Industrial Factory Automation

Machining companies will be able to view the 64-bit version of Delcam 's Powermill CAM software on stand 4010 at the Mach exhibition at the NEC, Birmingham, from 7-11 June. The 64-bit technology removes the memory limitations of 32-bit computers to allow more efficient toolpath generation, especially for companies machining large or complex parts. The 2010 release is designed to improve user productivity by extending the application of the latest background-processing and multi-threading technologies available in recent hardware. The combination of these two developments is estimated to reduce calculation times by up to 25 per cent, although this will depend on the size and complexity of the part. Powermill 2010 also includes more than 50 other major enhancements to allow faster and easier generation of efficient toolpaths for three- through five-axis milling. The most obvious change to existing users will be an update of all the toolpath-creation forms to an improved layout. The f...

Messier-Bugatti is using Delcam 's Powermill CAM system to support its move into five-axis machining. Previously the company only had equipment with up to four axes. However, with the move to continuous five-axis machines, it felt it needed a more efficient CAM system to make the most of its new capabilities. Messier-Bugatti specialises in aeronautical braking systems and carbon brakes and has equipped more than 3,500 commercial aircraft. The Powermill seats have been installed in the company's Molsheim works in eastern France, which is now the production plant for wheels and brakes, hydraulic systems and equipment, as well as handling carbon-disk refurbishment. The most important factors in the decision to select Powermill were flexibility and the efficiency of the resulting programs. In addition, even though most of its parts are made of aluminium, Messier-Bugatti also machines titanium - a demanding material that requires high-quality toolpaths. Stephane Schneider, manufactu...