AMP-CNC-Academy, which was only established in 2019 with a vision to bridge the gap between software, design and machining, has announced that the company has been appointed the resellers for premium design and machining products Solidworks and Mastercam.
“We have this vision of bringing manufacturing back to life by bridging the gap between software products offered, those that design using this software and then those that machine the components and products. I have my own CNC machining company that was established by my father in 1990 to repair scraper winches for the mines before he went on to design his own and then began manufacturing them,” said AMP-CNC-Academy founder Stephen Du Preez.
“I joined my dad at Joesten Marketing at an early age and now have over 20 years of experience operating in the machining and manufacturing environment.”
“I have had many frustrations in getting the three complementary fields in metalworking to talk to each other, let alone understand each other. There has also been a neglect on the part of the authorities to provide recognised and approved training facilities for artisans in our industry. Sure there are many short course options out there but very few that can say that they have trained an individual to be qualified like they did in my dad’s day 30 to 40 years ago.”
Dassault Systèmes has recently launched Solidworks 2021, the latest release of its portfolio of 3D design and engineering applications
“We have to invest in the future of young artisans, by not only training them to work on the machines but also to ensure that they completely understand what they are doing on the machine and the software they are using and then passing the theory requirements.”
“Manufacturing is a challenge. A nation’s competitiveness depends on the capacity of its industry to innovate and upgrade. Companies gain advantages against the world’s best competitors because of pressure and challenge. They benefit from having strong domestic rivals, aggressive home-based suppliers and demanding local customers.”
“Business survival depends on the ability to adapt and meet challenges. Advances and innovation emerge from customer demand and industry challenges. The ability to adapt and innovate frequently arises from conflict. None more so than now during the pandemic period.”
“But we must not forget the basics. The number one question that should be asked in your company should be about training. Whether it is external training or training on the software and equipment that your company uses.”
“Herein lies another problem. Companies are looking for more than just a software or equipment supplier. They are looking for suppliers that will enhance their business productivity by educating their workforce to be more productive and more efficient using the cutting-edge technology that they have supplied. Too often we as the customer only see the software or equipment supplier representative at the time of the sale and then again when the licence needs to be renewed or the equipment has broken down.”
Appointed resellers for Solidworks and Mastercam
“Initially AMP-CNC-Academy specialised in educating people in the engineering sector using Mastercam and Solidworks as our designing and programming tools, in conjunction with our CNC milling and turning machines that we have on the shop floor.”
“This all changed when we were approached by Dassault Systèmes, the 3DEXPERIENCE Company that has recognised products such as Catia, Solidworks, Enovia, Delmia and Simulia in its stable, to become a reseller of their Solidworks software suite and licence and support both industrial and educational end-users.”
“They had seen what we were trying to achieve and it made sense that we are able to offer more than just training on the Solidworks products.”
“Solidworks develops and markets 3D CAD design software, analysis software and product data management software. Solidworks solutions cover all aspects of your product development process with integrated workflow, design, verification, communication and data management.”
Mastercam 2021 was released in June 2020
“Solidworks has gained an outstanding reputation for training and providing the highest level of technical support to its customer base. The Solidworks certification programme has various levels and is recognised worldwide. So even if you qualified in South Africa, which you do over the Internet, it will open doors for you. The CSWP accreditation is a sought-after qualification.”
“There is also the Solidworks User Group Network (SWUGN) that is run for Solidworks users, by Solidworks users. Its mission is to empower real people who use Solidworks products to collaborate with, learn from, and teach others. We intend to set up our own SWUGN groups.”
“Likewise we were approached by CNC Software to market their internationally recognised CAD/CAM product Mastercam. CNC Software has provided CAD/CAM solutions to more than 250 000 installations worldwide in the mould making, automotive, aerospace, consumer, general engineering and many other industries.”
“Mastercam provides solutions for designers and NC programmers around the world, in a spectrum of applications including 2-axis through to 5-axis routing, milling and turning 2-axis and 4-axis wire EDM, 2D and 3D design and drafting, surface and solid modelling, artistic relief cutting and mill-turn. Customers range from one-person job shops to Fortune 100 manufacturers. With Mastercam, the same software that is used by corporations such as Boeing, IBM and Sikorsky is still affordable enough for the small job shop. To ensure an ongoing supply of trained programmers and machinists, Mastercam is available to educational institutions at sizable discounts.”
“We have now built up a team of experts that have worked on the latest CNC equipment as well as with both the Solidworks and Mastercam products. They are not just product resellers. They understand the user and training aspects of a business because they have all worked in machine shops.”
“The team includes Lodewyk van Vuuren, Peter Watson, Landseer Botha, Ockert Esterhuyze, Samuel Josua, Natasja Berning, Stephen Du Preez, Lienké Louw, Riaan Oosthuizen, Marnus Marx and Pride Ndhavuko Chauke.”
AMP-CNC-Academy for kids
“We have also recently launched AMP 4 kids. Tutorials have been loaded onto our YouTube channel. Let your kids start exploring with 3D modelling and 3D printing, it will open up a new world of engineering and creativity for them. Natasja Berning is in charge of this initiative.”
For further details contact AMP-CNC-Academy on TEL: 061 421 0809 or visit
www.amp-cnc-academy.com
