What is Reddit's opinion of
Alibre?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
8 reviews of this app found across Reddit:
Alibre is decent software at around 200 for a stripped down version. It lacks some of the polish and shine of Soldworks or Inventor, but the core functionality is there. I'm not a huge fan of some aspects of it, but the cost makes it impossible to ignore. If you don't already have training and expectations based on other software it'll feel perfectly fine.
I have no experience with it's CAM or FEA integration.
I know this is getting off-topic, but, FWIW, Alibre looks like a decent, cheap 3D modeler. (And I say that as someone who's used several of the "majors" in doing FEA work.) I think it was $100, but I couldn't bring myself to part with that for one project (which was just a desk).
HAH Figured it out. So it is Alibre. Come to find out, they got bought by 3DSystems and don't offer that trial anymore, however, if you could find a older copy of it somewhere, I believe its a free license.
Edit: So there is a Download Page Link on this page. But it takes you to a 404 Error.
If you are looking at the Cube Invent software, I would just get Alibre Design Personal instead. The Cube software is just a stripped down version of Alibre Design.
The only free software that I've found useable is Autodesk 123D, but it is fairly limited. Inventor Fusion is free right now (technology preview) Fusion
Alibre has some very affordable options like Alibre Design PE, but I have not tried it (I've read some good things though.
Don't make a decision before looking at DraftSight FTA - DraftSight is a professional-grade, open 2D CAD product for users who want a better way to create, edit and view DWG files. DraftSight is easy to use and is available for professional CAD users, students and educators to download and activate for free.*
EDIT: I am a long time Industrial machenery design/drafter and used only AutoCad until 1996 when I began drafting in 3D modeling. Draftsight is a great alternative. If you really NEED 3D, go to Alibre Free software trial
Sorry, I meant the Alibre Design Xpress. They had changed names and pricing since the last time I bought something from them a few years ago. Here's a link: http://www.alibre.com/promos/online/easy3DCAD_c.asp
It seems that they've had some success in their partnership with 3D Systems, since they've got some much higher end packages available than I remember from the last time I checked in.
I have bootlegged solid works in the past and use it for engineering school, but I worked as a model maker for a small company one summer and they used a program called Alibre. I think a legit license in around 200 bucks. It is very similar to solid works in almost every aspect, and does a lot of the same stuff.
From my understanding it is put out by 3d systems, a huge company in the 3d printing scene, so I am sure they have got some printing add-ons, but that's just speculation.