Our very own proprietary UNIX workstations circa 1982.
Powered by the Motorola 68000 32-bit microprocessor with the UNIX operating system we developed one of the first true modern engineering workstations. The heads-up user interface with on-screen icons, pop-up menus developed by our R&D team in Palo Alto, CA. was truly unique. Our CIM CAD and CIM CAM software were part of the complete manufacturing solution.
Interference-free 3D Workstation-based CAM for Mold Makers
Introduced in 1985 CIM CUT was the first interference-free, multi-surface NC programming software available on a UNIX workstation. Batch processing allowed cutter path generation to be run on designated server workstation(s). ToolMaker debuted in 1987 integrating 3D design with 3D NC programming for the builders of complex tools and molds.
Industry-first Shop Floor Programming System
In 1997 Prospector debuted as the first knowledge-based shop floor programming solution. Developed in conjunction with leading automotive mold makers in Michigan and Ontario, Prospector was designed from the ground-up for shop-floor use. Prospector broke new ground because it spoke the language of the shop making it possible to migrate NC programming from an office environment to the shop floor.

The Cadlinc Era

Our roots date back to 1982 when as part of Cadlinc Inc. we were one of the very first companies to offer a bundled CAD/CAM solution on our proprietary 32-bit UNIX-based engineering workstations.

Unique at the time, our heads-up user interface featured on-screen graphic icons and pop-up menus. A programmable keyboard allowed users to input commands to the application with a single keystroke. Cursor strokes (holding a mouse button down while making a gesture with the cursor on the screen) continues to this day to be one of the most beloved features of our user interface that has been carried over to the Windows environment for all software including Prospector.


The Cimlinc Era - Growth & New Directions

As the company grew, new software applications were developed and support for more capable workstations from other hardware vendors was added. In 1985 the company changed its name to Cimlinc Inc. and abandoned hardware development to focus exclusively on application software for manufacturing. In 1985 CIM CUT was introduced as the first multi-surface NC programming system that ran on affordable UNIX workstations. 2 years later ToolMaker debuted to begin to pull together 3D design and 3D NC programming into a single application environment.


The AMT Division - Exclusive Focus on CAD/CAM, Emphasis on Mold & Die

In 1990 the AMT (Advanced Manufacturing Technology) Division of Cimlinc was formed to focus on the continued development Cimlinc's portfolio of CAD/CAM application. Particular emphasis was put on development of software solutions for the manufacturers of complex molds & dies. The ToolDesigner product was introduced during this period to focus on all aspects of designing molds from electronic part data. All AMT products and technology migrated from UNIX to the Microsoft Windows platform. In 1997 the AMT division launched Prospector - the first knowledge-based NC programming application that specifically addressed shop-floor programming. The success of the AMT Division and the desire of Cimlinc to pursue other opportunities far afield from our CAD/CAM roots and expertise led to Cimlinc's decision to sell the AMT division. Unfortunately Cimlinc Inc. did not succeed in their other endeavors and was liquidated in 2000 with the Boeing company acquiring all the remaining assets of Cimlinc at auction in order to continue support of the software they had previously licensed from Cimlinc and placed into production.


SofTech Acquires the AMT Division of Cimlinc

In 1997 SofTech Inc. acquired the AMT division from Cimlinc which began the transformation of SofTech from a reseller and services company to an independent software vendor. Under the SofTech umbrella, more growth outside of our traditionally strong market in North America was possible. SofTech followed up the acquisition of AMT by acquiring other technology companies in the CAD/CAM/PLM space to offer a more comprehensive suite of software solutions.


AMT Software LLC

As part of a corporate restructuring in 2011, SofTech divested itself of the AMT division to focus exclusively on the PLM/PDM side of the business. The employees of the AMT division acquired the assets of the AMT division including all intellectual property rights, customers and distribution. Today, as a stand-alone business, AMT Software is singularly focused on the continued development and support of our portfolio of CAD/CAM software solutions. Our sales, service and development team is headquartered in Bloomfield Hills, MI. AMT Software is wholly responsible for the development, support and maintenance of our software. Unfortunately SofTech did not flourish following the restructuring and ceased operations.