Autodesk Slaps Manufacturing with Collaboration, Puts CAM in the Cloud

Autodesk is blowing off the metal shavings of static shop-side subtractive manufacturing, delivering the first of its kind collaborative CAM solution. Today, the software product/service company kicked off Autodesk University 2013 in a chilly Las Vegas announcing Autodesk CAM 360, pushing the computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) process to the cloud and milling out a sweet little oily spot for manufacturing in their Autodesk 360 cloud portfolio.

CAM… get thee to the Cloud

Autodesk University 2013 covers a lot of products across many industries, but a large focus this year is manufacturing and, as you can imagine, they have no qualms over booting more applications to the cloud. The Autodesk 360 cloud platform is filling out quite nicely with a slew of design to manufacturing solutions and more being adding this week. CAM 360 is the latest addition and even though it has yet to be completely interconnected with Autodesk 360 platform, the foundation is there with a familiarity those already fond of Fusion 360 will appreciate. Here are some things to know.

Fusion 360 is not required
All functionality is handled through licensing
CAM 360 contains basic modeling tools
Supports same file formats as Fusion 360
2d and 3d tool paths supports

Seamless integration is a continued focus. With HSMWorks, you have seamless integration with SolidWorks. With Inventor HSM, you have seamless intgration with Inventor. Now with CAM 360, you have seamless integration with Autodesk 360… That’s the idea anyway. You still have a separate login for your Autodesk 360 account, Fusion 360 account, Fusion 360 app… you get the idea, but the foundation is the same and eventually it will be much like a wheel with Autodesk 360 as the hub.

In fact, that wheel is a great way to picture the Autodesk 360 platform and how they’re adding functionality. First you have PLM 360, the along comes SIM 360, BIM 360, Mockup 360, Configurator 360, Fusion 360 and now CAM 360. Showcase 360 and Concept Design 360 are coming. So, the wheel continues to have cogs added along.

All of the CAM products use the multi-core, 64-bit based CAM technology originally developed by HSMWorks, now at the core of the three Autodesk developed CAM products, HSMWorks, Inventor HSM and CAM 360. The 2D and 3D capabilities will be free during beta. Later on, 3-axis will be $75/month with 5-axis at $150/month. Beta for CAM 360 begins December 16th. You can get cloud CAM on getting more info and signing yourself up here.

Press Release / Click to expand

Autodesk First to Bring Computer-Aided Manufacturing to the Cloud

Design Leader Sets its Sights on Revolutionizing CAM

LAS VEGAS, Autodesk University, Dec. 3, 2013 — Autodesk, Inc. today unveiled Autodesk CAM 360—the industry’s first cloud-based solution for computer-aided manufacturing (CAM).

By tapping into the near infinite computing power of the cloud, CAM 360 allows users to take advantage of collaboration tools and shared data storage, and provides users with unparalleled ease-of-use and flexibility. CAM 360 allows users to rapidly engage with co-workers and customers, and turn around the most demanding machining projects much faster than ever before. Additionally, CAM 360 is the multi-platform CNC programming solution that transcends the normal limitations associated with traditional desktop workflows.

Since a difference of mere hours in the manufacturing process can impact delivery time, CAM 360 is built upon Autodesk’s proven HSM technology, which greatly improves efficiency and effectiveness for the entire supply chain. Companies gain the flexibility to proactively address any manufacturing problems or irregularities that might occur during the design to manufacture process.

A True Cloud-Based Design to Manufacturing Solution

CAM 360 builds upon Autodesk’s existing suite of cloud service offerings for manufacturers, which provide users virtually anytime, anywhere access to flexible, next generation tools to create, simulate and turn their digital prototypes into physical reality. In addition to CAM 360, the company’s manufacturing cloud service offerings include Autodesk PLM 360, Autodesk Sim 360 and Autodesk Fusion 360.

“Two years ago, we launched PLM 360, creating a new paradigm for product lifecycle management,” said Robert “Buzz” Kross, senior vice president at Autodesk. “In September 2012, we broke down the barriers to testing and analysis with Sim 360. Last year, we ushered in a new era of cloud-based design with Fusion 360. And now, Autodesk delivers the final piece of the solution—manufacturing—with CAM 360.”

Unlike standalone CAM tools, CAM 360 is an integrated cloud-based solution that allows users to take advantage of Autodesk’s next generation Digital Prototyping platform, including the modeling tools found in Fusion 360.

Availability
CAM 360 is expected to be generally available next year in select markets. For more information and a chance to experience CAM 360, visitwww.cam.autodesk.com.

About Autodesk
Autodesk helps people imagine, design and create a better world. Everyone—from design professionals, engineers and architects to digital artists, students and hobbyists—uses Autodesk software to unlock their creativity and solve important challenges. For more information visit autodesk.com or follow @autodesk.

About Autodesk University
Now in its 21st year, Autodesk University is the annual series of Autodesk in-person and virtual user conferences, which include the flagship Autodesk University event in Las Vegas, as well as international events including Autodesk University Japan, Brazil, Russia, Germany and China. More information is available at the Autodesk University web site.