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Delcam will preview the latest version of PartMaker CAM software for programming turn-mill centres and Swiss-type lathes at the EMO exhibition to be held in Milan from 5th to 10th October. Major highlights of the program, which is scheduled for release during fourth quarter of 2009, include the ability to perform five-axis simultaneous milling on multi-axis lathes, more powerful milling functionality and better ability to program thread whirling. A host of additional productivity, user-driven enhancements will also be featured.
"PartMaker 2010 provides the technology PartMaker users will need to stay on cutting edge of manufacturing and ahead of their competition by employing the most advanced milling strategies available on the market today,'' said PartMaker Division President, Hanan Fishman. "With the ability to program simultaneous 5-axis milling operations on multi-axis lathes, PartMaker users will be able to machine even more complex parts than ever before, while the more powerful 2 ½ axis milling functionality and the other improvements will boost their productivity. These new milling capabilities, along with enhancements such as improved support for thread whirling, will be especially beneficial to a large segment of PartMaker users involved in the manufacture of medical devices.''
"While five-axis simultaneous milling is still new in the arena of Swiss-type lathes, multi-axis lathes with five-axis simultaneous milling capability are becoming more commonplace in small parts manufacturing. PartMaker 2010 positions PartMaker users to take advantage of the growing complexity of milling on multi-tasking machines,'' commented Mr. Fishman.
The five-axis simultaneous milling functionality in PartMaker 2010 is based on robust, well-proven technology used in PowerMILL, Delcam's world leading specialist CAM software for the manufacture of complex shapes. Sharing the vast technology pool of its parent company, has allowed the PartMaker development team to deliver more advanced manufacturing technology to the market place more quickly.
Five-axis swarf machining
PartMaker Version 2010 features an optional module to perform simultaneous five-axis swarf milling on multi-axis lathes. Swarf machining allows side cutting with an endmill while proceeding along the surface of a part, for example, the sidewalls of a tapered rib. The benefits over traditional three-axis milling strategies include significantly reduced machining time and improved surface finish. Employing swarf machining can allow parts to be completed in a single set-up and can enable more advanced de-burring techniques, thus eliminating time-consuming and laborious additional finishing.
The new swarf machining functionality in PartMaker lets users take advantage of B-axis lathes with five-axis simultaneous machining functionality. PartMaker's five-axis swarf milling is powerful, yet easy to use, allowing the user to apply this advanced machining technique in an intuitive manner.
PartMaker and PowerMILL Integration
PartMaker 2010 will offer the option for a direct interface to PowerMILL giving users access to all complex the five-axis machining strategies currently supported by the software, including blade and blisk machining, and to the program's highly-sophisticated three-axis strategies. Toolpaths generated in PowerMILL will be able to be imported directly into PartMaker, where they can be manipulated and synchronized on PartMaker's Process Table, and simulated and post-processed directly from the PartMaker working environment. This integrated solution of two market-leading technologies assures users that they will never be limited in their ability to program and optimize parts in the most efficient and powerful way possible.
More powerful milling strategies
PartMaker Version 2010 features a number of more advanced 2½ axis milling routines, including a variety of high-speed machining strategies, trochoidal milling, rest area machining, face milling and a more powerful pocketing strategy among others. These additional milling strategies are also based on proven PowerMILL technology and have been adapted to work inside of PartMaker in an efficient and easy-to-use manner.
Improved Thread Whirling Programming and Simulation
PartMaker Version 2010 includes an improved facility for automating the programming and simulation of thread whirling, a technique often used in the manufacture of "bone-screw'' threads as well as other specialty threads commonly found on surgical implants. Thread whirling on Swiss-type lathes allows threaded products to be produced faster because it only requires a single pass to complete the thread, whereas traditional routines require multiple passes to achieve the same result. Additionally, because of the rigidity afforded by a sliding-headstock Swiss-type lathe, thread whirling can also provide higher and more repeatable precision.
PartMaker 2010 includes specially-developed algorithms to automate the programming of this unique manufacturing technique. Then, PartMaker's 3D simulation prevents any risk of collision during machining, a potential problem with a thread whirling attachment as they can often be quite large inside the working envelope of the machine.
Additional Productivity Enhancements
PartMaker 2010 also includes a number of user-requested productivity enhancements to existing functionality. Among these improvements are: enhanced grooving functionality, more powerful and flexible threading capability, improved solids-based programming and additional CAD functionality. Additionally, 2D tool path selection has been made more automatic to speed up programming times and a number of improvements made to the software's tool database.
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