RedEye RPM, a business unit of Stratasys [NASDQ: SSYS], and Alibre have announced – from the RAPID show in Orlando – a new partnership that enables users of Alibre Design 3D CAD software to obtain instant quotes for designs using RedEye’s Web-based quoting system.

As part of the partnership, RedEye created a software add-on for Alibre Design that generates instant quotes for parts and assemblies directly inside the Alibre Design interface. In addition, designers can securely transmit the design to RedEye to build after receiving a quote. The quotes are based on services offered by RedEye RPM, which houses nearly 100 additive fabrication systems in its facilities worldwide, most of which are fused deposition modeling® systems manufactured by Stratasys.

“Designers now have direct access to prototypes and custom manufactured parts that can be made and shipped to them in a matter of days,” says Tim Thellin, RedEye RPM product manager. “This add-on offers a simple, direct connection for designers to get quotes instantly without having to upload files to our Web site.”

Alibre Design, part of Alibre’s Personal CAD/CAMTM family of integrated 3D parametric design and manufacturing products, supports the industry standard .STL output for rapid prototyping and manufacturing, which closely integrates with RedEye’s online, instant quoting system. Alibre will create and offer, as a free download, a special version of its 3D parametric design product, Alibre Design Xpress, which will include RedEye’s instant quoting add-on.

“Alibre is all about breaking down the barriers to 3D and empowering the individual to innovate,” says Greg Milliken, CEO of Alibre. “RedEye RPM is the perfect partner to help us extend that vision.  You don’t have to be a big company or have a big budget to take advantage of our complementary technologies,” he continues. “In fact, starting with our free Alibre Design Xpress software and the affordable RPM services from RedEye, anyone with a good idea can be an inventor or an entrepreneur.”

RedEye accepts files in .STL format and builds prototypes and parts in 15 different thermoplastic materials ranging from ABS blends to a high heat and chemical resistant PPSF. The partnership between RedEye and Alibre simplifies the product development cycle for designers from creation through purchasing prototypes and parts.