Delcam releases more powerful PartMaker CAM for 2011

Major highlights of PartMaker 2011 include more powerful milling functionality, a more flexible tooling library, improved programming and simulation of bar-fed mills, more detailed mid-process documentation and additional productivity enhancements. A new way to manage tool inventory has been added based on the use of "Master Tools Databases" which can be edited, manipulated and stored through external database programs like Microsoft Excel, while individual tools can be imported quickly for specific jobs. PartMaker 2011 has introduced a number of features for handling the unique programming issues presented by the growing use of bar-fed mills. Improvements to the PartMaker Documentation Wizard include a number of new standard set-up sheet templates as well as the ability to create mid-process set-up sheets automatically. These display a picture of the part being machined at each step in the machining process as well as a graphical view of the tool used in that process. 3D simulation is some 50% faster than previous versions and lets the user see and verify all toolpaths in one sequence when programming on a solid model. "Version 2011 further demonstrates the accelerated pace of development PartMaker has undergone since its acquisition by Delcam four years ago," comments PartMaker division president, Hanan Fishman. "Since joining Delcam, the functionality, capability and power of the PartMaker CAM software suite have grown massively by taking advantage of the company's extensive development resources. "Delcam's worldwide team of over 225 developers is the largest in the CAM software industry. Multi-axis milling functionality that has taken Delcam many, many man years to develop is being added to PartMaker at a rapid pace and reduced cost, which provides a major benefit to the product's end users."