Sheffield, UK:  Productive Machines, a software company enabling the machining industry to reach the best part faster and first time, and MachineWorks, a leading company in CNC simulation and verification, proudly announce their strategic partnership aimed at transforming CAM software with the  SenseNC suite of products. This collaboration introduces unparalleled efficiency in machining processes while opening unprecedented revenue streams for CAM software companies. Productive Machines has consistently delivered significant impact through its innovative software in many case studies, delivering results such as a 20% improvement in productivity and a 40-50% enhancement in quality of the parts.

Cristina Sesma, Head of Partnerships, Productive Machines, Dr Fenqiang Lin,CEO, MachineWorks, Dr Erdem Ozturk, Founder and CEO, Productive Machines, Richard Nevill, Commercial Director, Productive Machines.

The SenseNC products boast autonomous capabilities, allowing for seamless optimization of machining processes by automatically adjusting spindle speed and feed rates across toolpaths. This autonomous functionality significantly reduces the need for manual intervention, making it easier for companies to achieve optimal machining conditions and eliminate problems such as excessive tool wear, tool breakages and chatter vibrations before they occur. By addressing physics-related challenges before they occur on a machine tool, the partnership offers a significant reduction in resource usage, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions. 

Designed with user-friendliness in mind, SenseNC products are easy to use. They are integrated into existing CAM platforms, enabling CAM programmers to benefit from machining physics-based optimisation with a few mouse clicks and keystrokes.

SenseNC Feeds and SenseNC Finesse are now available in Siemens NX CAM and Mastercam, with new plugins for two additional CAM software set to be announced later in the year. In a few words, Feeds solution eliminates issues with cutting forces such as tool breakages while Finesse eliminates chatter vibrations as well, which is a 100-year-old problem in the sector. By embedding these solutions directly into their platforms, CAM software companies can not only enhance their software offerings but also tap into new revenue opportunities that were previously unavailable, establishing themselves as leaders in innovative manufacturing solutions and delivering more holistic solutions.

The partnership extends beyond technology, encompassing joint go-to-market plans to bring this revolutionary solution to the CAM industry. Dr Erdem Ozturk, CEO of Productive Machines, commented, "Our partnership with MachineWorks introduces a new era of efficiency in CAM processes. By eliminating problems at the CAM stage before they occur on machine tools, we offer a solution that addresses both economic and environmental challenges in manufacturing while providing CAM companies with new avenues for growth. We have known MachineWorks for more than a decade and chose MachineWorks as a partner due to the accuracy and reliability offered by their unique in-tolerance polygonal boundary model and their well-deserved reputation in the CAM sector.” 

Dr Fenqiang Lin, CEO of MachineWorks, added, "Productive Machines is transforming manufacturing processes with an easy-to-use solution to optimise toolpaths based on their innovative physics engine. SenseNC provides a compelling case for significant cost reductions and enhanced machining quality, alongside new revenue opportunities for our partners."

CAM software companies can seize the opportunity to integrate these transformative solutions into their software and lead the charge into a new era of manufacturing excellence. By adopting SenseNC, machine shops can significantly enhance their efficiency, reduce waste, and achieve substantial cost savings while accessing new market potentials.

Links to public case studies:

Advanced Manufacturing Limited (AML): case study  here.
Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Centre (AMIC): case study  here. 

About Productive Machines

Productive Machines helps the machining industry reach the best part, faster and first time via its software. After a decade of development, it spun-out of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield in 2021. Investors in Productive Machines include Boeing HorizonX Ventures, UK Innovation & Science Seed Fund (UKI2S), Fuel Ventures, NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance and ACT Venture Partners. Its technology is already used by major manufacturing companies, including Renault, MASA Aerospace and AML.

About MachineWorks

MachineWorks Ltd has been providing advanced 3D software engines to manufacturers and engineering software developers since 1994. Polygonica is the leading mesh modelling toolkit, widely used in a range of markets including digital dentistry, additive manufacturing, CAD/CAM/CAE and construction. 

MachineWorks is the leading toolkit for CNC simulation and verification and is supplied embedded within a wide range of brands from major machine tools, CNC controller manufacturers and CAM software vendors. With over sixty major OEM licensees, companies who integrate MachineWorks into their software solutions include Dassault Systemes, Autodesk, Hexagon MI, OpenMind, CAMBRIO, Heidenhain, DMG Mori, Aikoku Alpha, Makino, HCL, SolidCAM, Topsolid, ZWSoft, Starrag, Liechti, Go2CAM, Manus and Hwacheon.