The Howdy Glossary

Alibre Design is a computer-aided design (CAD) software specifically developed for 3D mechanical CAD and part modeling, offering an array of intuitive tools that cater to engineers, product designers, and other professionals. The software's parametric modeling capabilities enable automated design processes by establishing relationships between objects, which enhances flexibility and efficiency. Key features include functionalities for sheet metal design, finite element analysis (FEA), and motion simulations to evaluate design performance prior to production. With different editions available at varied price points, Alibre Design caters to a wide range of user needs from hobbyists to professional engineers.

Founded in 1997 by J. Paul Grayson under Alibre Inc., the company aimed to make affordable 3D CAD software accessible and user-friendly for a variety of users. This vision led to the development of Alibre Design as a comprehensive tool suitable for both mechanical design and part modeling applications. The intent was not only to serve professional engineering requirements but also accommodate hobbyists through its diverse feature set that blends usability with advanced functionalities.

Facing competition from renowned CAD software such as SolidWorks, Autodesk Inventor, PTC Creo, Siemens NX, CATIA, and Solid Edge, Alibre Design distinguishes itself through its combination of user-friendly tools and specialized functionalities tailored for precise visualization in 3D mechanical CAD tasks. Its emphasis on parametric modeling enhances flexibility while additional features like sheet metal design ensure comprehensive performance assessment before production commences. By offering multiple levels tailored to varying needs—from hobbyist use to professional engineering—Alibre Design remains competitive by providing an accessible yet powerful toolset in the realm of CAD software solutions.