In the competitive world of sheet metal manufacturing, efficiency is not just an added advantage,...
With over 38 years in the industry, JETCAM has thousands of customers around the world. However, some may have sidelined their JETCAM software in favour of software supplied with a newer machine. When that new machine becomes old and the customer replaces it, the JETCAM software may well be forgotten. However, that investment need not go to waste, as only the nominal cost of a maintenance update is all that might be needed to resurrect the license, potentially opening further opportunities.
If your company has previously invested in a JETCAM license but has since moved on to other software, now might be the perfect time to consider bringing JETCAM back into the fold. Here is why resurrecting your old JETCAM licenses could be a game-changer for your business.
The Legacy of JETCAM: Proven Reliability
JETCAM has earned its award-winning reputation as one of the most reliable and versatile nesting systems available. Designed to maximise material utilisation, reduce waste, and optimise cutting processes, JETCAM has been a cornerstone in the sheet metal and composite manufacturing industries for decades. Its advanced algorithms and robust feature set have helped countless companies improve their production efficiency and bottom line, with many case study examples showing major savings.
Despite the allure of newer software that often comes bundled with CNC machines, the core capabilities of JETCAM remain unmatched. In many cases, companies may find that their new software lacks the customisation or specific features that JETCAM provided. Rather than leaving your JETCAM license unused, consider the potential benefits of re-integrating it into your current operations.
Case Study: I-Cherng Refrigeration
A user of JETCAM since 1995, I-Cherng Refrigeration were told by the OEM that their new fibre laser could only be driven by their own software. Staff had to spend over 4 hours per nest to modify it before it could even run on the machine. They simply purchased an extra post for their existing JETCAM license, which support staff installed remotely. As a result, they recorded a 13.2% increase in machine throughput over the previous software, due to features such as JETCut fly cutting, and continued to standardise on a single nesting system for their Amada and Finn Power CNCs. Read the full press release on this case study here.
Maintenance: The Key to Unlocking the Latest Features
One of the most compelling reasons to revive your old JETCAM license is the ease with which you can access the latest software versions. JETCAM operates on a unique licensing model that allows customers to come back into maintenance at any time. This means that even if your license has been inactive for years, you can simply update and renew your maintenance agreement to gain access to the most up-to-date version of JETCAM products.
Every year, JETCAM releases newer versions of software that contain more advanced features. Expert v24’s release also includes a 64-bit version, instantly giving all users an overall performance boost, while significantly improving the performance of our High and Ultra Performance nesters. (Read the press release on Expert v24)
The cost of reactivating an old license and updating it is often far less than purchasing new software, making it a cost-effective solution for many businesses.
Seamless Integration with New Equipment
Another significant advantage of JETCAM is its ability to seamlessly integrate with a wide range of CNC machines. Whether you are working with laser cutters, punch presses, routers, composite knife cutters or waterjet machines, JETCAM's versatility spanning over five hundred postprocessors with millions of configuration options ensures that it can adapt to your specific needs.
In addition to improving the existing functionality, JETCAM has also extended its reach on the shop floor, making integration with data systems such as ERP, MES, or hardware much simpler to achieve. CrossTrack can now connect to and automate entire lines, loading material, running the NC code, unloading, and sorting the resulting parts.
Many companies may also find themselves in the OEM’s ‘walled garden,’ locking them in with one vendor, as their nesting software will not drive other machines. This adds further costs down the road. If you wish to switch to another hardware vendor you then must spend more to buy additional software to drive it, and then must train staff and pay to maintain multiple systems.
By resurrecting your old JETCAM license, you can pair the reliability and proven performance of JETCAM with the capabilities of your new equipment. This combination can lead to more productivity, improved accuracy, and reduced downtime—all of which contribute to a stronger bottom line.
Why OEM nesting software is not always the best solution
Most CNC machine tool manufacturers will offer their own nesting software - either written in-house or a white-labelled product from another company. They'll often cite that their software will run the system better than anyone else's. Some even state that customers are not allowed to drive their machines with other software. (This can actually be illegal under EU Competition Law (Article 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union - TFEU)). However, purchasing OEM software will lock you into that brand of CNC - if you decide to replace that machine you'll also be replacing your software, retraining your staff and will most likely also have to reprogram all your parts again.
Having a system like JETCAM Expert means that you can install any number of postprocessors to drive different machine brands and/or technologies. Parts can be tooled to be instantly available for nesting on any machine, regardless of cutting technology, and with our component reprogramming functionality in JOC and CrossTrack you can reprogram entire directories of parts when you take delivery of a new machine.
A Strategic Move for the Future
Reviving your old JETCAM licenses is not just about saving money—it is a strategic move that can help you stay ahead of the competition. By leveraging the power of JETCAM, you can optimise your production processes, reduce waste, and make the most of your existing resources.
You also gain access to JETCAM’s global network of resellers, backed by our own support team and resources, such as the JETCAM University online video library. These are all designed to help you get the most out of your software. Whether you need assistance with installation, training, or troubleshooting, JETCAM's support network is there to help.
Do not Let Your Investment Go to Waste
If you have set aside your JETCAM license in favour of newer software, now is the time to reassess whether what you are using now is better than what you could be using (and have actually already paid for). It may even be cheaper than your current maintenance costs. With the simple step of renewing your maintenance agreement, you can breathe new life into your old software and unlock a host of benefits that may have been overlooked.
JETCAM’s proven reliability, seamless integration with new equipment, and the cost-effective nature of reactivating old licenses make it an opportunity worth exploring. Do not let your previous investment go to waste—resurrect your JETCAM license today and rediscover the value it can bring to your business.
