Alibre Analysis
What is Alibre?
Affordable 3D CAD/CAM software with full engineering features
Location
Lima, Lima, Peru
Employees
1-10
Founded
2006
Deployment Type
On-premises
Target Company Size
Medium
Product Features & Capabilities
- Alibre Design Expert for engineering design
- Alibre Atom3D for hobby projects
- Alibre Workshop for home shop CAM
- EZ-CAM for milling and turning
- Alibre PDM for data management
- 3D relief software
- Nomad 3 and Shapeoko 5 Pro CNC machines
Pricing
Alibre offers a pricing model that includes both one-time fees and subscription options. The one-time payment for Alibre Design Pro is $999, with an option to pay over 10 months. Alibre Design Professional is available for a one-time fee of $1,349, while Alibre Design Expert costs $2,464 as a one-time payment. Additionally, there is a yearly subscription option available for $300 to $400, depending on the specific software package.
Investment Focus
Machinery
Other Considerations
Trusted by Sandia, Nikon, NASA, Zeiss, Fujitsu; Capterra top-rated 3D CAD software; 877-7-ALIBRE customer support; Free trial available; Supports 2D and 3D file import/export from SolidWorks, Inventor, ProE, CATIA, NX, Rhino, DWG, DXF, SVG; Version 28.1 includes freeform variable radius fillets and 3D modeled threads
Customer Support Options
- Phone Support - Users can contact Alibre customer support at **877-725-4273**.
- Email Support - Users can reach out via email at **hello@alibre.com**.
- Live Chat - There is a live chat option available on their website, accessible by clicking the blue chat button at the bottom right of the page.
- Support Ticket System - Users can submit support tickets through their support portal for more specific issues.
- User Forum - Free support is also available through the user forum for Alibre Atom3D and Workshop users. For more detailed information, users can visit the [Contact Alibre](https://www.alibre.com/contact-us/) page and the [Support Ticket Entry](https://support.alibre.com/s/) page.
Integrations
Alibre software offers notable integration capabilities with various tools and platforms, including seamless interoperability with multiple CAD systems. It supports a wide range of import formats such as Solidworks, Inventor, ProE/CREO, Catia, Solidedge, NX, Rhino, and export formats like STEP, SAT, IGES, STL, OBJ, and more. This extensive compatibility enhances collaboration and data exchange, allowing users to work with different CAD systems effectively. Additionally, Alibre provides an API for further integration and automation, facilitating custom workflows and tool interactions.
User Reviews
- User-Friendly Interface - Many users appreciate the intuitive design and ease of use, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced CAD users. One reviewer noted that they successfully taught a CAD class using Alibre, indicating its suitability for educational purposes.
- Affordable Pricing - Users frequently mention the competitive pricing of Alibre Design compared to other CAD software, making it a cost-effective choice for small businesses and hobbyists.
- Robust Features - Reviewers commend the software for its powerful features, including parametric modeling, assembly design, and the ability to quickly produce 3D printer files. The software is noted for its flexibility in handling both simple and complex designs.
- Excellent Support and Resources - Users have highlighted the availability of online tutorials and customer support, which help in overcoming learning curves and troubleshooting issues. **Cons:**
- Limited Advanced Features - Some users feel that while Alibre Design is great for basic to intermediate tasks, it may lack some advanced features found in more expensive CAD software, which could be a drawback for professional engineers.
- Performance Issues - A few reviews mention occasional performance lags, especially when handling very large files or complex assemblies.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Functions - While the basic functions are user-friendly, some users noted that mastering the more advanced features can take time and may require additional training.
