Massachusetts company says cloud CADs real-time collaboration tools improve communication between its facilities in U.S. and China

Absolute Machinery, which provides plastic injection molding machinery, robotic equipment, and integrated systems to the North American manufacturing market, has chosen Onshape as its primary CAD system. Onshape is the only CAD system that combines advanced 3D modeling tools and design data management in a secure cloud workspace.

"We used to be primarily a distributor of industrial equipment, but we now provide a lot more value-added engineering functions," says Mike Ortolano, Chief Technical Officer and one of the owners of Absolute. "We use a lot of web-based tools at our company because we have a facility in China, one in Ohio and another one were building in South Carolina. Its important for us to be all on the same page and for management to have visibility across the business."

"When we were using workstation-based CAD, it was tough for me to look closely at any of our projects. Now with Onshape, I can always see what everybody is working on, and always be confident it is the latest, most up-to-date version," he says.

"Were delighted to help Absolute streamline its operations around the world," says John McEleney, co-founder of Onshape. "Its gratifying to see Absolutes engineers validate the value of a modern CAD system with data management at its core - versus treating data management as some kind of clunky afterthought."

Absolute is also finding Onshape valuable to employees beyond its core engineering and installation teams. The company regularly uses Onshapes configurations feature to quickly generate 3D models for sales prospects. By plugging field measurements into the configuration tool, the sales team is able to create more accurate system proposals and deliver them much faster.

"When a customer wants a quote, you want to waste as little time as possible," Ortolano says. "Ive heard from colleagues that they sometimes wait a couple of weeks for a quote. If somebody asks us for a proposal and they want a quick concept on a standard work cell, theyre getting it fast, often on the same day. Onshape helps us move faster."

Ortolano envisions that Absolute service teams will soon use Onshapes mobile apps to help assemble machinery, robots and integrated systems onsite for customers.

"Having immediate access to Onshape CAD models on phones and tablets will be especially important in the field," adds Ortolano. "Whenever a customer adds on an option, theyre understandably in a rush to get up and running fast. Having the 3D models readily accessible will make a huge difference."

About Absolute Machinery

Based in Worcester, Massachusetts, Absolute Machinery sells, services and customizes plastic injection molding machinery and auxiliary equipment for manufacturers throughout the United States and Canada. The company also integrates robotic systems with injection molding machines to create flexible production workcells.

Absolute Machinery is part of the Absolute Group of Companies, which also includes Absolute Haitian, and Absolute Robot.

For more information, visit AbsoluteMachinery.com or contact sales@absolutemachinery.com.

Onshape is a modern CAD system that eliminates design gridlock: the constant waiting, distractions, and hassles that prevent engineers from doing their best work. Onshape unites advanced 3D modeling tools and design data management in a secure cloud workspace that is accessible on any device and never loses data. With no files to lose or corrupt, no license keys to manage, and no installed desktop software, Onshape helps engineering teams get out of the IT business so they can get back in the innovation business.

Professional engineers at thousands of companies rely on Onshape to modernize and streamline their product design and manufacturing process. Onshape users in 170+ countries have logged over 5 million hours modeling advanced robotics, biomedical devices, industrial machinery, agriculture equipment, and consumer products. With 1 of 8 sessions occurring on mobile devices, Onshape is the worlds first anywhere, anytime CAD system.

Founded in 2012, Onshape has raised $169 million from Andreessen Horowitz, NEA, North Bridge, and other leading investors. Based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, the Onshape leadership team includes the original creators of SOLIDWORKS® and other proven leaders in cloud infrastructure, data security, and mobile. For more information, contact dgarnick@onshape.com or visit onshape.com/press-room.AbsoluteMachinery.com