle of the light source and the surface normal, as well as the surface's roughness and other properties.
One of the key benefits of PBR rendering is that it allows for more realistic and consistent results, as it is based on the physical properties of real-world materials rather than arbitrary artistic choices. This makes it particularly well-suited for applications where photorealism is important, such as architectural visualization, product design, and film and game development.
Key user interface components to PBR rendering include:
• Photo Render Tool Palette
• Rendering Cameras
• Render To File
• Render Window
• Render Settings
For a quick introduction to Photo Rendering with V14 see the video below:
Photo Render Tool Palette
The Photo Render tool palette provides access to many of the tools used to create photo rendered images. The tool palette is access from the Tools menu bar “Photo Render” option.
General Settings
The General Settings tab provides access to the following photo render settings and parameters:
| Render Presets | Presets parameters for mechanical, architectural, and jewelry scenes |
| Render Engine Type | Method of light tracing |
| Default Material | Glossy or Matte for parts with no materials assigned |
| Render Halt Time | Stop rendering after so many seconds |
| Render Halt Samples | Stop render after so many render passes |
| Render Halt Threshold | Render until pixels stop changing by this percent |
| Render Curves | Render curves as pipes |
| Render Text & Dimensions | Render Text and Dimensions as polygons |
| Ground Shadows | Create a transparent ground to catch shadows |
| Refresh Interval | Refresh the drawing screen only after so many seconds |
| Light Tracing Depth | The maximum number of light bounces |
HDRI
The High-Definition Range Image (HDRI) tab provides access to the following settings and parameters:
| HDR Images | Drop drown containing example HDRI images |
| From File | Select a HDRI from file system |
| Rotate Z | Rotate the HDR from 0 to 360 |
| Gain | Increase or decrease the light intensity |
| Gamma | Increase or decrease the contrast of the HDR image |
Backgrounds
The Backgrounds tab provides access to the following settings and parameters:
| Backgrounds | Drop drown containing example background images |
| From File | Select a background from file system |
Sun & Sky
The Sun & Sky tab provides access to the following settings and parameters:
Use Skylight - Enables SkyLight environment lighting
Skylight Gain - Increase or decrease overall brightness
Skylight Turbidity- Increase or decrease atmosphere turbulence
Skylight Exposure- Increase or decrease overall intensity
Skylight Tint- Controls the color of the light
Use Sunlight- Enables Sunlight environment lighting
Sunlight Gain- Increase or decrease overall brightness
Sunlight Turbidity- Increase or decrease atmosphere turbulence
Sunlight Exposure- Increase or decrease overall intensity
Sunlight Tint- Controls the color of the light
Materials
The Materials tab provides access to the following material settings and parameters:
Materials- List of material shader types
Each material can have a set of unique parameters. For example, glossy has:
Diffuse- Base color of object
Specular- Highlight color when light is perpendicular to surface normal
Roughness- How smooth or rough the material surface
Transparency- Material value for transparency or opacity
Materials: Metal Library
The Materials Metal shader provides access to a collection of preset metals that include silver, gold, chrome, copper, steel, nickel, and brass as examples.
Materials: Glass Library
The Materials Glass shader provides access to a collection of preset glass and gemstones that include diamond, ruby, clear glass, and emerald.
Textures
The Textures Tab provides access to a collection of preset textures that can be added to the material shader type on an object. Texture settings and parameters include:
Texture Type - List of existing textures
Folders - Textures organized by categories
From File - Select a texture from your file system
Gain - Increase or decrease the brightness of the texture
U-Scale - Scale the texture coordinates along u axis
V-Scale - Scale the texture coordinates along v axis
Post Effects
A post processor is a tool that allows you to apply various image-based effects to a rendered image after it has been completed. These effects can include things like tone mapping, denoising, color aberration, vignette, and gamma correction. Post processors can be very useful for improving the final appearance of a rendered image and can help to add a more polished and professional look to your work.
Post processors are accessed under the Post Effects tab in the render settings dialog box. The Post Effects tab is only available in SharkCAD, SharkCAD Pro, ViaCAD Pro, and TurboCAD Mac Pro.
Denoiser
The denoiser used to reduce noise in images. The denoiser used is the Intel Open Image Denoiser (OIDN) which is based on a machine learning algorithm that has been trained on a large dataset of noisy and denoised images. This allows the denoiser to learn the patterns of noise present in different types of images, and to remove the noise while preserving the underlying detail and structure of the image.
To use OIDN, select the Post Effects tab and enable the “Use Denoiser” check box. The denoiser has one setting called Sharpness. By default, the Sharpness value for denoiser is set to zero which is “full” filtering. The value of 1 represents little to no denoising.
Note: The denoiser only works in CPU and will add a slight pause to each sample rendered.
Gamma Correction
Gamma Correction is a method used to adjust the brightness and contrast of an image by applying a nonlinear transformation to the pixel values. This transformation is typically used to correct for the nonlinear behavior of some displays, which can cause the displayed image to appear too dark or too bright.
Gamma correction is applied in the post-processing stage of the rendering process accessed by enabling the “Gamma Correction” check box. The “Amount” value specifies the exponent used in the nonlinear transformation, with a value of 2.2 being commonly used for sRGB displays.
By adjusting the "Gamma" value, you can adjust the overall brightness and contrast of the rendered image, as well as correct for any color shifts that may occur due to the nonlinear behavior of the display.
Tone Mapping
Tone mapping is the process of converting the high dynamic range (HDR) pixel values of a rendered image into low dynamic range (LDR) pixel values that can be displayed on a standard monitor. This is necessary because the dynamic range of an image, which is the range of luminance values from the darkest to the lightest parts of the image, is often much larger than the range of values that can be displayed on a standard monitor.
By adjusting the tone mapping parameters, you can control the overall appearance of the rendered image and make it more visually appealing.
To perform tone mapping, select the Post Effects tab and pick the “Tone Mapper” check box.
Vignette
Vignette is a post-processing effect that darkens the edges of an image, creating a concentric gradient from the center of the image to the edges. Vignette is often used to draw the viewer's attention towards the center of the image and create a sense of depth and focus.
To enable vignette, you can select the "Vignette" setting in the "Post Effects" tab of the render settings. When the "Vignette" setting is enabled, you can adjust the "Scale" parameter to control the strength and size of the vignette effect. The "Scale" parameter controls the size of the area affected by the vignette effect.
Color Aberration
Color aberration is a post-processing effect that simulates the chromatic aberration that can occur in real-world lenses. Chromatic aberration is an optical phenomenon that occurs when the different wavelengths of light are not focused on the same plane, causing different colors to appear slightly offset from one another. This can cause the edges of objects in an image to appear distorted or fringed with color.
To enable color aberration, pick the Post Effects tab and select the "Color Aberration" check box. When the "Color Aberration" setting is enabled, you can adjust the “Scale" parameter to control the size of the area affected by the color aberration effect. The "Scale" parameter specifies the size of the color fringes, with higher values resulting in larger fringes.
Photo Render Library
The Photo Render Library provides a collection of materials, HDRI, and backgrounds via a drag and drop user interface. To access the Library, select the Render Library from the Tools menu bar.
Materials/HDR/Backgrounds
The library category type provides access drag and drop materials, HDRI, backgrounds, and textures. Select a category such as materials to show various options for fabric, marble, glass, and metals. Position your cursor over the desired material and press and move to the object.
Laser Light
The laser light adds a direct light source that emits a focused beam of light. Laser Lights are defined by a start point, end point, radius, and gain. The start point defined the laser start while the end point defines the direction of the light. The radius value defines the cylinder region of light. The gain defines the strength of the light.
Paraboloid Primitive
The paraboloid primitive provides a means to create a quadric surface from one-, two-, or three-point definitions. Use a paraboloid to create a reflectors/radars, automobile headlights, solar furnaces, antennas, and aerodynamic tips. The Paraboloid primitive is located in the solid primitives tool palette, last tool item. The one-point paraboloid has a base center, and three radius values. The two-point paraboloid has a base center, end. The three point has two points defining the base diagonal, and one point defining the height. Each method provides a data entry window interface to change the associated radius values.
Gripper Non-Uniform Scaling
The Gripper has a new graphic widget to perform non uniform scaling via a handle. To use this feature, display the inspector and select the gripper properties tab. Then select “Enable Gripper”. The non-uniform scale graphic is the red, blue, or green box display along the associated axis. Select, hold and drag over the box to scale along that particular axis.
Red scales along x
Blue along y
And Green scales along z
You can scale curves, surfaces, or solids. Use the data entry window to scale a precise amount.
Area Dimension
A new dimension tool was introduced to support area-based measurements. To access the Area Dimension tool tear out the dimension tool palette and select the area dimension tool icon. The area dimension works with collections of closed curves or polygons. There are two options accessed through the data entry window.
1. Leader Line Dimension
2. Text at Centroid
Select Pick Leader Line Dimension. And now select the collection of curves or polygon. Then select the arrow location and text location. Now change the area method to text at centroid. And select the polygon. The area dimension is associative to the curves originally selected. Modifying a curve will update the area dimension. The Area dimension also work with a collection of curves used in a constrained system. In this case, updating any dimension value, will update the area dimension.
Spatial 2022 Update
Core technology components for the modeling and interoperability tools are provided by Dassault Systems Spatial Technology. V14 includes a major integration update for all products.
ACIS Modeling Kernel Update
The core modeling kernel was updated to support a newer version from Spatial. The new update provides greater increases in quality and robustness and improvements in modeling tasks such as booleans, blending, chamfering, sweeps, skinning, healing, and faceting functionality.
Interop Update
SAT & SAB UpdatesThe SAT and SAB data translators provide a neutral file format for precisely sharing curve, surface, and solid modeling data. Third party app supporting SAT/SAB file formats include AutoCAD, Inventor, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and SolidEdge.
STEP & IGES UpdatesThe STEP and IGES translators for importing and exporting of precision curves, surfaces, and solids was updated via the Spatial Interop. STEP and IGES support sharing of precise NURB and analytic surfaces between applications.
SolidWorks, CATIA, PROE, NXNative format translators were updated to support newer versions from SolidWorks, SolidEdge, PRO E, CATIA, and NX.
The 2D PDF export is a new method of sharing vector and font-based data with other applications. Vector data such as Lines, arc, circles, and splines are supported. Additionally, text and dimensions annotations are supported. Line styles and pen weights are also supported. Surfaces and Solids are exported as wireframes.
The DWG, DXF, PDF, and DAE translators provided through the Open Design Alliance (ODA) were updated to support the latest enhancements and performance boasts. Additionally, minor enhancements were made supporting sharing of text and dimension data.
The SketchUp import/export technology was updated to support the lasted SDK. This includes support for newer versions as well as maintenance updates for sharing data between the applications.
The Batch tool supports the option to render multiple images from a collection of files.
The tool will support rendering all cameras in visible layers of the files as well as use saved render settings. If no camera or saved render settings are present, it will use defaults at the time the batch tool was executed.
The STEP export file was updated to support specifying a unit setting upon export. Applications reading the STEP file must support reading the file unit setting.
10 fully detailed sections on all the tools most frequently used in any 2D or 3D Design. Some of these include :
- The Graphical User Interface
- Sketch Creation Tools
- Selection & Manipulation Tools
- Modification & Information
- Annotation tools
- Creating Drawing Layouts
- 3D Modeling Tools
- Woodworking Tools
- Function & Operational Tools such as creating customizable Context Menus & Shortcuts and adjusting the Griper Properties.
2D & 3D Self-Paced Tutorials
Also includes 16 self-paced Work sessions containing the 2D Sketch and 3D Model of the same design. Each Worksheet contains detailed, colorful instructions on how to complete each task, including full animations per task. Each task contains full instructions in an animated, video format. Pause, rewind, or fast-forward your videos while you draw. Drag the movie to another screen and use the instructions on your laptop to produce the designs and the movie on the second screen to check your progress.
Progress through each session at your own pace, repeating any task as many times as necessary until you are ready to move to the next design. Tutorials 4 to 8 contain a full 5-part component to assembly design, progressively building the design with each tutorial. Access the PunchCAD Forum and Online User Guides for additional information from within your Training Guide. Get expert support from our Team from within your Training Guide.
Sample 1 | Helix and Pipe:
Sweeping a circle along a path to create the helix. Creating a Pipe from a single line to form an axis.
Sample 2 | Creating a Slotted Wheel:
Using the Lathe tool to create a solid.
Sample 3 | Assembling a Part:
Learn how to design using the component-assembly method commonly used in the industry. Assemble multiple parts in the same design and to create a highly organized drawing with Layers and Sub-Layers allowing complete control over each component.
Windows Recommended Requirements:
Microsoft® Windows® 64-Bit versions of Windows® 7, 8,10 , or 11 Intel® Pentium® IV or AMD® Athlon64™ class 64-bit processor 3 GB of hard disk space 8 GB of RAM Mouse Pointing Device (wheel button recommended) OpenGL/DirectX9 Compliant video card with 256MB of dedicated RAM
Macintosh Recommended Requirements:
Macintosh® OS 10.11 through 11.01 or higher¹ x64 Intel® Mac® 3 GB of hard disk space 8 GB RAM or greater Mouse Pointing Device (wheel button recommended) OpenGL Compliant video card with 256 MB VRAM ¹ Program compatibility is not guaranteed for later operating systems ²User is responsible for all Internet access fees and phone charges. PC & Mac require a machine with an operating system using x64 (64-Bit) architecture.