PartMaker version 2012 from the PartMaker division of Delcam includes improved visualization; more powerful simulation of VMCs and HMCs; support for multi-axis bar-fed mills, turn-mills and Swiss-type lathes; and greater flexibility and control in process development, among others.
The software includes the capability to perform 3D surface machining using cylindrical interpolation. This rotary machining functionality, included in the Surface Machining Wizard (SMW) module, enables users to create complicated part features for parts being made on four-axis mills, turn-mills and Swiss-type lathes.
The software also supports the simulation of Swiss-type lathes equipped with a programmable “B-axis” on a gang slide. B-axis gangs can add more live tooling in a single setup, and can simulate and collision-check complex five-axis simultaneous tool paths.
As part of the Kinematic Milling Simulation (KMS) module, the software’s full machine simulation technology has been extended to VMCs and HMCs. This functionality in PartMaker Mill simulated the kinematic motion of a CNC milling machine’s programmable axes.
Fixture models can be incorporated to simulate toolpaths for vertical and horizontal milling machines in a more realistic manner and avoid collisions between tools and workholding, the company says. The Setup Assembly Feature, which is part of the KMS module, enables the user to quickly designate the various components of setup assembly as stock, fixture or machining table.
The software also supports a variety of bar-fed mill and turn-mill center architectures, including the Star SF and Mori-Seiki NTX machines, where the sub-spindle can work at articulated positions in addition to articulation of the toolhead in the B-axis plane.
Other productivity enhancements to the software include drag-and-drop selection of multiple processes, improved toolpath visualization and control, the ability to directly output graphical setup sheets to Microsoft Excel, a direct copy/paste functionality from PowerSHAPE, 64-bit version availability, tapered thread milling support, more robust network licensing, more flexible sub-spindle control for twin spindle machines, improved CAD data translation, crisper rendering of imported solid models, and improved four-and five-axis milling table definition.
Mergers, acquisitions and other ownership changes are an effect of Boomer-age shop owners retiring, but only in part. Also important: The way we think about machining has changed.
