My main CAD tool is Alibre Design Expert. I use other tools for some more high end rendering jobs, but all of my design and drafting work is produced with Alibre. Carr Design Services is also an Alibre reseller, which again shows how vested I am in this product.
I've been a member of the engineering community since 1970, and a CAD user since 1986. I've used many of the big name applications and have watched the tools evolve from simple wire frame to the sophisticated solid modeling applications we have today. It has been an interesting journey.
When I opened CDS, several years ago, I needed a reasonably priced 3D parametric CAD tool capable of handling both part and assembly design. After a good bit of research I settled on Alibre Design. I started with the basic package but soon moved to Expert because of added functionality.
I couldn't be more enthusiastic about Alibre Design and what it's done for my company. We all know that no application is right for everyone, but Alibre has proven it's worth over and over again, fulfilling a host of different design demands and making my customers happy with the results.
I'm not sure I could list all of the positive aspects of Alibre Design in this space. The most important to me are;
1. Price - you can't find better for less.
2. Capabilities, part design, assembly design, sheet metal, drawings, BOM's, analysis, manufacturing, collaboration.
3. Portability - it goes where I go.
4. Support - Alibre is in class by itself.
If you think you might be interested in taking a look at Alibre, download the Xpress version and play around a bit. I think you'll find a tool that's easy to learn, and fun to use.
For more information about Carr Design Services and a hot link to the Xpress and 30 Day Trial versions visit;
http://www.carrdesignservices.com and don't forget to take a look at the free tutorials, best practices, and gallery while you're there.
Best Regards,