PARAMETRIC DIMENSIONING 101

The box the program came in said, Alibre Design is a 3D parametric solid modeling application. The first time I heard the word parametric I have to admit that I was pretty intimidated. 3D solid modeling� sounds easy, even fun. But add PARAMETRIC and it sounds like math or calculus even. I did not have to worry. It is easy to learn and has proved to be one of the most valuable things about the program.

Step 1: A Simple Rectangle.

Lets look at a simple plywood rectangle. Open a new part in Alibre. Activate 2D Sketch and draw a rectangle. Next dimension it to be 12" wide X 24" long. Then extrude it to be 3/4" thick. It should look like this.