- DesignSpark is RS’ online community for engineers which offers design tools and resources
- This next phase in the DesignSpark engineering community has been designed to present an increasingly personalised experience for members: RS
RS Group plc, a global omnichannel provider of product and service solutions, recently announced the launch of the next phase of DesignSpark, RS’ fast-growing online community for engineers. Its offerings include design tools like DesignSpark Mechanical and DesignSpark PCB, comprehensive 2D/3D and electronics part libraries, and design resources like tech articles, projects and community forums.
Starting from ‘DesignSpark Explorer’ to ‘DesignSpark Creator’ and finally to ‘DesignSpark Engineer’, three subscription levels for members aim to enable suitable access as per their requirements for design tools and resources.
Calling it the next phase in the lifecycle for their “award-winning suite of design tools and design engineering resources”, VP of Innovation and DesignSpark at RS, Mike Bray said: “RS is continually aiming to enhance and personalise the design experience for engineers and through engagement with the DesignSpark community and extensive research into the needs of its members, we have recognised that one size does not fit all. Therefore, we are looking to bring the right level of resources suitable for the DesignSpark community from students and hobbyists to super makers to professional design engineers in companies of all sizes and industries. And, importantly, we are offering a solution that puts DesignSpark members in control of what and when they use a higher level of capability.”
DesignSpark Explorer
RS believes that DesignSpark Explorer is likely to suit students, makers, and designers by enabling members to retain the same community access and award-winning tools and design resources available today – completely free – enabling them to quickly make the leap from concept to prototype.
It is learnt that in addition to engineering support and public forums within the DesignSpark engineering community, DesignSpark Explorer subscribers will continue to have access to more than 100 million 3D models and 2D symbols for circuit design, and the ability to perform searches on one billion parts, accessing data sheets and part lifecycle status information.
DesignSpark Creator
The company mentioned that for more advanced tools and resources, DesignSpark Creator will offer the same tools and resources available in Explorer, but will also provide an enhanced version of DesignSpark Mechanical. This will include a 3D Mirror tool and detailing tools to annotate parts and create manufacturing drawings, and enhanced part libraries that provide further intelligence on component capabilities and status. In addition, there will be skills and learning videos, tutorials and tips contributed by experts from the DesignSpark community. It is ideal for serious makers, pro-makers and SMEs and is priced at £9.99 per month.
DesignSpark Engineer
Priced at £14.99 per month, DesignSpark Engineer offers the same enhanced features of DesignSpark Mechanical available in DesignSpark Creator and expands significantly on DesignSpark PCB with a new advanced feature set, including the use of blind and buried vias for high-density PCB design, custom pad shapes, differential pair routing for high-speed signals, a panels editor, and hierarchical schematic block capability.
Free Trial Period
RS is also introducing a free trial period from 24 January 2023 until 31 March 2023, to allow all DesignSpark members to try out the ‘Creator’ and ‘Engineer’ subscription options with their more advanced and fully featured versions of the DesignSpark tools, enabling them to assess these additional capabilities. The DesignSpark tools are supported by the DesignSpark software team and by the online DesignSpark engineering community.
UK-based RS Group plc is a leading global omnichannel industrial product and service solutions provider to industrial equipment designers and builders. With operations in 32 countries, the 1937-born company claims to stock over 700,000 industrial and electronic products, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers.
