Punch!® Software Releases Punch!CAD™ SharkCAD® & ViaCAD® 15

NOVATO, Calif., December 10, 2024 – Punch!^® Software, a leading software developer of Home Design and CAD titles for over 25 years, today announced the release of new Windows and Mac versions of the SharkCAD^® 15 and ViaCAD^® 15 family of products.

This latest release encompasses a range of variants for the Windows and Macintosh platform: SharkCAD^® Pro, SharkCAD^®, ViaCAD^® Pro, ViaCAD^® 2D/3D, and ViaCAD^® 2D.

Punch!CAD™ products continue to provide innovative tools for mechanical, 3D printing, hobbyist, makers, and architectural design communities.

SharkCAD^® & ViaCAD^® 15 come with more than 100 new features and improvements.

AI-Powered Copilot Technology

The Punch!CAD™ Copilot feature introduces an AI-driven companion engineered to elevate the design journey. It serves four primary purposes:

1. Responding to help related queries how to use the software.
2. Delivering data-driven insights about CAD files.
3. Utilizing an extensive AI knowledge base for a wide range of questions.
4. Using Text to Image AI to create textures and backgrounds for photo rendering.

This integrated AI tool streamlines navigation, expedites the project's progress, and enhances design endeavors with insightful analysis.

Punch!CAD™ Copilot is available in two tiers: Copilot Help is included with all SharkCAD^® and ViaCAD^® variants as a complimentary 1-year subscription, while Punch!CAD™ Copilot Professional is available for purchase as a 1-year subscription.

Punch!CAD™ Copilot Professional includes “Talk to your CAD Data”, general AI access, and Text to Image. Punch!CAD™ Copilot Professional is adept at handling diverse multilingual requests, from guiding through the initial steps of using SharkCAD^® and ViaCAD^® to sharing intriguing details about a file or providing insights on design trends and principles.

“The release of Punch!CAD™ SharkCAD^® & ViaCAD^® 15 marks a pivotal step in enhancing the connection between designers, their tools, and their data. With the AI-powered Copilot, we’re introducing an entirely new way for users to both learn and engage with their design data more intuitively. By integrating intelligent assistance directly into the design process, we're not only simplifying complex tasks but also offering deep insights that empower creativity and innovation. Punch!CAD™ products are all about creating a responsive design environment that anticipates user needs, supports learning, and amplifies design capabilities,” states Tim Olson, Vice President of IMSI Design.

"We are dedicated to consistently improving our software to address the ever-changing requirements of our users. Punch!^® Software remains committed to delivering innovative solutions. The latest updates to Punch!CAD™ SharkCAD^® & ViaCAD^® bring a suite of powerful new features designed to improve workflow efficiency, precision, and customization. From the new Layer Sets and Fastener Library to advanced tools like Shear Transform and Verify Clearance, we are providing our users with the robust functionality they need to excel in their projects. The integration of features such as the Symbol Manager preview options and the ability to convert text to ACIS surfaces further underscores our dedication to offering versatile and innovative solutions. These enhancements ensure that designers and engineers have the best tools at their fingertips to bring their creative visions to life with unparalleled accuracy and ease," says Rita Buschmann, Senior Product Manager, CAD and Home Design. 

Precision Tools and Enhanced Modeling Capabilities

SharkCAD^® & ViaCAD^® 15 include numerous new and improved features to enhance precision and efficiency:

• Split at Discontinuity: Intelligently splits curves at points of discontinuity to ensure smooth modeling operations.
• Blend Version Control: Revert to previous blend settings for more control over design processes.
• Convert Text to Surface: Easily transform text into ACIS surface faces, expanding creative possibilities.
• Shear Transform: Apply shear transformations to curves, surfaces, and solids with precision.
• Verify Clearance: Accurately calculate the spatial clearance between solids for perfect component fits.

Note: Features vary by product. For more information, please visit www.punchcad.com or call Punch!^® Software at +1 800-334-0457.

Advanced Layer Management

New to SharkCAD^® & ViaCAD^® 15, Layer Sets allow for seamless management of layers, view orientations, and zoom levels, enhancing project transitions.

Fastener Library

The Fastener Library, now integrated within the Symbol tab, simplifies the insertion of ANSI-standard nuts, bolts, and washers into designs.

Revamped In-App Help and User-Friendly Enhancements

The in-app help system has been significantly updated. Clicking on a tool now displays associated help context in a dedicated help palette. The new startup screen and default-enabled Gripper enhance accessibility and user-friendliness, streamlining the design process.

Availability and Pricing

SharkCAD^® & ViaCAD^® 15 are now available, offering a diverse array of design tools to meet the needs of various users and budgets. Our product lineup includes:

• SharkCAD^® Pro - Built with engineering and design professionals in mind: $1599.99
• SharkCAD^® - Made for expert users:  $1049.99
• ViaCAD^® Pro - Our premier ViaCAD^® package: $549.99
• ViaCAD^® 2D/3D - Provides a comprehensive toolkit for a multitude of design projects: $229.99
• ViaCAD^® 2D - Dedicated to 2D design, this is an ideal choice for those starting out: $99.99

For those seeking a more dynamic design experience, Punch!CAD™ Copilot Professional is offered as a plug-in with a 1-year-subscription for $199.99.

Additionally, our Training and PowerPack bundles are specially designed to complement and expand capabilities when working with SharkCAD^® & ViaCAD^® 15.

For more information, a product comparison, to view videos showcasing the product’s features, to download a 15-day trial, or to upgrade online, please visit www.punchcad.com or call Punch!^® Software at +1 800-334-0457.

About Punch!^® Software

Punch!^® Software is renowned for its industry-leading home design, landscape design, architectural, and mechanical CAD software available for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. Our flagship products, including Punch!^® Home & Landscape Design, Punch!CAD™ ViaCAD^®, and Punch!CAD™ SharkCAD^®, are designed to deliver exceptional speed and a user-friendly interface, making them ideal for both business and personal use.

Contact: 

Punch!^® Software  

+1 800-334-0457 

[email protected]

^© 2024 Punch!^® Software. All rights reserved. ViaCAD^® and SharkCAD^® are registered trademarks of Punch!CAD™. All other identifiable marks are the property of their respective owners.