Delcam PartMaker includes Vortex strategy among 1014 version enhancements

Delcam's Vortex proprietary high speed roughing technology controls the maximum engagement angle of the cutter in the material, such that the angle calculated for the programmed step-over is never exceeded, even in internal corners. This allows for optimal cutting conditions to be maintained throughout the toolpath. By controlling the maximum engagement angle and the load on the tool, Vortex can take deeper cuts than traditionally used in roughing operations. Depths of cut up to the full flute length enable maximum material removal rate from solid carbide tooling and reduce machining times by up to 70%. Vortex is available as a free upgrade to licensees of PartMaker's Advanced Surface Machining (ASM) module that are on maintenance. Improved functionality supports the automated programming of back-turning tools. These tools are used across a wide variety of small-part turning applications, particularly in Swiss machining. With their special geometry and cutting characteristics, back-turning tools can eliminate the need for multiple tools and so can reduce cycle time and improve surface finish. However, given the multiple included angles and programmable radii found on these tools, they can present toolpath calculation challenges. A propriety method in PartMaker 2014 automates programming for using back-turning tools on both the inside and outside diameter of turned parts. More powerful functionality allows for more efficient and intelligent material removal from 2D pockets. The raster finishing strategy in PartMaker ASM has also been enhanced, resulting in less fragmented toolpaths without overlaps when machining highly complex shapes, thus improving part surface finish. Removing overlaps also has the added benefit of reducing cycle time by preventing over-machining of parts and by minimising lifting of the tool. PartMaker 2014 lets users enter lead-in and lead-out moves faster than ever before for both turning and milling operations. The lead-in and lead-out dialogues have been combined into one form where values can automatically be copied from lead-in moves to lead-out moves, or vice versa. This productivity enhancement speeds up programming, reduces mouse clicks and decreases the chance of making an error. A NC Program Viewer function option makes programming of more complex machines much easier by allowing improved analysis of the NC code generated by PartMaker to help achieve optimum productivity from the machine. It also includes special functionality for automatically aligning 'wait' or 'sync' codes for multi-channel machines. By simply clicking the Align Wait/Queue Commands button, the user can quickly see which processes are being executed simultaneously across a multi-channel CNC program and so identify opportunities for a more efficient sequence of operations. This functionality can be applied automatically to a broad spectrum of combinations of machine controls with multi-axis turn-mill machines and Swiss-type lathes. PartMaker's extensive tool database now includes explicit selections for tapered end-mills as well as neutral turning tools and back-turning tools. Additionally, the software now automatically gives users the option to choose between a flat-bottom, bullnose or ballnose endmill when creating a new endmill. The use of back-turning tools and tapered endmills is available as a free upgrade to maintained licensees of PartMaker's Advanced Tools option.