There’s an inexpensive option for 3D CAD you may not have heard of: Alibre Atom3D.
I first saw Alibre in action over a dozen years ago, when a friend was using it to design a machine involving multiple parts. The machine was successful, and the friend’s project succeeded.
Why had he used Alibre? At the time it was one of the least expensive options that provided CAD functions suitable for creating machines with moving parts, and it was very inexpensive.
Alibre was becoming popular at the time as the alternatives were hugely expensive tools like SOLIDWORKS, or prehistoric versions of Blender that didn’t really play well for 3D print modeling.
The tool was so popular that it was actually acquired by 3D Systems in 2011. At the time, 3D Systems was in acquisition mode, scooping up dozens of 3D-related companies. Alibre was one of them. 3D Systems also acquired GeoMagic, and eventually folded the two together.
However, like many acquired companies, the product languished under the 3D Systems umbrella, as corporate attention was elsewhere. The software remained within 3D Systems for years, and that really blunted the growth of the software.
Eventually in 2017 ex-Alibre staff formed a new company and acquired the software from 3D Systems, which then had reversed their acquisition strategy.
Since then the software has been continuing to be developed, but has fallen under the radar for a variety of reasons. Recently it’s come to my attention once again and I took a look at what they’re offering to 3D printer operators.
Today the company offers Alibre Design Pro and Alibre Design Expert, powerful SOLIDWORKS-like tools for professional CAD design. They also offer Alibre Atom3D, targeted at hobbyists and personal use, which could be of great interest to readers.
Atom3D provides all the basics for mechanical design for 3D printing, including 3D modeling, motion testing, 3D file export, etc. It has a simplified interface that many will find familiar.
Why use this tool over free alternatives? One reason is that it is specifically designed for 3D print mechanical design, as opposed to some alternatives like Blender.
Why use this tool over SOLIDWORKS, Fusion 360, etc.? The answer would be cost.
Some professional tools are very costly, and others are offered by endless subscriptions, Alibre Atom3D is offered as a perpetual license for a one-time charge.
Alibre Atom3D is available at a cost of US$199 only. That’s far less than SOLIDWORKS or Fusion 360, and much less than Rhino3D or ZBrush. In fact, that perpetual license is a months of a Fusion 360 subscription.
Note, however, that Fusion 360 is offered at no charge to qualified users for non-commercial use, with some other limitations and restrictions. For some that might be ok, but if not, then Alibre Atom3D might fit your needs.
Is there a catch? There is a US$50/year subscription to catch any updates to the Atom3D software. Still, this is inexpensive compared to many alternatives.
One other catch is that Alibre Atom3D is offered only for the Windows platform. If you’re using a Mac or Linux you must use different tools.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive yet powerful CAD tool for a Windows platform, Alibre Atom3D might be for you.
Via Alibre
