Alibre & rhino

[grahamshere]

Hey people. Ok I'm really getting into alibre but still new to cad, tons to learn still. Any way what I wanted to know is the difference Between the 2 cads. to me they seem similar but I don't have rhino but looking at some of the tutorial they look similar. So what I'm asking is can you use Rhino tutorials to work with Alibre. I know Alibre has tutorials but Rhino has way cooler tutorials to model from. Graham

[ger21]

Completely different modeling methods. Rhino can do a ton of things that Alibre probably can't, especially when doing flowing, organic type surfaces. Alibre's strength is mechanical type parts. Id say that unless you know both programs, trying to do a Rhino tutorial in Alibre will not go well, unless it is for very basic objects. Some of the principles may be the same, but the method of doing them will probably be very different.

[grahamshere]

Thanks for the reply Ger. I think the big diff that I can see from the tutorials is inserting a reference picture into alibre, I know you can do it in the drawing part 2d drawing but in the 3d part you can't. If you could then you do a sweep, loft or revolve boss. unless I'm totally off the mark here about that. I've tried modeling in silo but I don't have the patients for box or polly modeling. It looks so easy in the rhino tutorials. I should down load a trial of rhino and see but ill probably like it but can't afford it. Graham

[tobyaxis]

Thanks for the reply Ger. I think the big diff that I can see from the tutorials is inserting a reference picture into alibre, I know you can do it in the drawing part 2d drawing but in the 3d part you can't. If you could then you do a sweep, loft or revolve boss. unless I'm totally off the mark here about that. I've tried modeling in silo but I don't have the patients for box or polly modeling. It looks so easy in the rhino tutorials. I should down load a trial of rhino and see but ill probably like it but can't afford it. Graham

Graham,

With the combination of Alibre and Rhino you would be able to do some very COOL Solid Models.

Like Ger21 said , they are two different Modeling softwares.

Rhino has Free Form Surface Capabilities where Alibre is more of a Mechanical Drafting Software. Rhino is very good for Modeling shapes like Boat Hulls, and other unusual Surfaces.

Both are very good and are Excellent in their own respects.
Currently Alibre might be working on a few things that just might change that, but until then it is still very good.

What are you currently considering in making with these CAD Softwares?

[grahamshere]

Hey Toby. Well with Alibre I,m modeling wood work. Right now I'm doing patio furniture but trying to work on custom stuff, furniture that you do not see any where else. Plus I have a few Kitchen cabinets to do. If I ever get Rhino ill be doing carvings with the program. I know art cam or master cam but not in a long long long time for those programs. Graham

[tjones]

Alibre is parametric. There are engineers, wood workers (cabinet builders, artistic designs, etc,), machinist, tool and die and more using Alibre.

It really determines your needs.

Try making a die in Rhino. Now do the same in Alibre. Now try to make changes to the models by a specific value.

With Alibre you can setup a spread sheet linked to the design dimensions and then enter your dimensions from Excel. Open you part and there you have a new sized design.

So what do you want to do with your design.


BTW: In Alibre, once traced in 2D you can copy and paste into a sketch in a solid model.

[grahamshere]

Hey Tjones thanks for the reply(BTW: In Alibre, once traced in 2D you can copy and paste into a sketch in a solid model.) You can? How do you do that if you don't mind me asking? Wait I did it will writing this, Thanks Tjones thats awsome, huh this getting cooler. wounder what I can with this, do you have any models you have done with like a sweep boss or such some were I can see. Well this is cool, thanks again Tjones. Graham

[tjones]

I can't post my work but here is a sample.

Also there is a tutorial that will walk you through a guided loft.

I think you will find many more surprises in Alibre as you use it. There are loads of fun toys

[grahamshere]

Thanks Tjones, There are lots of tools to use, ive been playing with alibre every night learn as much as I can. I've only kept a hexagon table I made but its a start, thing I like is when you take it to the shop and build it to specs its right on the money. Not like drawing by hand and finding that dont work or this dose not fit and such. It will be even better when I figure out the rendering . Graham

[tjones]

Just have fun.

Use the 3D pdf for some fun too.