NC Computer Systems supports ASLI with Alibre Design

Alibre Design has been an essential component of ASLI’s engineering program since our inception in 2007, and has provided us with a powerful & flexible 3D CAD system. Alibre Design empowers our team from concept through to manufacture of high performance aerospace components & systems, which ASLI use to drive excellence in student academic achievement.

Cross section illustration of the ASLI R.A.S.T.A test vehicle produced in Alibre Design v12

“ASLI has a diverse team of volunteers & student participants coming from many different engineering streams, so it was critical to have a design package that was easy to learn while not sacrificing on capabilities. It was also a key requirement that the software enabled our team members to rapidly share & revise concepts, as well as meeting the need to communicate our designs to our different manufacturers CAD/CAM systems. Alibre Design more than meets our requirements allowing even our most CAD novice team members to quickly gain expertise, whilst delivering accurate engineering models & supporting multiple industry standard export file options.” Jamie Anderson ASLI Program Manager

Cross sectional drawing of hybrid rocket motor

Image finished motor parts

In 2010 we formed a new partnership with NC Computer Systems for the supply & support of Alibre Design, which we plan to profile in the Australia education sector through exposing schools & students to Alibre Design.

About Alibre

Alibre Inc. offers the industry's most affordable complete engineering solutions. Founded in 1997, Alibre Inc. is led by visionaries who sought to change the landscape of 3D mechanical CAD/CAM software by providing full parametric CAD technology to anyone that needs it, versus only to those in the relatively unique financial position to afford traditional CAD systems.

The CAD industry is unique in that the many products which make it up together represent one of the most significant advancements in the history of design. The technology makes the lives of everyone better by allowing safer, highly advanced, and substantially ambitious products to come into existence. The industry is not unique in the fact that over time the price for the technology has come down. Beginning with ComputerVision in the 70's, the price for the technology started at around $1,000,000. Catia in the 80's realized a $100,000 price tag. Pro/E at the end of the 80's saw a $20,000 price tag. Solidworks continues the trend in the 90's with $5000 per seat costs. And Alibre comes in to deliver the same technology starting at $99. The era of exclusivity for advanced design software is over.

Based in Richardson, Texas, USA, Alibre delivers affordable design solutions to tens of thousands of businesses and individuals in over 50 countries and in over 15 languages.

www.alibre.com

About NC Computer Systems

NC Computer Systems has been established since 1979. This equals 31 years of experience in the production and distribution of cutting edge softwares for the manufacturing industry. Over the years, we have offered CAD/CAM and manufacturing solutions to over 500 Australian and New Zealand companies.

NCCS has built its reputation and business by providing an outstanding service, comprehensive knowledge and superior quality products at affordable prices.

We have a wide range of customers throughout Australia and offer solutions to program most of the CNC machines including Milling, Turning, EDM, Plasma, Laser, Punch and powerful communication software for CNC controllers.

www.ncss.com.au

ASLI forms a new partnership with Kinetic CNC

Kinetic CNC is a manufacturer of precision machined components based in Lawnton Queensland. The company has agreed to produce components for ASLI’s Pathfinder rocket program under sponsorship. The first of the prototype components were delivered to ASLI this week, & consist of conformal fin attachment brackets. The brackets are made from a 6000 series aluminium alloy; which allows us to attach the fins to the composite airframe by way of bolts. This allows rapid assembly of the airframe and field replacement of any damaged fins.

Prototype conformal fin attachment bracket produced by Kinetic CNC

Designs are communicated easily to Kinetic through data export from our Alibre Design software provided by NC Computer systems, which allows for high quality rapid prototyping services to our specifications.

“The support of Kinetic CNC has allowed us to make tangible improvements to many components of the Pathfinder rocket; their CNC equipment & experience gives them the ability to manufacture our components to higher tolerance and repeatability than we could achieve by manual machine labour. This has allowed us to realise reductions in component weight which is critical to extending the flight performance of our rockets, whilst also creating opportunities for mass production of precision rocket parts. Kinetic also bring extensive experience & expertise in prototyping and composite mould manufacture, which makes them a great partner for our program”. Jamie Anderson ASLI Program Manager

More on Kinetic CNC

Kinetic CNC is an Australian family owned and operated toolmaking and precision CNC machining company in Brisbane. It traces its roots back to 1994 in South Africa, where it was known as Kinetic Designs. The core motivation of the company is to supply outstanding quality at competitive prices. We are capable of providing a full design and detail package along with CNC manufacturing of components or tooling. Kinetic CNC has produced components and tooling for a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including automotive, military, medical, packaging, electronic, hi-tech sports equipment, mining and aerospace fields.

Kinetic CNC makes a point of working as closely as possible with customers throughout the manufacturing process. This allows their ideas to be coupled with our extensive manufacturing experience, which streamlines the progression from concept to realisation. This is of particular value in prototype development where modifications in design are inevitable to achieve the desired outcome. In these supplier-customer dealings we pride ourselves in maintaining ethical relationships and customer confidentiality.