I jumped onboard the Solid Model Tools train when they were first introduced in 2014. They were a game changer for us. Over the years these tools have evolved; and in many ways, they evolved for the better but have never been perfect - and I don't expect them to be.

BUT they have to be BETTER than what they are presently. Recent analyzations have been a complete nightmare, especially when it comes to generating viable machining operations that won't error out on the CNCs.

The image below is an example of a work order I am currently trying to get out to the shop. I've had to draw every part in 2D to fix all the issues. This takes an extreme amount of time - and that's if I'm lucky enough to find them all!

Another MAJOR issue is when 'faceted' polylines are created in lieu of a bulge. Those faceted polylines become a major issue at the CNC (they don't like little, tiny segments) and they take FOREVER to fix. I've literally spent DAYS removing points and filleting the geometry - you can't just fillet because there are too many segments in between, this is an AutoCAD limitation. So, everything must be done manually...

Another suggestion regarding the analyzation would be to change all the through cuts to be face 6 if non-through-cut machining exists on one face. Obviously, if non-through-cuts exist on both faces I'm going to end up with face 5 and face 6 machining. But in the case of the image above, I had to change all the through cuts to be face 6 so I don't end up with two programs to run.

As I've said before, Microvellum is SO CLOSE to virtually being the only software a company needs for box construction AND completely custom products... but it's not there yet.

These tools need major attention and continued development - as the operations to fix things are worse than before we had these tools to begin with... manually drawing every part and adding machining. Honestly, in the case of this most recent work order, I would have been better off doing all this from scratch.

Please, Microvellum/Innergy, I BEG YOU, please work on these tools. They will be the thing that widens the gap between you and your competition and create even more RAVING FANS!