MADISON, WI — Madison Area Technical College (MATC) announced that two major software companies have joined its Partnership for Educational Progress (PEP) Program. Planit Solutions Inc. has provided the college's Cabinetmaking & Millwork Program with the latest version of its Alphacam software for use in MATC's training program. This CAD/CAM software is used in the manufacture of many types of components, from simple routed parts to complex, 5-axis furniture components.

According to a release from MATC, a second company, Compass Software GmbH from Germany, has provided its stair design and manufacturing software for student use. This highly specialized software allows users to quickly design and present 3-D virtual models of stair assemblies, complete with all associated machining data. Compass also can be used in conjunction with Alphacam.

The combined value of these software donations is $87,875, according to the release.