CAM Software Improves 2 ½-Axis Programming, Machining

Delcam has released the 2016 version of its PartMaker software for programming CNC mills, lathes, wire EDMs, turn-mill centers and Swiss-type lathes, featuring powerful 2 ½-axis milling strategies, support for multiple solid models in a single CAM file, broaching support, and faster 2D CAD drafting and toolpath selection.

The revamped 2 ½-axis milling operations apply to the software’s mill, turn-mill and SwissCAM applications, offering a number of new milling options to enable faster programming and machining. This feature enables the creation of efficient and sophisticated toolpath strategies without requiring a solid model, the company says.

PartMaker 2016 offers users the ability to import multiple solid models into a single .JOB project file. This functionality enables users to quickly extract multiple parts from an imported solid assembly, allowing for more flexible programming of complex parts as well as improved ability to manipulate milling workholding in the software’s CAM environment.

This version also includes dedicated functionality for broaching, a technique used particularly in the medical device industry for creating features with sharp corners. The software automates the programming of both index and rotary (also known as wobble) broaching operations, enabling broaching operations to be simulated in 3D.