5-AXIS SIMULTANEOUS MILLING FOR MULTI-AXIS LATHES

PartMaker Inc. (Fort Washington, PA) recently released its latest version of PartMaker Software for programming CNC Mills, Lathes, WireEDMs, Turn-Mill Centers and Swiss-type lathes. Major highlights of this newest release, PartMaker Version 2010, include the ability to perform 5-axis simultaneous milling on multi-axis lathes, more powerful milling functionality and the ability to better visualize thread whirling. A host of additional productivity, user-driven enhancements will also be featured in PartMaker Version 2010.

"PartMaker Version 2010 provides the technology PartMaker users will need to stay on cutting edge of manufacturing and stay ahead of the competition by employing the most advanced milling strategies available on the market today," says PartMaker Inc. President Hanan Fishman."With the ability to program simultaneous 5-axis milling operations on multi-axis lathes and more powerful 2½ axis milling functionality among other improvements, PartMaker users will be able to program even more complex parts than ever before. These new milling capabilities, along with enhancements such as improved thread whirling visualization, will be especially beneficial to a large segment of PartMaker users involved in the manufacture of medical devices.

"While 5-axis simultaneous milling is still new in the arena of Swiss-type lathes, multi-axis lathes with 5-axis simultaneous milling capability are becoming more commonplace in small parts manufacturing. PartMaker Version 2010 positions PartMaker users to take advantage of the growing complexity of milling on multi-tasking machines. PartMaker Version 2010 represents a quantum leap forward for users and potential users of PartMaker technology," comments Fishman.

The 5-axis simultaneous milling functionality in PartMaker Version 2010 is based on robust, well-proven technology used in PowerMILL, Delcam's world leading specialist NC CAM software for the manufacture of complex shapes. Sharing the vast technology pool of its parent company Delcam, the largest CAM-centric developer in the industry, has allowed the PartMaker development team to deliver more advanced manufacturing technology to the market place faster.

5-AXIS SIMULTANEOUS MILLING FOR MULTI-AXIS LATHES
PartMaker Version 2010 features an optional module to perform simultaneous 5-axis swarf milling on multi-axis lathes. Swarf machining is a technique that allows side cutting with an endmill while proceeding along the surface of a part, such as the sidewalls of a tapered rib. Swarf machining can be used for profiling the edge of components using the side of the tool to remove material. The benefits of 5-axis simultaneous swarf machining over traditional 3-axis milling strategies include significantly reduced machining time and improved surface finish. Employing swarfing can allow parts to be machined complete in a single set-up by allowing for more advanced de-burring techniques thus eliminating time consuming and laborious additional finishing.

The new swarfing functionality in PartMaker lets users take advantage of B-axis lathes with 5-axis simultaneous machining functionality. PartMaker's 5-axis swarf milling is powerful, yet easy to use, allowing the user to apply this complex machining technique in an intuitive manner.

PARTMAKER AND POWERMILL INTEGRATION
For all complex 5-axis machining strategies currently supported by PowerMILL, including blade and blisk machining, as well as for highly sophisticated 3-axis strategies, PartMaker Version 2010 will feature the option for a direct interface to PowerMILL. PowerMILL tool paths can be imported directly into PartMaker Version 2010, manipulated and synchronized on PartMaker's Process Table, simulated and post processed directly from the PartMaker working environment. This integrated solution of two market leading technologies assures users they will never be limited in their ability to program and optimize parts in the most efficient and powerful way possible.

MORE POWERFUL MILLING STRATEGIES
PartMaker Version 2010 features a number of more advanced 2 ½ axis milling routines not available in previous PartMaker versions including a variety of High Speed Machining Strategies, Trochoidal Milling, Rest Area Machining, Face Milling and a more powerful Pocketing strategy among others. These additional milling strategies are also based on PowerMILL technology and have been adapted to work inside of PartMaker in an efficient and easy-to-use manner.

IMPROVED THREAD WHIRLING PROGRAMMING AND SIMULATION
PartMaker Version 2010 includes an improved facility for automating the programming and simulation of thread whirling, a programming technique often used in the programming of "bone screw" threads as well as other specialty threads commonly found on threaded surgical implants. The popularity of thread whirling attachments on Swiss-type lathes have grown substantially in recent years because of the dual benefit this technique offers manufacturers making threaded parts. Specifically, thread whirling allows threaded products to be produced faster because this technique only requires a single pass, where as traditional multi-pass threading routines require multiple passes to achieve the same result. Additionally, with the rigidity afforded by a sliding-headstock Swiss-lathe, thread whirling can also provide higher and more repeatable precision.

PartMaker Version 2010 includes specially developed algorithms and user interface to automate the programming of this unique manufacturing technique. Additionally, PartMaker's 3D simulation fully simulates machining with a thread whirling attachment as these attachments can generally be quite large inside the working envelope of a machine and thus provide additional risk of collision during machining.

ADDITIONAL PRODUCTIVITY ENHANCEMENTS
PartMaker Version 2010 includes a number of user requested productivity enhancements. Among these improvements are: enhanced grooving functionality, powerful and flexible threading capability, improved solids-based programming and additional CAD functionality. Additionally, 2D tool path selection has been improved from previous versions. The new automated tool path selection techniques in PartMaker Version 2010 will provide users a significant productivity improvement by measurably speeding up programming time. Space ball support has also been added in PartMaker Version 2010. Additionally, a number improvements to the software's Tool Database have been made in Version 2010.

MORE ON PARTMAKER
PartMaker is a Knowledge Based Machining system, allowing it to provide a substantial gain in programming efficiency by remembering the tools, material and process information necessary to machine individual part features. It thus relieves the user from reentering the same features information for subsequent parts. It also improves productivity by placing the emphasis on tool management functions.

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