Just thought I'd share this in case anyone is interested - Alibre is currently offering Alibre Design Standard for $99, down from it's usual price of $999! It's a commercial product, so not free or open source (although there is a free version with a limit on parts per assembly), but I've been using the free version for about a year and have found it a pretty handy 3D CAD tool. I use SolidEdge at work, but use Alibre at home and have found it to have most of the functionality and ease of use for general modelling, although I have frequently run into the part limit when trying to build up an assembly. I think the offer runs for another couple of weeks, so if anyone is interested you'll need to act fast. For those in the UK like me, there is a UK reseller offering it but at the usual Brit-tax rate of £99 + VAT, however I was able to buy directly through the Alibre website for $99, saving me over £40. It does export stl files, so I'm hoping it will come in handy for reprapping when I finally get my extruder working. https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,27084#msg-27084 Tue, 13 Oct 2026 18:04:02 -0400 Phorum 5.2.23 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,46554#msg-46554 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,46554#msg-46554
The 3D modeler part of Alibre was decent. Intuitive and fast.

The 2D drafting part was less cooperative and the whole application hung after a few minutes.

So as long as you want to use it for making models, I suppose $99 is good value. If you intend to produce paper drawings though, I'm less convinced.]]> Michail 3D Design tools Thu, 27 May 2010 10:51:11 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,39091#msg-39091 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,39091#msg-39091 limited Xpress-edition but staying at pro-level after 30 days by simply setting your computer´s clock.

Who would have though that in this price-range and with online verification
of the license-key they don´t check the date with the servers.]]> MarcusWolschon 3D Design tools Fri, 12 Mar 2010 14:46:55 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,37397#msg-37397 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,37397#msg-37397 forum.alibre.com]

I´m currently trying it.
It hangs on a medium complexity model in importing the step-file (1.6MB)
and on importing a trivial model (56 faces) nothing imported.
So... your milage may vary. I´ll still go on and write my own STP import.]]> MarcusWolschon 3D Design tools Fri, 26 Feb 2010 08:55:45 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36540#msg-36540 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36540#msg-36540 > > Again, if the boolean operation was 'wrong'
> more
> > than likely, your model was inside out.
>
> THIS IS A KNOWN BUG.
> I´m not the only one experiencing it and
> there is no way you can reliably make a union
> instead of an intersection,... with wrong
> normals.
> (And I guess the normals of 2 freshly created
> cubes
> are very likely to be correct.)

Fair enough. I've never encountered this bug then; whenever I've done boolean operations, they worked as I would expect, or could be made to work as I expect by renormalizing the meshes. I have seen pixel and corner glitches, which is why I usually avoid boolean operations; prefering instead to model using extrusion and mesh techniques rather than CSG techniques.]]> BeagleFury 3D Design tools Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:49:58 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36539#msg-36539 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36539#msg-36539 -------------------------------------------------------
> Again, if the boolean operation was 'wrong' more
> than likely, your model was inside out.


THIS IS A KNOWN BUG.
I´m not the only one experiencing it and
there is no way you can reliably make a union
instead of an intersection,... with wrong normals.
(And I guess the normals of 2 freshly created cubes
are very likely to be correct.)]]> MarcusWolschon 3D Design tools Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:43:18 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36538#msg-36538 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36538#msg-36538
To get it correct, you have to edit the mesh, select everything, then press CTRL-N (or space -> edit -> normals -> recalculate outside); this should correct the problem you were seeing with boolean operations "not working".]]> BeagleFury 3D Design tools Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:33:09 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36536#msg-36536 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36536#msg-36536 > You need to make sure you have your normals
> correct (It could be that your models were inside
> out), and also, make sure you select the objects
> in the correct order (if doing difference), before
> you can use the boolean operations.

It´s not that the boolean operations are buggy
and fragile. It´s the point that it was not even
doing the correct operation but a completely
different one that got me upset.

> Also, the boolean operations have bugs and are
> slow for anything other than trivial models.
> Typically, I create the entire structure, save,
> then proceed to performing the boolean operations
> one at a time, when there aren't more conventional
> means to create the structure (Extrusion and/or
> mesh based modeling works better and faster if you
> use Blender.)

I was subtracting existing (slightly sized) parts to create matching holes
for them and adding the existing RepMan-tool-holder to the new tool.

The most complicated thing I tried to do in blender was the
cryptex. The boolean worked about 1/3 or the time but I had to make
sure to use trial and error to find what operation to click to get
it to do the one I wanted because clicking the correct label gives you
the wrong operation.]]> MarcusWolschon 3D Design tools Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:24:11 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36535#msg-36535 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36535#msg-36535 -------------------------------------------------------
> I gave blender a chance.
> Multiple times.
> But when I saw that the stable, release-version in
> every debian and ubuntu
> does intersection when asked to do union, union
> when asked to do subtraction
> and a very broken subtraction when asked to do
> intersection I was gone.

You need to make sure you have your normals correct (It could be that your models were inside out), and also, make sure you select the objects in the correct order (if doing difference), before you can use the boolean operations.

Also, the boolean operations have bugs and are slow for anything other than trivial models. Typically, I create the entire structure, save, then proceed to performing the boolean operations one at a time, when there aren't more conventional means to create the structure (Extrusion and/or mesh based modeling works better and faster if you use Blender.)]]> BeagleFury 3D Design tools Thu, 18 Feb 2010 10:06:57 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36532#msg-36532 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36532#msg-36532 Multiple times.
But when I saw that the stable, release-version in every debian and ubuntu
does intersection when asked to do union, union when asked to do subtraction
and a very broken subtraction when asked to do intersection I was gone.
It does have these nice loop-subdivisions but they stop working the moment your
object is no longer convex.]]> MarcusWolschon 3D Design tools Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:38:42 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36402#msg-36402 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36402#msg-36402 -------------------------------------------------------
> To be honest are there any CAD packages that can
> import, and then manipulate and edit STL files
> easily?

Blender works for me.. It's not designed for CAD but it's so flexible that it's been doing everything I need. rab3d.com's precision modelling tutorial has been priceless. Here's an animation of something I'm designing with blender, and here are some renders of imported STL objects that are perfect 1:1 scale when printed at 600dpi also made with blender. Apparently there's a caliper script for adding measurements to the renders but I haven't played with it yet.]]> Triffid_Hunter 3D Design tools Wed, 17 Feb 2010 04:33:08 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36365#msg-36365 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,36365#msg-36365 -------------------------------------------------------
> To be honest are there any CAD packages that can
> import, and then manipulate and edit STL files
> easily? ive been looking for some months now and
> havnt found one.Alibre has the largerest file
> import solution i found, and although the STL it
> exports are not Binery, they can be opened in
> Meshlab, and then re-saved as a binary STL, i
> found this works quite well.
> i am currently working through the Tutorials and
> so far am liking it.

The best for that specific purpose is TurboCAD Pro, versions from V10 onwards. The picture shows a Mendel frame vertex, solid to the foreground.
Select the imported stl, right-click properties, in the 3D category move the check from surface to solid. As the pic shows, it consolidates the stl mesh facets into one face when they're coplanar. Once that's done, the part will accept shelling, blending/chamfering, face deformation and in the later versions bending and unfolding, if, as in Alibre, the geometry's suitable. They use the same kernel, but TC isn't parametric. The part can then be re-saved as .stl. TC handles both ASCII and binary stls. New versions are pricey, but older ones are more reasonable on ebay. Make sure it's Pro, not Deluxe.

PunchCAD's ViaCAD and Shark will also stitch stls into solids, ASCII and binary.

I own each of them, and Alibre, so if you've got file exchange issues, I can likely solve them. Blender, AoI and other free CADs can usually interface through .obj. email me at makdickinson AT goconnect DOT net.

Best thing I've seen recently is AutoDesSys's Bonzai 3D. Check out the features on their site. It makes me salivate watching the videos. It's a direct modeler, not parametric, but its SO fluid.

Murray]]> murd 3D Design tools Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:09:59 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,35997#msg-35997 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,35997#msg-35997 -------------------------------------------------------
> oh nuts...lol, Free is definatly better than the
> £99 i paid..lol


My mistake.
The free version is the limited "Xpress" version.
you download the 30 day trial all it becomes xpress
after the tim is up.
Quite a few limitations of cause. I do not know if
it can still export STL in the xpress-version.
Can anyone check that fact?]]> MarcusWolschon 3D Design tools Sat, 13 Feb 2010 04:44:06 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,35245#msg-35245 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,35245#msg-35245 sweaving 3D Design tools Sat, 06 Feb 2010 07:57:09 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,35202#msg-35202 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,35202#msg-35202 http://download.cnet.com/Alibre-Design-Xpress/3000-6677_4-10424841.html

Why pay $99 if for us last version is all we will ever need.

Here is the press release.

(Sorry, the Xpress-version of V12 is also free and limited in the same way.
The $95/97eur-version is not xpress but standard)

PS:
I just played through the first tutorial and this tool is GREAT.]]> MarcusWolschon 3D Design tools Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:00:44 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,35169#msg-35169 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,35169#msg-35169 sweaving 3D Design tools Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:35:09 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34815#msg-34815 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34815#msg-34815 unfold 3D Design tools Wed, 03 Feb 2010 02:34:43 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34786#msg-34786 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34786#msg-34786 Forrest Higgs 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:53:50 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34780#msg-34780 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34780#msg-34780
Using Meshlab I can convert STL to DXF files. I did this with one of my good STL files and then opened the resulting DXF file in Voloview Express. All of the information is there still. I think I am going to buy a copy of Alibre now that I have a workable, if a bit awkward path from STL to Alibre and back.]]> Forrest Higgs 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 13:24:53 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34764#msg-34764 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34764#msg-34764 sweaving 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:08:29 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34762#msg-34762 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34762#msg-34762 sweaving 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:03:57 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34759#msg-34759 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34759#msg-34759
For easy design/redesign or manipulating of 3D-objects you can use MeshLab or MeshMixer/ShapeShop ...

Viktor]]> VDX 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:51:35 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34757#msg-34757 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34757#msg-34757 i am currently working through the Tutorials and so far am liking it.]]> sweaving 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 10:37:23 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34752#msg-34752 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34752#msg-34752
... try converting/optimizing with MeshLab ...

Viktor]]> VDX 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:50:26 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34750#msg-34750 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34750#msg-34750 > while you
> can export STLs, you can't import them.

That´s indeed a huge disadvantage, considering
STL is #1 file-format we are working with. :(

Any filters that can convert STL lossless into
a format it can import?]]> MarcusWolschon 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:37:19 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34746#msg-34746 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34746#msg-34746 Forrest Higgs 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 09:13:06 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34745#msg-34745 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34745#msg-34745 Let´s see if this tool is for me. ;)]]> MarcusWolschon 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:54:48 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34735#msg-34735 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,34735#msg-34735 sweaving 3D Design tools Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:07:56 -0500 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,27878#msg-27878 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,27878#msg-27878 $99 sounds like a good deal for this CAD software.]]> kunio2012 3D Design tools Thu, 24 Sep 2009 06:46:44 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,27518#msg-27518 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,27518#msg-27518 mkt.alibre.com]]]> MattD 3D Design tools Sun, 13 Sep 2009 16:47:58 -0400 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,27488#msg-27488 https://reprap.org/forum/read.php?80,27084,27488#msg-27488 sam0737 3D Design tools Sun, 13 Sep 2009 00:01:03 -0400