CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive

21 December 2009

Product News

Delcam Releases PartMaker 2010 for Latest Machine Tools

Delcam has released PartMaker 2010, the latest version of its dedicated software for programming turn-mill centres and Swiss-type lathes. This latest release incorporates a number of new features and enhancements that will allow users to program faster, make more complex parts and take advantage of the latest developments in machine tool technology.

“Version 2010 will provide every PartMaker user with an immediate productivity improvement,” states Delcam’s PartMaker Division President, Hanan Fishman. “Plugging into Delcam’s development staff, the largest in the CAM industry, has facilitated the incredible leap in technology included in the software.”

Major highlights of this release include the ability to perform five-axis simultaneous milling on multi-axis lathes, more powerful milling functionality, enhanced grooving routines, faster tool path creation, improved solid model-based programming tools and better programming of thread whirling.

Five-axis simultaneous milling for multi-axis lathes

PartMaker 2010 offers an optional module to perform simultaneous five-axis swarf milling on multi-axis lathes. Swarf machining is a technique that allows side cutting with an end-mill while proceeding along the surface of a part, such as the sidewalls of a tapered rib. The benefits of five-axis simultaneous swarf machining over traditional three-axis milling strategies include significantly reduced machining time and improved surface finish. Employing swarfing can allow parts to be machined complete in a single set-up by allowing for more advanced de-burring techniques, thus eliminating time consuming and laborious additional finishing.

PartMaker and PowerMILL integration

PartMaker 2010 features the option for a direct interface to all the advanced five-axis machining strategies currently supported by PowerMILL, including blade and blisk machining, as well as its highly sophisticated three-axis strategies. PowerMILL tool paths can be imported directly into PartMaker, manipulated and synchronized on PartMaker’s Process Table, and then simulated and post-processed directly from that working environment. This integrated solution of two market leading technologies assures users 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 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 PowerMILL technology and have been adapted to work inside PartMaker in an efficient and easy-to-use manner.

Additionally, the software’s chamfering ability is much improved, allowing users to automatically chamfer or round any edge with a single mouse click. This functionality is critical for completely finishing parts on multi-axis lathes and eliminating costly secondary operations. The new version also features new, highly sophisticated functionality for thread milling as well as automated face milling.

Improved thread whirling programming and simulation

PartMaker Version 2010 includes an improved facility for programming and simulation of thread whirling, a technique often used in the machining of “bone-screw” threads and other specialty threads commonly found on surgical implants. The popularity of thread whirling attachments on Swiss-type lathes has grown substantially in recent years because of the dual benefit this technique offers. Specifically, thread whirling allows threaded products to be produced faster because it only requires a single pass, where as traditional threading routines require multiple passes to achieve the same result. Additionally, with the rigidity afforded by a sliding-headstock Swiss-lathe, thread whirling can also provide higher and more repeatable precision.

PartMaker Version 2010 includes specially developed algorithms and user interface to automate the programming of this unique manufacturing technique. Additionally, 3D simulation fully simulates machining with a thread whirling attachment, an important option as these attachments can generally be quite large inside the working envelope of a machine and thus provide additional risk of collision during machining.

Additional Productivity Enhancements

PartMaker Version 2010 includes a number of user requested productivity enhancements. Among these improvements are: enhanced grooving functionality, powerful and flexible threading capability, improved solids-based programming and additional CAD functionality. Additionally, 2D toolpath selection has been improved from previous versions to measurably speed up programming time. Also, a number of improvements have been made to the software’s Tool Database.

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