Delcam PartMaker 2012 keeps pace with latest turn-mill centres and Swiss-type lathe architectures

A powerful 3D surfacing strategy, an enhancement to the Surface Machining Wizard module, allows the user to perform 3D surface machining using cylindrical interpolation. This rotary machining functionality allows for the creation of more complicated features for complex parts being made on 4-axis mills, turn-mill centres and Swiss-type lathes. PartMaker 2012 also supports the simulation of Swiss-type lathes equipped with a programmable 'B-axis' on a gang slide, giving the ability to add more live tooling in a single set-up. The software can simulate and collision-check complex simultaneous 5-axis toolpaths, allowing users to better understand the benefits of using B-axis gangs, explains Delcam. This improved simulation supports models from the leading Swiss-lathe builders offering machines with this novel architecture. PartMaker's Full Machine Simulation technology has been extended to vertical and horizontal machining centres as part of the new Kinematic Milling Simulation module. This functionality simulates the kinematic motion of a CNC milling machine's programmable axes. It supports 3-, 4- and 5-axis vertical mills, as well horizontal and vertical tombstone set-ups, and provides more realistic simulation and more comprehensive collision detection. The 2012 release also features the ability to import fixture models into the PartMaker programming environment to simulate toolpaths for vertical and horizontal milling machines in a more realistic manner and avoid collisions between tools and workholding, says Delcam. The new Set-Up Assembly feature, part of the new Kinematic Milling Simulation module, allows the user to quickly designate the various components within the Set-Up Assembly as a stock, fixture or machining table in a visual and intuitive manner. Fixture models can be imported from virtually any 3D CAD system or directly cut and paste from Delcam's PowerShape software. PartMaker 2012 makes it easier for the user to optimise and rearrange machining processes faster and easier than ever before by allowing processes to be simply dragged and dropped into place on PartMaker's Process Table. It also lets multiple processes be selected and moved at the same time, rather than having to move processes individually, as previously. PartMaker 2012's improved visualisation includes the ability to display a 3D model of the stock being machined at any time without having to import a solid model, as well as the ability to see toolpaths and toolpath verification on a 3D stock model, even when no 3D model is available. This allows the user to see the part in 3D before going to machining simulation. Additionally, the visualisation and creation of toolpath Approach and Escape points have been improved by allowing these points to be quickly defined with convenient snap modes. Approach and Escape points can also be much more clearly visualised after creation. Other PartMaker 2012 enhancements cited by Delcam include: the ability to directly output its graphical set-up sheets to Microsoft Excel; a direct copy/paste functionality from PowerSHAPE, 64-bit version availability; support for tapered thread milling; 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 4 and 5-axis milling table definition.