Designing and modeling in CAD or 3D software for 3D printing and manufacturing requires a blend of precision, fluidity, and efficiency, along with a strong emphasis on creativity and problem-solving.

Used by design professionals in a variety of fields from aerospace to industrial design, the SpaceMouse® is an ergonomic computer mouse enabling precise, yet fluid control in 3D space, while allowing users to solve challenges creatively, and increase the overall efficiency of their workflow.

Whether these professionals are inspecting models and getting them ready for 3D printing or manufacturing, or developing designs entirely from concept to production, the SpaceMouse enhances user experience through a range of dedicated features that make users’ lives easier – and their workflows not only more efficient, but also more enjoyable. Let’s explore how.

Navigating freely in 3D space

The SpaceMouse has been developed around a 6-Degrees-of-Freedom sensor which enables a completely intuitive and fast control over 3D objects, models, scenes, assemblies. Where the traditional mouse-and-keyboard setup requires multiple steps to manipulate the view—such as switching between pan and rotate or using multiple key presses—the SpaceMouse lets you do all of this with gentle pushes, pulls, and twists of the controller cap. This fluid motion helps minimize interruptions in your thought process and keeps you focused on your design, especially during complex assemblies or detailed part modeling.

Designers describe controlling objects with the help of a SpaceMouse as feeling like they are holding the object in their hands, being able to interact with it like in real life, inspecting it from all angles, understanding and evaluating every aspect of the design faster.

Fast access to software commands

Being able to access software commands directly from the SpaceMouse means that you can speed up your design process by reducing hand movement to the keyboard  and distance traveled with your regular mouse. This way, you can invest the saved time and energy into more creativity, more design iterations until finding the right outcome.

Powered by proprietary software, the SpaceMouse recognizes your software application – and even different environments within it – and offers you a set of preset, software-specific commands mapped to its buttons. With the 3Dconnexion software, you can customize these commands endlessly to match your specific workflow needs, even setting up macros in order to automate repetitive tasks.

Elevating the design experience in Autodesk Fusion

The SpaceMouse allows for smooth, continuous 3D navigation that makes inspecting details far more efficient. Instead of using a traditional mouse, where switching between different view modes can disrupt the workflow, the SpaceMouse allows you to manipulate the model freely in all directions, improving not only speed but also the accuracy of design adjustments inside the different Fusion environments.

Shaping precise projects fluidly in FreeCAD

FreeCAD’s parametric nature means that small adjustments can have ripple effects throughout a design. The precision offered by the SpaceMouse allows users to navigate complex models, zoom in on tiny details, and adjust their perspective effortlessly, reducing the chance of errors and improving overall efficiency across the different workbenches.

Creative 3D modeling in Blender

One of the biggest benefits of using a SpaceMouse in Blender is its ability to allow fluid, precise camera control during modeling, texturing, and even animation. In Blender, where your viewport navigation is crucial to understanding objects and 3D scenes, the SpaceMouse allows you to explore and adjust your work from any angle. You can rotate around objects smoothly, making it easier to spot imperfections or explore new design angles without breaking your flow.

For anyone working in 3D modeling, whether in FreeCAD, Blender, or Autodesk Fusion, or other applications such as Onshape, SOLIDWORKS, Shapr3D, SketchUp and more, the 3Dconnexion SpaceMouse can significantly enhance workflows by providing intuitive, fluid, and precise navigation. Its 6DoF control, customizable buttons, and ergonomic design make it a valuable tool for both professionals and hobbyists in the 3D printing and additive manufacturing space.

The SpaceMouse doesn’t just enhance the user experience; it transforms the way you interact with your models, bringing a new level of control and efficiency to your projects.

To find out more, please visit the 3Dconnexion website.