Fort Washington, PA – PartMaker Inc., a division of Delcam Plc, will debut PartMaker Modeling at Westec 2012 March 27 – 29, 2012 in Los Angeles. PartMaker Modeling has been made available as part of the recently released PartMaker Version 2012. PartMaker Version 2012 will make its west coast debut at Westec 2012. PartMaker will be exhibited in booth 2812 in the booth of its parent company, Delcam Plc.

PartMaker Modeling is a 3D design tool developed specifically for the needs of CNC manufacturers. It lets users create, repair and modify 3D CAD data of any origin or level of quality and make flawless solid models they can use for the most efficient level of machining, CNC programming and 3D simulation.

“The engineering demands being faced by part manufacturers are becoming greater and greater in ever increasingly more competitive in today’s global manufacturing arena,” says Delcam’s PartMaker Inc. division President Hanan Fishman. “To help our customers compete and thrive, we are providing them with a powerful yet easy tool to help them keep pace with these demands.”

PartMaker Modeling is a hybrid modeler working with surfaces and Parasolid™, the world’s most widely used solid modelling kernel, providing high quality solid models that can be used at any level of the supply chain.
PartMaker Modeling gives PartMaker users the most powerful 3D design tool of any PC-based CAD system, allowing for 3D modelling, direct modelling of dumb solid models and data repair in a manner other CAM systems simply do not and cannot offer.

PartMaker Modeling is a very easy to use, yet versatile and powerful CAD system, delivering state-of-the-art tools directly to the desktop. It is based on Delcam’s proven PowerSHAPE 3D design package and has been specifically tuned to the needs of part manufacturers.

PartMaker Modeling integrates seamlessly with PartMaker. 3D models can be quickly cut and paste between the applications. PartMaker Modeling is developed and supported directly by Delcam, making Delcam a ‘one stop’ solution for both users CNC programming and design applications needs eliminating the need to hunt for multiple CAD and CAM vendors or pay multiple maintenance agreements.

In addition to PartMaker Modeling, PartMaker Version 2012 includes a host new functionality across the entire suite of PartMaker applications including improved visualization, more powerful simulation of vertical and horizontal machining centers, support for the latest breed of multi-axis Bar-Fed Mills, Turn-Mill Centers and Swiss-type lathes, greater flexibility and control in process development and much, much more.

“PartMaker Version 2012 will help our customers continue to ‘raise their game’ to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive manufacturing landscape,” says Fishman. “PartMaker Version 2012 includes an array of new features and functionality that will benefit every PartMaker user. There’s just so much for PartMaker users to be excited about with PartMaker Version 2012.”

Variable Depth Cylindrical Milling
PartMaker Version 2012 includes a new, powerful 3D surfacing strategy as an enhancement to the Surface Machining Wizard (SMW) module. This new strategy allows the user to perform 3D surface machining using cylindrical interpolation. This powerful, new rotary machining functionality allows for creation of more complicated part features for complex parts being made on 4-axis Mills, Turn-Mill Centers and Swiss-type lathes.

Simulation of B-Axis Gang Style Swiss-Type Lathes
PartMaker Version 2012 supports the simulation of the latest generation of Swiss-type lathes, those equipped with a programmable “B-Axis” on a gang slide. PartMaker Version 2012 will allow you to take advantage of the newest breed of B-axis enabled gang-style Swiss lathes, better understand the benefits of using B-axis gangs for their ability to add more live tooling in a single set-up and simulate and collision check complex 5-axis simultaneous tool paths. This improved simulation supports models from the leading Swiss-lathe builders offering machines with this unique architecture.

Full Machine Simulation for Milling
PartMaker Version 2012 extends the software’s powerful Full Machine Simulation technology to vertical and horizontal machining centers as part of the new Kinematic Milling Simulation (KMS) module. This new functionality in PartMaker Mill simulates the kinematic motion of a CNC Milling machine’s programmable axes. It supports 3, 4 and 5-axis vertical mills as well horizontal and vertical tombstone set-ups and provides more realistic simulation and more comprehensive collision detection.

Set-Up Assemblies for Milling
PartMaker Version 2012 features the ability to import fixture models into the PartMaker programming environment to simulate tool paths for vertical and horizontal milling machines in a more realistic manner and avoid collisions between tools and work holding. The new Set-Up Assembly Feature, part of the new Kinematic Milling Simulation (KMS) module, allows the user to quickly designate the various components Set-Up Assembly as a stock, fixture or machining table in a visual and intuitive manner. Fixture models can be imported from virtually any 3D CAD system or directly cut and paste from Delcam’s PowerSHAPE.

Multiple Process Drag and Drop Selection
PartMaker Version 2012 allows the user to optimize and rearrange machining processes faster and easier than ever before. The new version allows processes to be simply dragged and dropped into place on PartMaker’s Process Table. It also lets multiple processes be selected and moved at the same time, rather than having to move processes individually as was the case before.

Support for New Bar-Fed Mill and Multi-Axis Lathe Architectures
PartMaker Version 2012 supports a number of new, cutting-edge architectures found on today’s latest Bar-Fed Mill and Turn-Mill Center offerings. This new technology has been developed in concert with a number of the industry’s leading machine tool builders. It includes support for such unique machine tool architectures as the Star SF and Mori-Seiki NTX where the sub-spindle can work at articulated positions in addition to the articulation of these machines’ tool head in the B-axis plane.

Enhanced Tool Path Visualization and Control
PartMaker Version 2012 provides much improved visualization across the entire PartMaker applications suite. This enhanced visualization includes the ability to display a 3D model of the stock being machined at any time without having to import a solid model as well as the ability to see tool paths and tool path verification on a 3D stock model even when no 3D model is available. Doing so allows the user to see the part in 3D before going to machining simulation, speeding up programming and reducing the chance of error. Additionally, the visualization and creation of tool path Approach and Escape points have been improved by allowing these points to be quickly defined with convenient snap modes. Approach and Escape points can also be much more clearly visualized after creation in PartMaker Version 2012.

Additional Productivity Enhancements
In addition to the improvements mentioned above, PartMaker Version 2012 includes a host of other productivity enhancements including the abilitity to directly output PartMaker’s graphical set-up sheets to Microsoft Excel, a direct Copy/Paste functionality from PowerSHAPE, 64 Bit version availability, tapered Thread Milling support, improved, more robust network licensing, more flexible sub-spindle control for twin spindle machines, improved CAD data translation, crisper rendering of imported solid models and improved 4 and 5 axis milling table definition.

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 is the market leading CAM software for production machining applications. 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.

PartMaker Inc. is a subsidiary of Delcam Plc, the world’s leading developer and supplier of complete CAD/CAM software solutions. Delcam Plc is publicly traded on the AIM exchange in London. While PartMaker is sold direct in North America by PartMaker Inc. PartMaker is sold overseas through a network of sales partner offices operating in over 120 countries.

Delcam has launched the 2012 R2 release of its FeatureCAM feature-based CAM system, which includes important new strategies for roughing and turn-mill operations, alongside a range of more general enhancements to allow faster toolpath generation.

FeatureCAM was the world’s first feature-based programming software when it was launched in 1995. Constant development since then has ensured that the system has retained its leadership in programming speed and ease of use, while an increased range of strategies has been added to provide more efficient toolpaths giving greater machine productivity.

The main addition to FeatureCAM 2012 R2 is a series of new strategies for 2.5D roughing. These include a continuous spiral option to minimise wear on the cutter and machine tool, high-speed roughing options, including trochoidal machining and Delcam’s patented Race Line Machining, and “tear-drop” moves to clear corners more smoothly. In addition, more styles of leads and links can now be used to give greater overall efficiency for the toolpaths.

Stepovers for 2.5D mill roughing can now be set as large as the tool diameter itself. Previously, stepovers were limited to 50% of the tool diameter and, if this limit was exceeded, the toolpath would leave stands. The new algorithm supports larger stepovers by providing extra moves automatically to clean up those stands.

Other milling improvements include an option to add an extra profile pass exactly at the base of flat pockets, the ability to use face-milling tools with chamfered edges to machine chamfers as well as faces and so minimise the number of tools needed, a choice of right- or left-handed thread-milling tools resulting in either climb or conventional machining of the thread, and the ability to reduce calculation times by saving boundaries as curves if they will be needed for subsequent calculations.

Roughing has also been improved for users of turning equipment that can operate with live tooling. A new option allows cutting with a live milling tool, while the workpiece is rotating in the turning spindle. This approach avoids the issues associated with interrupted cutting and ensures regular chip breakage, so removing any chance of wrap-around by the swarf.

Turn-mill programming has been improved with the addition of more flexible five-axis positioning. For example, any amount of negative b-axis movement available can be used, so avoiding extending the y limit too far back into the machine. Switching the positioning angles in this way makes editing easier to keep the machine within its travel limits.

Another turn-mill improvement is support for cylindrical interpolation, which allows toolpaths to be created with NC code for a plane and then wrapped around a cylinder. This approach, which can also be used for four-axis milling, allows cutter compensation to be applied when calculating the toolpath and gives smaller NC code files.

All FeatureCAM users will benefit from improvements to the simulation module. In particular, they will see much faster results through the use of multiple cores for these calculations. In addition, the ability has been included to save a position during the simulation, for example, while toolpaths are being edited, and then to run the simulation from that position rather than from the start.

Other general enhancements include direct cutting and pasting of models between FeatureCAM and Delcam’s PowerSHAPE design and data repair software, and the ability to create machining configurations on a network as well as on an individual computer, so saving time and encouraging consistent results from different users.

ELMIRA, NY: Hardinge Inc. (www.hardinge.com) a leading international provider of advanced metal-cutting solutions announces the date for their second annual Hardinge Machine Technology Show. HMTS 2012 will take place on June 6th and 7th

2012 at Hardinge corporate headquarters and technology center located in Elmira, NY. The show will feature the industry’s leading brands that are part of the Hardinge Group including Hardinge CNC Lathes, Bridgeport Vertical Machining Centers, Kellenberger and Jones & Shipman Grinding Machines, Hardinge Workholding Solutions, Rotary Products and the Hardinge Turnkey Group. These machines and other products will be on display with technicians ready to answer questions. Technology Seminars will take place throughout each day focusing on a wide variety of metal-cutting topics. In addition, Hardinge technology partners and suppliers will feature displays of their latest products and be available to answer questions. Factory tours of the Hardinge production facility will be offered showing the latest manufacturing techniques and allow customers to see recently updated areas. Food and beverages will be provided. Further details will be provided as they become available. A company spokesperson noted “Last year’s event was an outstanding success and we look forward to an even bigger and better show this year. We are proud of our facility, products and people and want to show our customers that continuous improvement is not just a slogan, it’s how we do business here at Hardinge.”

HANOVER, NH—Jan. 12, 2012—Hypertherm, a U.S. based manufacturer of advanced metal cutting systems, is pleased to announce the launch of the new Hypertherm Cutting Institute, an online training community that offers a number of resources for people who work with or want to learn more about cutting metal. Key features of the new Hypertherm Cutting Institute include:

• Video Tutorials providing thorough step by step instruction on a number of metal working subjects.

• Interactive e-Learning Courses on everything from consumable care and optimization to gouging, and cutting technique.

• Discussion Forums & Blogs where metal fabricators and hobbyists can talk about their current products, troubleshoot issues, and share ideas. As an added bonus, Hypertherm experts like Jim Colt will drop by from time to time to offer advice and answer questions.

• Idea Section called My Hypertherm Voice for visitors who want to offer suggestions for future metal working products and then vote on their favorite ideas.

“We originally launched the Hypertherm Cutting Institute three years ago. Since then, we have seen tremendous interest in the site content and realized the time was right to offer an expanded resource for people who work with metal,” said Chris Lorio, Hypertherm’s Director of Customer Training. “Going forward, our hope is to offer the site content in many different languages so metal workers around the world can connect with one another.”

Hypertherm designs and manufactures advanced cutting systems for use in a variety of industries such as shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair. Its product line includes handheld and mechanized plasma and laser systems, consumables, as well as CNC motion and height controls and CAM cutting software. Hypertherm systems are trusted for performance and reliability that results in increased productivity and profitability for tens of thousands of businesses. The New Hampshire based company’s reputation for metal cutting innovation dates back more than 40 years, to 1968, with Hypertherm’s invention of water injection plasma cutting. The company, consistently named one of the best places to work in America, has more than 1,000 associates along with operations and partner representation worldwide.

Fort Washington, PA – Delcam PartMaker schedules user meetings for 2012 release Delcam’s PartMaker division has scheduled two user group meetings to update customers on the developments in PartMaker 2012, the latest version of its CAM system for turn-mill centres, bar-fed mills and Swiss-type lathes.

The first meeting will be held on January 26th at the Holiday Inn in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, close to the PartMaker headquarters, with the second on February 16th at the C&A Tool facility in Auburn, Indiana. C&A Tool has been using PartMaker since 2001 and was recently named the “Best Job Shop in America”. Further details and booking forms can be found at www.partmaker.com/2012usergroup and www.partmaker.com/midwestusergroup.

The main focus of the meetings will be the many developments in PartMaker 2012. Major highlights of the release include improved visualisation, more powerful simulation of vertical and horizontal machining centres, support for the latest breed of multi-axis bar-fed mills, turn-mill centres and Swiss-type lathes, greater flexibility and control in process development and much, much more.

Details will also be presented on the latest version of the PowerSHAPE CAD companion for PartMaker, which includes functionality for creating solid models, data repair, editing part designs for manufacture, and for the design of machining accessories, such as tool holders and machine components. The 2012 release includes a range of direct modeling options, to complement the existing solid and surface modeling capabilities.

At both meetings, senior technical personnel from PartMaker will be on hand to answer delegates’ technical questions, as well as to discuss the future of PartMaker’s development efforts and to listen to users’ input to incorporate into future versions. A complimentary catered breakfast and lunch buffet will be provided to all registered attendees.

“We will encourage all our customers to attend these user meetings so that they can see why we are so excited about the release of PartMaker 2012. It includes an array of new features and functionality that will benefit every user,” said PartMaker division President, Hanan Fishman. “We are confident that PartMaker 2012 will help our customers to continue to ‘raise their game’ to stay ahead in an increasingly competitive manufacturing landscape.”

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 is the market leading CAM software for production machining applications. 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.

PartMaker Inc. is a subsidiary of Delcam Plc, the world’s leading developer and supplier of complete CAD/CAM software solutions. Delcam Plc is publicly traded on the AIM exchange in London. While PartMaker is sold direct in North America by PartMaker Inc. PartMaker is sold overseas through a network of sales partner offices operating in over 120 countries.