Mike - I don't understand why you say that AD/AD Pro constraints are a
static operation? Are you just referring to the fact that it isn't a hands
off operation? I have models of steam engines that I have built that are
fully functional - all the valves slide, crank turns, pistons move up and
down, etc. I can click in the crankshaft, and using the rotate part command
watch my electronic engine run all day long if I wish. To be sure, for
dynamic analysis of that motion you need the other module but you can "run"
your models with the base package.

Robert


"Mike Henry" wrote in message
...
I think that full mechanical simulation requires buying the Expert version
of Alibre, which includes MSC.visualNastran Motion as an add-in. This is a
link to Alibre's short description of what it does and there are a few
simulations that can be viewed on-line:

http://www.alibre.com/products/addon...ran-motion.asp

I have the Pro version ($1300) and the Expert version is $1,800. I'd
love to play with the simulations but can't justify the expense for a
hobby. The regular and Pro versions will let you set up constraints that
will move one part in an assembly when another is moved or rotated but
that's a static operation.

Mike

"Brent Burton" wrote in message
...
I tried Pro/Desktop when PTC had free downloads of it. The parametric
approach as well as the simulation of mechanical assemblies helped me
to easily design a steering linkage. I was impressed.

Alibre is interesting, and the price seems decent for the features. Does
it do similar mechanical assemblies that you can move?


"Siggy" wrote:
| I would recommend taking a look at Alibre Design
(http://www.alibre.com).
| Fully parametric 3D CAD for less that $1,000 per seat. I see lots of
| suggestions for SolidWorks and SolidEdge but I think you'll find that
Alibre
| does almost everything they do for a small fraction of the price.
|
| I used to be a diehard AutoCAD user but Alibre completely blows AC away
for
| 3D solid modeling.
|
| Robert
|
| "James Holbrook" wrote in message
| news:gJxLd.6829$HZ.4768@okepread07...
| Hi,
| Just getting started in metalworking and looking for some ideas on a
CAD
| program.
| I've used the CAD that came with eMachineShop and Rhino and like both
of
| them as they seem to be pretty logical in creating drawings.
| I've tried TurboCAD, PowerCAD, CadStd, 3D MAX Plus, BobCAD-CAM, 3DS
MAX 7
...