CIMdata PLM Industry Summary Online Archive
21 November 2007
Product News
PartMaker Version 8.5 Now Shipping
PartMaker Inc., a subsidiary of Delcam Plc, has announced it is now shipping Version 8.5 of its PartMaker® CAD/CAM software for CNC Mills, Lathes, WireEDM, Turn-Mill Centers and Swiss-type lathes. PartMaker Version 8.5 features a variety of new functionality and enhanced capability all designed to make PartMaker users more productive across every PartMaker application. The focus of this release is a significant improvement of CAD and CAM functionality used commonly in PartMaker. PartMaker Version 8.5 also marks the introduction of the PartMaker Documentation Wizard (PDW), an optional module which allows the user to create, preview and print documents with multiple views.
"PartMaker Version 8.5 is a real productivity blockbuster," according to Hanan Fishman, the company's President. "The improvements made to the software's drawing capability and general CAM functionality will make an immediate impact in terms of productivity for every current and potential PartMaker user."
Drafting Improvements
PartMaker Version 8.5 offers all PartMaker users the ability to create dimensioned drawings in manner that is remarkably intuitive and easy to use. Users can create Horizontal, Vertical, Linear, Circular and Angular Dimensions in every Face Window separately by picking geometric entities. "Flexible" Dimension combines Horizontal, Vertical and Linear dimensions in one icon that results in saving time. Free-floating Notes and Notes with Leaders are also supported. Dimensions and Notes can be edited and special symbols inserted. Multi-line text is supported for Dimensions and Notes. PartMaker's "smart" dimensioning tools make creating a detailed part drawings quick and easy.
General System Improvements
PartMaker Version 8.5 also features a number of enhancements across the PartMaker suite of products including PartMaker Mill, Turn, Wire EDM, Turn-Mill and SwissCAM. These improvements include the ability to link CAD to CAM to automatically update programmed features when a geometry change is made. Tool path profiles can also now be modified once they have been created. Additionally, recently used files can automatically be accessed from with-in the software. The software's printing and shop floor documentation facilities are also much improved.
PartMaker Version 8.5 also supports the import of files from SolidWorks 2008 and Autodesk Inventor 2008.
Introduction of the PartMaker Documentation Wizard (PDW)
PartMaker Version 8.5 includes the introduction of the PartMaker Documentation Wizard (PDW) option for all PartMaker applications. The PartMaker Documentation Wizard (PDW) is an optional module that will let you illustrate your part process like never before. The PDW allows you to create, preview and print documents with multiple views. Up to four views are allowed. A "Drawing Layout" dialog allows you to choose specific windows you wish to include in the document. These choices include any Face Window, the Solids Window and the Simulation Window. This dialog also allows you to enter information for the Title Block that could be included in the drawing.
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.
PartMaker pioneered the field of CAM software for Turn-Mills and Swiss-type lathes with its patented Visual Programming Approach for programming multi-axis lathes with live tooling. It assures quicker learning and easier use. It makes an extensive use of pictures to help the user describe tools, part features and machining data. Synchronization of tools working on multiple spindles is achieved by a few mouse clicks.
Become a member of the CIMdata PLM Community to receive your daily PLM news and much more.
Tell us what you think of the CIMdata Newsletter. Send your feedback.
CIMdata is committed to your privacy. Your personal information will never be sold or shared outside of CIMdata without your express permission.