SolidCAD Launches MAKE Productivity for Autodesk PowerMill

SolidCAD, a Canada-based professional services company and Autodesk Platinum Partner, launches its newest product, MAKE Productivity. MAKE Productivity for PowerMill is a tool to boost CAM programming productivity, provide staffing flexibility to overcome skilled labor shortages, and optimize machine scheduling and use by programming well ahead of runtime.

Equipped with a suite of calculators and tools for daily programming, MAKE Productivity provides capabilities for automating simple and complex multi-axis manufacturing processes, along with “on-demand” digital learning modules and training content for the user’s self-directed learning plans.

MAKE Productivity can allow users to automate 90%-100% of their complex finish programming by using the guided workflow. Paired with Autodesk’s PowerMill Ultimate, this product allows for simultaneous five-axis programming automation and enhanced machine simulation of NC programs, tool changes and laser cycles. Users can now optimize after-hours license use by creating a batch calculation queue for “lights-out” calculation of multiple projects.

“SolidCAD is responding to our customer’s needs for a robust and customizable solution to automate their complex CAM programming processes,” says Robert Kobielski, sales manager of Advanced Manufacturing at SolidCAD. “MAKE Productivity is providing the enhancements and value-added tools for which our customers have been requesting, and we are pleased to have developed this collaboratively to suit these needs.”

SolidCAD offers two versions of the product that work with Autodesk’s Standard or Ultimate versions of PowerMill. With MAKE Productivity and PowerMill Standard, users will have the ability to rapidly create NC code for high-speed three-axis machining, 3+2 programming, 2.5D milling, turning and toolpath safety verification. While MAKE Productivity and PowerMill Ultimate will have all the standard features plus machine simulation, tool change and laser cycle validation, and access to full five-axis programming with automatic collision avoidance, robot programming, electrode programming, hybrid manufacturing and more.

To learn more about this product, visit SolidCAD’s website or join SolidCAD for a webinar that will showcase MAKE Productivity  on Tuesday, September 21 at 3:00 p.m. ET.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.