Swiss on steroids might sound like another Olympic drug scandal, but the term aptly describes how Partmaker version 7.0 can beef up your Swiss turning. The newest release of International Manufacturing Computing Services Inc (IMCS) CAD/CAM software from Philadelphia, USA. Designed for use with Swiss-type lathes, PartMaker allows you to harness the potential of virtually any Swiss-type CNC machine.

On a recent study tour to IMCS's headquarters, Realtek Technologies' Technical Support manager Gary Schultz used the version 7.0 software confidently after an initial training period.

"After two days I was making complex parts... Windows-based, it's very simple, it's right there in 3D in front of you. We have been looking for this kind of software tool for many years and even started developing our own product. We are exceptionally impressed with Partmaker. It really works." he said.

The Surface Machining Wizard is an optional component of PartMaker and produces tool paths without any intervention. This enhancement implements tool path generation and machining strategies for free-shape milling, 3D surfaces on machining centres, turn-mill centres and Swiss-type lathes equipped with live tooling.

PartMaker utilises algorithms that significantly reduce pat manufacturing time and allows users to import a solid model or STL file from virtually any solids-based design system. PartMaker also provides the ability to machine the entire model or just certain sections.

Partmaker's Machining Simulation capability presents a visual simulation of all machining operations as they would occur on an actual machine.. PartMaker can simulate multiple turrets and spindles for turn-mill applications as well as gang-slides, tool-posts and turrets.

PartMaker detects tool collisions and machine crashes automatically, before the code is sent to the machine. It can also compare a machined solid model to a geometric solid model using cross-sectioning and other inspection techniques. Users can visualise machining discrepancies such as under and over-cuts before committing resources.

A hallmark of PartMaker's patented visual programming approach is its visual simplicity. Even a novice can produce good programs in a matter of minutes with this technology. Using a "divide and conquer" approach PartMaker helps the programmer deal with complicated parts by breaking them into a series of separate planes or faces. Once machining tasks such as turning, plane milling and cylinder milling are performed on each face the system optimises the resulting machining process by selecting optimal cutting speeds, eliminating redundant tool changes and part repositioning.

Contact Realtek for more information