BricsCAD
 | |
| Developer(s) | Bricsys |
|---|---|
| Stable release |
16.2.05
/ March 11, 2016 |
| Development status | Active |
| Operating system | Windows, Linux, OS X |
| Size |
159 MB (Windows) 101 MB (Linux) 193 MB (OS X) |
| Type | CAD application |
| License | Proprietary |
| Website | www.bricsys.com |
BricsCAD is a software application for computer-aided design (CAD) developed by Bricsys. The company was founded in 2002 by Erik de Keyser,[1] a longtime CAD entrepreneur.[2][3][4][5] In 2011 Bricsys acquired the intellectual property rights from Ledas[6][7] for constraints-based parametric design tools permitting the development of applications in the areas of direct modeling and assembly design. Bricsys is headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, has additional development centers in Nizhny Novgorod and Novosibirsk, Russia, and in Bucharest, Romania, and is a founding member of the Open Design Alliance.[8]
Products
The BricsCAD software, available for the Windows, Linux and OS X operating systems, is available in three editions:
- BricsCAD Classic provides familiar 2D CAD drafting functionality, native DWG read/write, and incorporates a full LISP API for customization and automation of repetitive tasks.
- BricsCAD Pro contains all the functionality of BricsCAD Classic, and adds 3D Direct Modeling, 2D and 3D hardware libraries, high-definition rendering, a render materials library, mechanical assembly viewing and an AutoCAD ObjectARX-compatible development system that supports hundreds of third-party application programs.
- BricsCAD Platinum contains the features and functions of BricsCAD Pro, and includes 3D constraint system creation, surface entity creation and lofting, deformable modeling, imported geometry healing, automatic design intent recognition, assemblies creation & editing, and a preliminary (pre-release) version of BricsCAD BIM. As of April 2016, the BricsCAD BIM functionality in V16.2 provides a core set of BIM features, IFC Import and Export, SketchUp Import, and a project & library database. The BIM functionality is in active development at this writing.
In addition, Bricys builds two add-on modules for the core BricsCAD product:
- BricsCAD Communicator, running inside of BricsCAD Pro or Platinum, imports and exports 3D CAD data to allow data exchange with most major Mechanical CAD programs (e.g. CATIA, PTC Creo, Solid Edge, NX/UG, SolidWorks and Autodesk Inventor) and several industry-standard neutral file formats. BricsCAD Communicator is a separate software download from the core BricsCAD product, and is enabled by purchasing a license activation key.
- BricsCAD Sheet Metal, running inside of BricsCAD Platinum, provides tools for creating sheet metal parts with a focus on manufacturability. The product uses lofted surfaces to create sheet metal features. This methodology assists in maintaining the model's integrity as a design is created, un-folded, re-folded and modified. BricsCAD Sheet Metal also exports ready-to-manufacture parts to specific CAD systems. BricsCAD Sheet Metal functionality is included in BricsCAD Platinum, and is enabled by purchasing a license activation key.
All three BricsCAD Editions use the Open Design Alliance Teigha software development platform, giving the products native read and write capability of the DWG file format, made popular by Autodesk's AutoCAD. As of April 2016, BricsCAD V16 reads and writes AutoCAD DWG files directly, from Release 12 through AutoCAD 2017. The software is capable of most contemporary AutoCAD release functions. The current version of BricsCAD, V16, was released in October, 2015,[9] and is available in 17 language versions.
APIs and Customization
BricsCAD implements many AutoCAD Application Programming Interfaces (APIs). In general, BricsCAD provides a nearly identical subset of AutoCAD-equivalent function names. In the case of non-compiled AutoCAD applications (e.g. LISP, Diesel and DCL), these programs can be loaded and executed directly in BricsCAD. Specifically regarding LISP routines, BricsCAD supports AutoCAD Vl, Vlr, Vla and Vlax functions. Bricsys also supports developers who use wish to use LISP encryption, but as expected, BricsCAD cannot read AutoCAD FAS (compiled LISP) files.
Most compiled application programs developed for AutoCAD's Advanced Runtime eXtension (ObjectARX) facility require only a recompilation with the BricsCAD Runtime eXtension (BRX) libraries. BRX is 100% code-compatible with AutoCAD's ARX. Bricsys also supports the deprecated Autodesk Development System (ADS) through BricsCAD's (also deprecated) SDS interface.
Partners
Bricsys is focused on the development of the core CAD software platform and works with application development partners to bring to market solutions for the AEC (Architecture, Engineering and Construction), Civil, GIS and mechanical CAD markets.
See also
- Computer-aided design
- List of CAx companies
- Comparison of CAD software
- Comparison of CAD editors for CAE
References
- ↑ Erik de Keyser, CEO, Founder of Bricsys
- ↑ Can You Make Money Selling $500 CAD Software? The Bricsys Story, CAD Insider, October 3, 2012.
- ↑ Randall Newton, Bricsys aims to expand its low-cost CAD empire, GraphicSpeak - A Jon Peddie Research Publication, October 11, 2012.
- ↑ Randall Newton, Bricsys delivers viable alternative universe for DWG-based CAD development, GraphicSpeak - A Jon Peddie Research Publication, October 26, 2011.
- ↑ Get brisk with Bricscad, Geospatial Today
- ↑ Menhirs NV Acquires Intellectual Property Rights from LEDAS
- ↑ Ralph Grabowski, Exclusive Q&A: What it means, now that Bricsys bought IP from Ledas, WorldCAD Access, October 5, 2011.
- ↑ Open Design Alliance - ODA Members
- ↑ "News - BricsCAD V16 is now available and enhances architectural BIM design, 3D modeling, and usability". bricsys.com. Retrieved 2016-01-27.