ProNest CAD/CAM Software

Hypertherm is expanding its support for technical education by offering free licenses of its ProNest CAD/CAM software to North American schools, trade unions and other training facilities. The effort is part of an expansive commitment to the next generation of fabricating professionals. Qualifying educational institutions will receive a 30 seat network license for the current version of ProNest, and a curriculum package with an instructor guide and student workbook. Students can learn how to bring CAD drawings into production, define part lists, determine material utilization, schedule production, establish accurate costing and understand MRP (material requirements planning.)

“I have been teaching and using the ProNest software for more than 25 years as it is a great package. The curriculum will help me maximize the capabilities of the ProNest Software. I am looking forward to using it this coming semester,” explains Steve Hower, an assistant professor at Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Pennsylvania.

Access to powerful ProNest features such as automatic nesting, skeleton cut-up, common line cutting, chain and bridge cutting, and collision avoidance is included. In addition, students can interface with popular 3D software platforms such as SOLIDWORKS and Inventor, and use parametric pipe templates. Instructors interested in obtaining ProNest for their school should visit www.hypertherm.com/ProNestForEducation to download an application.

“We want to ensure schools have the tools they need to teach the next generation of fabricators,” said Betsy Van Duyne, who manages Hypertherm’s educational program. “The right hardware and curriculum is critical but so is software. Getting ProNest advanced CAD/CAM software into schools is one step toward preparing students for a successful career.”