--- title: PowerMill Reviews meta_title: 'PowerMill Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta_description: Filter 17 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how PowerMill works for a business like yours. aggregate_rating: rating_value: 4.2 review_count: 17 scale: '5' date_modified: '2026-05-05' parent_category: name: CAD & PLM url: https://www.g2.com/categories/cad-plm --- # PowerMill Reviews **Vendor:** Autodesk **Category:** [Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/computer-aided-manufacturing-cam) **Average Rating:** 4.2/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 17 ## About PowerMill PowerMill CAM software provides strategies for 3- and 5-axis subtractive and additive manufacturing. ## PowerMill Reviews ### 1. Versatile, User-Friendly Software with a Strong, Supportive Community **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Prashant D. | Technical Head , Aviation & Aerospace, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 29, 2026 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** Versatile and highly user-friendly software. Few, if any, alternatives come close in terms of ease of use, intuitive learning curve, and overall usability. It also offers a solid range of strategies backed by a strong and supportive community. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** One major downside is the presence of several software bugs, some of which have persisted for years without resolution. There also haven’t been any significant software updates in the last 4–5 years, which makes the platform feel somewhat stagnant. Another major drawback is the subscription cost—especially in India—where it can often exceed the profits of small-scale industries, making the total cost of ownership quite high. Additionally, Autodesk PowerMill is quite inefficient in utilizing multicore processors, which limits performance gains from modern hardware and can impact productivity for compute-intensive tasks. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** Autodesk PowerMill has helped us generate safe, reliable, and efficient programs for our VMC machines. Its support for macro programming is a major advantage, allowing users to automate repetitive tasks, improve efficiency, and even extend the capabilities of the base software through custom workflows. ### 2. A great software for robotic engineers **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Arian M. | Mr. Mani, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 24, 2020 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** In our project, we needed to move endpoint of the robotic arm on a curved surface and so we needed to have the path on that surface. We used Powermill to get the path. One of the good things about Powermill is also you can use it to program industrial robots. There are not a lot of Softwares that could give G-code on a non-flat surface and also could simulate how the robot can do that movement and check the possibility for the robot to do it and at the end give me the data in robot's language. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** In the beginning, it was hard to use and I needed to spend a lot of time to learn how to start using it. I think it can become more user friendly and if I could find a course about how to using the software that would be awesome. **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** I really recommend the software to people who want to get g-code on a curved surface. especially for those who need the data for 3d printing purposes. I searched a lot to find software which would give me a g-code and also robot code on the non-flat surface. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** Producing G-code on a curved surface and use the data to program industrial robots to use the data for 3D printing purposes and use the data for industrial robots. ### 3. Just unique.. **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Recep Y. | Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 06, 2020 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** You have basically everything in this program. 2,3,4 and 5 axis milling.. should I count more ? :) I would like to mention one thing especially. 'Nurbs' machining makes your process super fast. You will have smoother surface you've ever had. You won't need any hand finishing process. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** Interface could be better. It's usual Autodesk product's interface but it could be much user friendly for like this program which has so many things inside. **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** Actually I mentioned so many things above but if you need to have smoother object and don't want to use hand process, this program is exactly what you're looking for. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** 5 Axis and 'Nurbs' Machining. (Actually we specifically used this program for Nurbs for an advice) ### 4. Usual quality from AutoDesk **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Efna E. | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 10, 2020 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** There are some codes for toolpaths for adding and editing them which is the most thing I've liked. Your project becomes together with your model file which is also positive thing. You have so many guides online. When you face any problem you probably will find the solution online. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** Can't say that this program is user friendly because menu bar is so complicate especially for new users. **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** Don't hesitate to use it. It's usual quality of autodesk. We were delightful about it. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** Tried to understand how to work and is that program suitable for showing to students ### 5. PowerMill for Robotics **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Machinery | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 20, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** - Comprehensive solution - Easy to study - Wide range of strategies - Point distribution is the best way to smooth the toolpath and tool axis, that is essential problem in Robot programming. - Ability to change non-machining moves (links, leads) without need to recalculate the entire toolpath. - Simple and power toolkit for robotics programming - Powerfull Macro programming language that is enought to automate most routines in PowerMill. Moreover, Nuget package makes plugin creating simpler. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** - The rate of development reduces after Autodesk has acquired Delcam. - Subscription is not good. - Poor online help. I use help file (chm) from 2016 version because it is clearer and more professional - MultiMove mode (two robots working with same workpiece) is not supported **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** Note, some vendors provides their solutions for robotics. But PowerMill provides professional tools for 'deepest' programming. 'Point distribution', Tool orientation control, 'mutilevel' toolpath verification, 'Automatic wirst singularity avoidence' and other tools make robot programming efficient. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** I use PowerMill 2020 to create toolpaths for ABB IRB robot for coating operations. Despite of PowerMill has Addaptive Plugin that provides dedicated fuctionality and strategies for coating operations, I use 'milling' strategies instead due to: - faster calculation (Additive plugin is slower) - more tools to control the toolpath. I'm realy happy by using 'Point distribution' fuctionality. Everyone that deals with inductrial robots knows about its' low stiffness causes the jerks during the machining. I use 'Redistribution' option to place additional point in toolpath segments. It's important for me that PowerMill provides a wide range of tools to verify the toolpaths and robot movements and avoid collisions. ### 6. PowerMill facility and experience in machining strategies. **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Eduardo O. | Computer programmer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 05, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** In PowerMill the main advantage in machining 5th axis, a skill that software has for saving time in the machining of complex shapes and in a single machine preparation. In PowerMill are two forms of machining 3 and 5 axis, providing strategies for the additive and subtractive manufacturing of the same. The key feature of this machining program lies in the wide range of high efficiency cutting strategies such as roughing, finishing, 5-axis machining techniques, the exceptional speed in the internal mathematical calculation and in the power of the tools of editing to ensure optimizing the performance of the machine tool. PowerMill can import models in standard formats from any CAD system such as IGES, VDA, STL, among others and also from its own PowerShape products. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** For calculating trajectories on old equipment PowerMill quits unexpectedly when calculating trajectories on computers with processors that are not compatible. However, it is only an issue that can be solved as you progress in the development of this program **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** This software offers the best functions for any user, since it facilitates programming, simulation and verification in 3 and 5 axis machining, in order to get a better performance of its subtractive, additive or hybrid machines. Everything that any manufacturer needs to increase the productivity of the company in record time **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** Just present a problem with the language settings; therefore, when installing PowerMill in a language other than that specified in the Windows regional settings, PowerMill will use the language specified in that locale. To solve it, I only had to select the language I want to use in the "Language" and "Help pages of the Options dialog box". Relevant the greatest benefit we have obtained from this Software is the easy to learn basic configurations, so simple and fast in its functions. ### 7. AutoDesk designates the standarts **Rating:** 3.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Turan S. | Sales Manager, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 26, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** You don't need to change entire toolpath when you did a mistake or want to change. Also when you decided toolpath, UI shows how can you adapt the tool so you don't need to do whole process from the beginning. These two makes your process easier. No need to say anything about quality of AutoDesk and their support. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** AutoDesk builds their program seperately. We could have a all in one solution but we can't. After working on a program of AutoDesk, they're sending mail after getting used to previous program and saying " Hello! Wanna try this one? " and probably we all users like " Oh, here we go again." Programs are working perfectly but all-in-one would be better. **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** Finding tutorial is easy. Program is user friendly as usual. If you wanna work on 5 axis machining don't hesitate to use it. But high quality costs :) **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** Worked on projects at university. ### 8. A beginner experience **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Faruk O. | Civil Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 25, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** Program is the one of the best and you can use so many guides about it. You can program 3 and 5 axis machines. Also you can develop that program ONLINE! You heard me. One of my client from India said they've done it. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** They've changed colors with update. Most of people doesn't like it and they're still using version of 2017 or older. We were used to see menu's color but it's a little bit confusing now. Also I need to say, it's not a big minus for program. **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** Easy to code. Ease and automation of code ( in this point you're not fighting with bugs and errors ). Once you've built up your libraries you can use them over again. So fast. It works perfectly in 64 bit systems. ( But you need to have a little bit good computer, you know what I am saying ) So good with high-tolerance freeform surfaces. You can also find lots of guides don't worry if you wanted to learn really! **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** This program helps us to get our parts the way we need it. We're buying hydraulic and pneumatic parts from a company which uses this program. With this trade, we're learning this program every single problem we've faced. It's easy to use and there are tons of guide of it. You can find every language because it's an AutoDesk product. They sold everywhere and there are so many users of it in engineering industry. ### 9. Perfect solution for diesinker **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** BERKAY B. | Mechanical Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 05, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** They're developing themselves greatly. Like, I was user before and I check the updates after done my job with program lately. I saw that they added some pretty good things to make toolpaths and make them edit. Program was user friendly and it still is. AutoDesk feels and knows the users. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** I still don't understand why AutoDesk doesn't offer an all-in-one solution instead making different programs for every problem :) **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** Actually I prefer all-in-one solutions instead of buying them seperately. But some firms only using milling and PowerMill could be a better solution for them instead of buying everything :) Program is so easy to use and AutoDesk supports you very well when you stuck. Don't hesitate to buy and use it. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** Worked at university. ### 10. Class is permanent **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** AHMET Y. | Mechanical Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 11, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** I'm very happy to used to this program. I was foreign to CNC and 5-axis machining. It was my first program we learned at university. Interface is so simple. You will feel comfortable when you enter the program because they gave you so many space to see your progress and manage it. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** I had my own computer issued with this program. Nothing because of it. **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** If you're new don't hesitate to use it. You will find many tutorials online and many people are using it so you can ask whenever you stuck with a problem. You can also call where you bought from. They will surely help you. Their services are great. They even helped us. You'll be sure that you'll find the right solution for your company. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** We used in a lesson at university. (Mechatronics) ### 11. Power mill CNC rivew **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Furniture | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 31, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** Power mill is one of strongest software for 5 axis CNC designing and programming.it can control heavy CNC machines. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** I don't have something to be disliked.Used the application at work . different work place have different software also. **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** Try this software if you are using any other CAM. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** Solving all production related issues with CNC machining ### 12. Amazing Software With High Quality Features **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Preeti G. | Content Manager & Digital Marketer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 08, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** - The best thing about this software is you don't neend to change whole toolpath when you did any kind of mistakes or wants to change something. - Love the quality of Autodesk and their support - Easy to Understand **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** Program works very well but all in one would be better otherwise the software is amazing **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** Program is user friendly and you can easily understand it's features. Highly recommend to this software to everyone. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** You can easily learn the basic configuration and the 3D technology is amazing. ### 13. Lord of the 5-Axis Softwares **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Muge S. | Mechanical Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 09, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** It's the fastest program for 3 and 5 axis machining. Complex parts are not complex anymore. It has a smooth and fluent animation which locks you in front of the screen. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** Program runs out my CPUs. I'm using additional cooler for my laptop. There is no issue. **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** Don't hesitate to use it. This program gives you the performance you need. Learning and finding tutorial is so easy. You will learn it quickly. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** Worked 4 or 5 projects at university to understand milling in programming better. ### 14. PowerMill for laser-based manufacturing technologies **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Automotive | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 16, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** Its flexibility and automation capabilities. Even PowerMill is a software developed fpr machining purposes, we used it for laser-based technologies (surface treatment and additive manufacturing). We could do it thanks to its high possibilities of automation by macros and API. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** Comparing with other softwares such as Siemens NX, which includes all the CAD and CAM functions in the same software, Autodesk has split the CAD/CAM capabilities into two different softwares: PowerShape and PowerMill. This is sometimes quite uncomfortable and time-consuming. **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** It is not the cheapest software, but it gives you a level of flexibility and automation that other softwares don't. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** Research in laser-based manufacturing technologies, mainly surface treatment processes and additive manufacturing of metal parts. Some client's parts have been successfully treated/manufactured thanks to PowerMill. ### 15. Good for complex surfaces! **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Lucas M. | Researcher, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** April 23, 2019 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** Simulations, post process, surface config **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** Integration with their CAD software is too messy **Recommendations to others considering PowerMill:** If you are currently using a 3-axis machine, add your own machine and simulate complex machine, those features may fit you well. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** Positive impact, easy to learn the basic configuration, a lot of features to perform complex surfaces ### 16. PowerMill has been a lifesaver for me and my company by providing resources better than others **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Biotechnology | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 25, 2018 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** So many companies worldwide use PowerMill which makes it so easy to share information with such a well-known and exciting software program. **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** PowerMill often has multiple updates that I have to install on my personal software, so it would be nice if PowerMill could more easily be updated. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** With the amazing 3D technology, I can easily convey new ideas that I can bring to my company. I was actually able to virtually create a prototype for a new medical instrument I am working on. ### 17. Powerful but Overcomplicated **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** October 29, 2018 **What do you like best about PowerMill?** There's lots of control over certain aspects of toolpathing strategies **What do you dislike about PowerMill?** There are some very simple features that are useful on simple machining processes, that are not included - or that require some odd workarounds to accomplish. **What problems is PowerMill solving and how is that benefiting you?** 5axis CNC machining ## PowerMill Discussions - [Did you try 'Nurbs' machining once? How was your results?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/26860-did-you-try-nurbs-machining-once-how-was-your-results) - [View PowerMill pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/powermill/reviews?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-06-24+23%3A24%3A00+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=2d7cb0cf-9de4-4d47-9c87-ad80b2d11b9f&secure%5Btoken%5D=2282428fa1199a5646537b7d2feac6202b0ab9a121644da6ac87ca7abd08eb3d&format=llm_user) ## PowerMill Features **CAD to CAM** - CAD-CAM Import - CAM Data Exchange - CAD/CAM Compatibility **CNC Programming** - CNC Workflows - CNC Feature Recognition - Programming Control **Machining** - Job Set-up - Operations - Tooling and Toolpaths ## Top PowerMill Alternatives - [NX CAM](https://www.g2.com/products/nx-cam/reviews) - 4.4/5.0 (294 reviews) - [SolidCAM](https://www.g2.com/products/solidcam/reviews) - 4.3/5.0 (34 reviews) - [SolidWorks CAM](https://www.g2.com/products/solidworks-cam/reviews) - 4.3/5.0 (33 reviews)