Time-saving features abound in new CAD release. (CAD).

New Version 7 of CAD/CAM software from VX Corp., Palm Bay, Fla., features numerous enhancements, including easier and faster surfacing and assembly modeling, more translation and healing options, and new tools for optimizing package or mold design.

Mold design has been advanced with a new one-step utility that creates multiple holes and counter-bore holes at the ends of cooling channels with a few keystrokes. Threads can be added as needed. A new Compare Components function minimizes the need to create entirely new molds for common or similar components by providing a summary display of common features and differences.

Users reportedly can create packaging designs quickly and easily with the new Design Optimizer tool. Users enter up to six variables or constraints that the program uses to automatically generate a package design.

New surfacing tools allow part surfaces to be deformed to a new shape by pulling any point on the face in any direction. A new Remove Faces/Fillets icon quickly fills in gaps created when extending, intersecting, or trimming surrounding faces. A new extension function automatically extends curves to a boundary.

Data-translation and healing capability now supports 3D DWG/DXF entities and export of VX STEP files to SolidWorks and Unigraphics formats. The new software also can repair seams along mating surfaces in an exported STL file. Tel: [phone], www.vx.com