Let’s look at the Live Linking and Plugin capabilities of Keyshot. There are multiple ways to bring geometry into Keyshot for incredibly fast, high quality renders including the import function and direct export for plugin-enabled software such as Solid Edge and SolidWorks. The first time I used Keyshot I excitedly started importing my Solid Edge files but could not get the rounded edges of my parts to not be faceted. After an email and a quick response from the Keyshot support group, it turns out there is a simple solution. All I had to do was download the latest plugin from the KeyShot website here and utilize LiveLinking. After using the plugin for Solid Edge my images went from this:
To This:
Take a look at the following video demonstrating the LiveLinking and plugin for Solid Edge in action.
Check out the final render using Solid Edge and KeyShot:
Swoosh Technologies announces the release of KeyShot 4.2 from Luxion. KeyShot is the first real time ray tracing and global illumination software program. The latest release, 4.2, adds new features to the software and updates the exciting tools that power the rendering and animation process.
KeyShot 4.2 brings faster rendering, better selection and more control over hardware and 3D data import that allows users to work faster and more efficiently without jeopardizing the final quality of their images, animations, and KeyShotVR interactive visuals.
Groups
KeyShot 4.2 introduces the ability to create groups in the Project Scene tree. Users may create new groups, drag and drop parts and sub-assemblies into existing groups and move parts between one group and another. The capability includes a full-featured dialog that allows users to add one or multiple parts to an existing group or create a new group directly from the realtime render interface.
Set Core usage
KeyShot now comes with the ability to set priority on the amount of CPU cores used by KeyShot. Since KeyShot is fully CPU-based and utilizes 100% of all available cores, this ensures users are able to have access to more CPU power in other programs while KeyShot is rendering. This is a simple setting accessed from the KeyShot Preferences with the minimum being four cores.
Material swap
Users can now swap materials between selected parts without having to change the material for each part. Users have two options, swapping materials by selecting parts or by dragging and dropping materials from the KeyShot library onto existing materials in the in-project library.
Scene revisions
KeyShot now offers the ability to save revisions of a scene. When users save a scene, rather than overwriting each scene with the latest settings, they can now save revisions of the same scene, which can then be accessed later from within KeyShot.
Realtime presets
There are now more presets available for the realtime viewer. Through the Project settings, users have an immediate selection of preset options that include actual aspect ratios found in print and digital media. These presets are single-click settings that can also be locked to ensure proper resolution.
Additional updates
Additional updates focus on improvements in five main areas where users have provided valuable input and feedback, updates that include:
Improved render features - faster realtime render mode, transparency for toon material
Improved usability - select objects by material, light/dark interface themes
Improved control - Axalta color tweaker, faster object highlight, improved texture mapping, improved move tool and dynamic sliders, copy HDRI regions and scene tree autoscroll.
Improved animation - New dynamic pivot point and selection of helper objects from the realtime window.
Swoosh Technologies has partnered Luxion to bring customers the latest in 3D rendering technology. Luxion’s KeyShot is a CPU based rendering and animation product for 3D data and has been designed to take the complexity out of rendering photo-realistic images.
KeyShot is easy to use with a very short learning curve. It allows for import of almost any 3D design where users simply drag and drop materials, adjust the lighting, and move the camera. All changes happen in real time and thanks to KeyShot’s advanced rendering technology. This allows for designers to spend more time with creativity than fumbling with technical issues.
“With KeyShot, I feel EMPOWERED! I have a paintbrush and a digital canvas to work with. I have real, artistic-grade paints and I can see the impact of my work instantly. For me, SPEED is key! And KeyShot allows me to demonstrate multiple iterations quickly,” states Time Fehr of Chrysler Corporation.
KeyShot is CPU based and takes full advantage of all cores and threads inside the computer; therefore, does not require special hardware of a graphics card.
Model hierarchy and part and assembly names are maintained upon importing 3D data. KeyShot can handle large files so with no restriction on file size, as long as the computer has enough memory available.
This software is a universal rendering tool for CAD models and supports many popular CAD formats. KeyShot is available as a stand-along product or a plugin for CAD programs, including Siemens PLM NX and Solid Edge, also sold by Swoosh Technologies.
Join Swoosh Technologies’ Application Engineer, Dyaln Malek October 24, 2013 at 2:00 PM CT for a webcast while he showcases KeyShot’s amazing rendering capabilities. Sign up here to join the webcast.
