At Hypertherm Associates, our goal is to create offline programming software that increases productivity and reduces the nuances associated with programming industrial robots and we are committed to focusing on continued product development. To achieve this goal, transformational change is occasionally necessary in the underlying product architecture which has led to the decision to shift away from Robotmaster Version 6. As a result, following a period of transition where both Version 6 and the latest product version remain active, effective December 31, 2023, Hypertherm Associates will no longer provide technical or support services to users of Robotmaster Version 6, which will reach End of Life status at that time.
Over the past decade our users have come to rely on Robotmaster Version 6 for its robustness, versatility, and flexibility and we are striving to offer the same level of quality and user experience in our current and future technology.
It is our policy to support the current software version plus two prior versions. In line with this policy, and based on our current cadence of version releases, we wish to inform our users of the End of Life for Version 6 effective December 31, 2023. After this date, technical and licensing support will no longer be provided for Version 6. This specifically covers technical support, development, distribution, activations of new licenses, requests for license activations, and license modifications.
This End of Life announcement also impacts Version 6 maintenance plans. These plans will not be renewed past December 31, 2022, resulting in all Version 6 maintenance expiring by the December 31, 2023, End of Life date.
With this announcement we also wish to notify you of the End of Sale date for Robotmaster Version 6. Effective December 31, 2022, no new Version 6 licenses will be issued. Existing Version 6 software installations will continue to function as released.
We encourage Robotmaster customers and partners who use Version 6 to upgrade to the current product version. The most recent version of Robotmaster delivers the latest offline programming technology, including the Robotmaster Bridge which enables the use of plugins to the user's CAD/CAM software of choice. When used with the Robotmaster Plugin to Mastercam, it allows users to import and synchronize data seamlessly from Mastercam to Robotmaster. Users will experience major enhancements including a vast array of powerful programming tools and greater ease of use with a more contemporary and intuitive interface. Please contact your Robotmaster distributor for assistance or to request a quote.
The migration process from Robotmaster Version 6 to the latest version of Robotmaster can, in some instances, require substantial service work. There are tools available such as the latest version of G2PP (Generation 2 Processor Package) to help alleviate and expedite the work associated with the migration. Please contact your distributor for additional information.
Please contact us if you have questions regarding the details shared in this announcement.