Alibre ( was Re: Which is the best Cad-Cam Software?

Hi Bob,

I think that a new program is on topic.

post the specs, does it do CAD ? CAM ? file conversions ?
what if offers that might make it interesting.

and don't forget to add it to the CCED database of programs.


Dave

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Robert Campbell" <bob@c...> wrote:
> Kirk,
>
> I have just started selling Alibre Design www.alibre.com . Alibre
Design is
> a very nice 3D modeling program for a very low price.
>
> Contact me off line and I will give you more details.
>
> Bob Campbell
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "caudlet" <tom@t...>
> To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y...>
> Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2002 3:19 PM
> Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Which is the best Cad-Cam Software?
>
>
> > > What are the software rankings by name, price, function, and
ease
> > of use? Or if nobody has a list, then what works with 3D solid
> > models, is easy to learn & use, and is affordable?
> > >
> > > Thanks,
> > > Kirk Fraser
> > Kirk: This is probably not what you want to hear but IMHO there
is
> > no best CAD-CAM software. There are many products out there, but
> > many subjective things go into the word "best". What do you want
for
> > your use? Do you want full 3 axis modeling and control? Do you
want
> > to be able to draw, run a simulation, then hit a key and have the
> > machine make the cuts. Do you want everything to run in Windows?
> > Based on the reference to Cimigraf I assume you want to do more
> > artistic cuts than hardcore machining. The kind of software to
> > develop those kinds of cuts is often different than regular
machining
> > software. Once again you have to decide what you want to do with
> > your machine. If price is an issue (isn't it always) then the
field
> > starts to narrow quickly. There are some good low cost CAD
programs
> > that will let you do 3D modeling. There are some good conversion
> > programs that will take standard 3D file formats and build 3 axis
> > Gcode files. There are some good GCode to machine interface
programs
> > that will run your MAXNC machine. To save money you may have to
use
> > a combination of the three types of programs you need to cut an
> > object.
> >
> >
> > The learning curve on most of the packages is pretty steep. You
> > mentioned Mastercam. I tried for several days to learn
Mastercam. I
> > was frustrated by their quasi-Windows product that has the worst
> > implementation of Windows standard look and feel as I have ever
seen.
> > You have to factor in that I spend most of my waking hours in
from of
> > some version of Windows and standard Windows Applications
> > (Word,Corel,Excel,Access, VB, etc). Does that mean their software
> > was bad?...no just bad for me.
> >
> > I once made the mistake of reviewing several CAD-CAM programs and
> > submitted it to the list. It started a brew-ha-ha that went on
for
> > days. I downplayed the value of DOS and focused on Windows
> > applications. I've lived through 6 versions of DOS and I have
moved
> > on. That approach drew screams of protest and started a whole new
> > thread of political discontent. What I learned from that is
everyone
> > must choose for themselves. There are almost as many opinions on
> > what is the best software as what is the best color to go with
Mauve!
> >
> > If you want to contact me off list I will be glad to give you MY
> > opinions as to what I found as best for ME.
> >
> > Start out by trying out several of the packages that provide a
full
> > featured demo you can download. No doubt others can give you the
> > names of several to try. What I did find was that after using my
> > machine for a while my needs were better defined (I figured out
what
> > I wanted to make with my machine).
> >
> > One good thing about this list is that there are no shortage of
> > suggestions. Sometimes you may ask "what time is it" and you get
a
> > lesson on how to build a watch, but at least there are plenty of
> > responses!
> >
> > This is a GREAT hobby.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > Addresses:
> > FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html
> > FILES: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO/files/
> >
> > OFF Topic POSTS: General Machining
> > If you wish to post on unlimited OT subjects goto:
> aol://5863:126/rec.crafts.metalworking or go thru Google.com to
reach it if
> you have trouble.
> > http://www.metalworking.com/news_servers.html
> >
> > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jobshophomeshop I consider this
as a
> sister site to the CCED group, as many of the same members are
there, for OT
> subjects, that are not allowed on the CCED list.
> >
> > NOTICE: ALL POSTINGS TO THIS GROUP BECOME PUBLIC DOMAIN BY
POSTING THEM.
> DON'T POST IF YOU CAN NOT ACCEPT THIS.....NO EXCEPTIONS........
> >
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> > List Mom
> > List Owner
> >
> >
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> >