Alibre Atom 3D. A question to those who use it.

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Ah – so is the Reference Line to give the rectangle a definite location on the "curved" surface?

[David JuppParticipant @davidjupp51506]

Lee,

A Mirror operation mirrors the FEATURES, this is often not the same as mirroring the result of previous features. It can end up with everything disappearing if you mirror a cut – you then have 2 cuts removing both halves.

There is a separate Scale/Mirror Part command which can be used to mirror the part completely (or scale it).

[JasonBModerator @jasonb]

Posted by Nigel Graham 2 on 13/05/2023 10:34:14:

Ah – so is the Reference Line to give the rectangle a definite location on the "curved" surface?

Actually there is a flat on that side of the cylinder as you can see from this view. I was sketching on the central plane so the ref was also placed on that plane so in the middle of the flat surface. Also note that the assembled parts come up transparent making it easier to sketch without solid items getting in the way and you can also see hidden features

[Nigel Graham 2Participant @nigelgraham2]

Ii see. Thank you. It was not so obvious in that pure elevation.

[lee websterParticipant @leewebster72680]

Thanks David, I did try using the scale/mirror command, but again the part dissapeard. I know it's something I did, I need to use the software more. I will have a go at assemblies later. If I like the software I will look at the pricing for each version. Are there any trials for those?

[David JuppParticipant @davidjupp51506]

Lee,

Part Scale/Mirror should not cause disappearance. If there is unexpected behaviour either raise a support ticket with Alibre and include the file, or PM me, or in UK contact Mintronics. Depending upon day or week & time of day, I may well pick up the Alibre support ticket, Mintronics support ticket for Alibre products often, but not always come to me.

Trials are available for Atom3D, or Design Expert – there isn't normally a trial for Design Professional, which sits between them – but there is quite a lot of information available on differences. In extremis, a trial could be arranged for Design Professional if needed.

[lee websterParticipant @leewebster72680]

Hi David.

I had another go at drawing a piston with internal little end bosses before cutting it in half and mirroring the part. This time it worked pefectly, only, of course, both halves joined back together. I created an offset plane and did the mirror again to produce the two halves set away from each other. I think what caused it the first time is that I also tried to mirror the cutter that cut the piston in half, so no need for a suport ticket. I am still working my way through creating an assembly. It's not something I have used in any other cad programme.

Thanks for the info on Design Expert, I will take a look.

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