Question on Design PE version

[lovebugjunkie]

I downloaded the demo version of Alibre Design Professional 2011 and have a some question for anyone using Alibre.

So far the learning curve has been pretty quick for all the basic things I have done with it. I don't need nor can I afford the Professional or expert versions on my hobby budget so will buy the PE version if I can get past one problem. ( I have already ask their support, waiting for a callback) Not sure that will happen as I told him I was only interested in the PE version.

On the Alibre site under the features options for PE it list DXF export/import. The support guy seems to think DXF export is not available on the PE version. They do not have a demo version of PE that I could find so that is why I am using the demo version of Professional.

Question for anyone running Alibre Design PE latest version......can it export DXF files?
Also I tried exporting a file using all the available DXF options in Professional and was not able to get any of them to load in VcarvePro. If anyone is using VcarvePro please let me know what version DXF file to use.

It's a deal breaker on Alibre if I can't get a DXF file from it to load in VcarvePro. Hoping this is not the case as so far I really like the interface, I'm CAD challenged and so far this demo has been very easy for me to pick up.



Thanks

[mchabot]

PE do DXF import/export, I use this to modeling THK rails from their DXF drawings, no problem so far (reusing into a sketch only need automatic repair to be sure everything is closed).
The only thing really lacking is basic 3D import, and it can only export STL (not tried yet).

[davidmb]

Are you wanting dxf output just for vCarve, if so then one of the more basic cad tools that can handle windows fonts may be more appropriate. Alibre is more centered around 3d cad, dxf is really all about 2d vectors, I use a really old version of TurboCAD v7 I think, I use this to output dxf for Ace convertor, if you need 3d then yes Alibre seems quite good, I use meshcam to process from .stl to nc code.

[ger21]

Haven't used PE, but typically, you create, your model, then create 2D drawings from the model and export those as .dxf.

[lovebugjunkie]

Thanks to everyone for your comments. Tells me what I needed to know.
I do plan on some stl files down the road and still want the ability for 2d export.
This CAD program is the first one I have tried that I am able to get my head round in 3D work.
Thanks again
George