The software company Askon, with a history of developing CAD systems since 1989, has recently introduced an open beta testing phase for their KOMPAS-3D computer-aided design system on the Linux platform. This product is designed for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional design of parts, mechanisms, and structures used in mechanical engineering, instrument making, and construction industries. It supports parametric modeling and various design modes such as object, sheet, surface, and solid.
Initially released exclusively for Windows, the product had been adapted to run on Linux through the compatibility layer Wine. The new version available for testing now offers native support for Linux, without the need for additional layers, specifically developed and compiled for the Linux environment. The testing phase, scheduled to continue until November 30, includes the KOMPAS-3D and KOMPAS-Graph 24 products, featuring essential CAD tools along with applications like “Cutting”, “Dimensional chains”, “3D model recognition”, and “Catalogue: Couplings”.
Installation packages in DEB and RPM formats have been prepared for popular distributions like Viola Workstation 11.0, Viola Workstation K 11.0, Astra Linux SE 1.8, and RED OS 8.0. The software is declared compatible with the GNOME, Fly, KDE, and Mate desktop environments. While functionality in other distributions and graphical environments is not restricted, official support and testing are only provided for the mentioned distributions. Users must register to download the packages, and participants in the testing phase will receive a complimentary temporary license valid for 60 days.