The rendering speed you need
KeyShot for Solid Edge allows you to increase the quality of your design images, animations and interactive visuals. This integration allows KeyShot to be launched directly from the Solid Edge interface, automatically sending both the design and all the assigned material appearances to KeyShot. Additionally, the KeyShot for Solid Edge implements LiveLinkingTM which allows you to push any changes in the Solid Edge design directly back into KeyShot without losing any of the material assignments, animations, lighting or camera settings.
How it works
KeyShot for Solid Edge adds a menu to the Solid Edge interface. Within Solid Edge, you can work on your design, transfer the geometry to KeyShot at any time throughout the process. With LiveLinking support, any changes made in Solid Edge can be transferred to KeyShot instantly.
Initial transfer
After the plugin is installed and your model is open in Solid Edge, select Export to KeyShot from the KeyShot menu. Your exported scene will appear in KeyShot.
LiveLinking
As soon KeyShot is started from Solid Edge through the Export to KeyShot option, the two applications are linked. You may assigns materials, set up animations or set up lighting and camera angles inside KeyShot. In Solid Edge, you may continue to refine your model. When you are satisfied with the changes, select Update KeyShot from the KeyShot menu. All updated parts (geometry/location) will be replaced inside KeyShot with all materials, animations, etc. also maintained. Note: New parts will be added to the scene and may not automatically get painted.
KeyShot for Solid Edge
KeyShot for Solid Edge is a bundled product option available for Classic and Premium versions of Solid Edge. Contact your Solid Edge reseller to learn more.
Can I upgrade to KeyShot Pro?
An upgrade from KeyShot for Solid Edge to KeyShot Pro is available. Purchase here or contact Luxion at [email protected].
Features
- Maintain color assignments on the part and assembly level
- Maintain assembly structure
- Transfer saved camera views
- LiveLinking – update model inside KeyShot
- Export to bip without KeyShot installed
Requirements
- Solid Edge ST8 and up
- KeyShot for Solid Edge (bundled)
- Windows 7/8/10 32/64-bit
Support
Once your plugin is installed, your focal point for plugin support is the Global Technical Access Center (GTAC) through telephone and electronic access.
GTAC electronic support is available 24 x 7 at siemens.com/gtac. GTAC telephone support is available M – F from 5:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time in the US and Canada, and during normal business hours internationally +1 (800) 955-0000, Option 2-2-1.
KeyShot for Solid Edge FAQ
What is KeyShot?
KeyShot is an interactive ray tracing and global illumination rendering program developed by Luxion for both PC and Mac that breaks down the complexity of creating photographic images from 3D models.
What is Solid Edge?
Solid Edge is a 3D parametric feature solid modeling software for PC that includes solid modeling, surface modeling and the option of creating geometry in both ordered and direct modeling modes.
How is KeyShot integrated with Solid Edge?
KeyShot is integrated with Solid Edge in two different ways: via a plugin with LiveLinking that pushes the geometry directly from Solid Edge into KeyShot, and via direct, native import on both PC and Mac.
The KeyShot plugin for Solid Edge
The plugin which is free of charge is a small software application that can be downloaded from the KeyShot website at www.keyshot.com/plugins. Upon install, this plugin will connect Solid Edge and KeyShot which remain two separate applications in a linked sessions. The two functions of this plugin include the ability to render the existing part of assembly in the scene, and allows the user to update the geometry inside KeyShot when a change is made to the Solid Edge design. All material assignments, animations, cameras, lighting etc. will be maintained inside of KeyShot.
Direct import
KeyShot will import Solid Edge files directly into KeyShot through the Open…/Import… dialog. Simply select File, Open… or Import…, select your Solid Edge part or assembly. and Open. KeyShot will import the Solid Edge data maintaining all model hierarchy and material settings.
What is LiveLinking and how does it work?
LiveLinking between KeyShot and Solid Edge is available via a free plugin. The plugin allows you to maintain a link between the model in Solid Edge and the model in KeyShot. When an update is made to the model in Solid Edge, a single button transfers the updates to KeyShot without the need to reapply any materials or any other settings. LiveLinking only works when both applications are open, and the respective model and scene are loaded. Even if you come back to your design weeks later, KeyShot will automatically recognize the live Solid Edge connection and establish the connection.
Does KeyShot need to be installed for me to use the Solid Edge integration?
Yes and no. If you don’t have KeyShot installed, you will be able to export your Solid Edge model to KeyShot’s proprietary file format. You can then open this file in KeyShot on any other machine.
Will all the materials I apply in Solid Edge transfer over to KeyShot?
The plugin will maintain the color and any textures and labels that have been assigned to the model inside Solid Edge. Once the geometry is transferred to KeyShot, the material information will applied to a default material. You can then change this default material to use one of KeyShot’s scientifically accurate materials. KeyShot also includes patent-pending technology that allows you to create a template of materials that you most often use in your designs. After import of your design, you can then apply a stored templated and with this automatically apply the corresponding KeyShot materials to the entire model.
Is there an example available to show my co-workers/boss/everyone how it works?
An example of how the integration works can be seen here need link. In order for you to try the integration yourself, download the KeyShot trial version from www.keyshot.com/try, along with the plugin – www.keyshot.com/plugins.
How can I create animations or interactive visuals of my Solid Edge model?
Animations can be created of your Solid Edge model by transferring the model into KeyShot and using the KeyShot animation add-on to create animations in real time as you update your materials and camera views. Additionally, interactive visuals can be created with the KeyShotVR add-on, allowing you to view and embed interactive 3D views of your model on browsers and touch-enabled devices.
Can I transfer my animations from Solid Edge to KeyShot and render them?
This is currently not possible. This capability will be available with the release of Solid Edge ST7.
About Luxion
Luxion Inc. specializes in advancing state of the art technology for computer based lighting simulations. They are a leading developer of advanced 3D rendering, animation and lighting technology with expert knowledge in areas related to daylighting (atmospheric scattering), light scattering by materials (BRDF and BSSRDF models), light transport algorithms such as photon mapping, and realtime rendering technology.
About KeyShot
KeyShot is widely recognized as the best rendering software, the easiest and most powerful when it comes selling a concept, creating internal presentations, exploring digital prototyping, and creating sales or marketing images – all from your 3D data. With drag and and drop ease of use, real world lighting and scientifically accurate materials, create product visuals faster than ever before.