Introduction to PartMaker

PartMaker CAD/CAM software supports the programming of CNC Mills, Lathes, Wire EDMs, Turn-Mill Centers and Swiss-type lathes.

PartMaker automates the tedious task of manual part programming by providing an easy-to-use graphical interface and powerful tools and features.

With PartMaker you can quickly define part geometry, cycle, tool, and material information, and all other parameters associated with machining a part. What's more, you can also save frequently used tool, cycle, and material information in a database to recall and reuse at any time. PartMaker saves:

• information about tools in the tool crib in a Tools database file(with the file extension .TDB). You can also easily transfer tool information between PartMaker and a Master Tools Database file that contains your company's tool inventory.
• information about material characteristics, which are needed to calculate feed rates and spindle speeds, in a Material database file (with the file extension .MDB).
• information about user-created machining cycles in a Cycles database file (with the file extension .CDB).
• part geometry in job files (with the file extension .JOB).
• postprocessor configuration information in post configuration files (with the file extension .PST).

Materials database

A Materials database allows you to store your shop's accumulated materials data. This materials data is used by PartMaker in the automatic calculation of feed rates and spindle speeds. In addition, you can utilize material data in the extensive material library provided with PartMaker.

Tools database

A Tools database allows you to keep track of your current tool inventory. Geometric and cutting tool characteristics saved with each tool in the database are used by PartMaker for automatic process parameters and automatic depth calculation.

Cycles database

PartMaker lets you combine a number of repetitive operations (such as, center drilling, drilling, tapping, and boring) into a single entity called a cycle. For each cycle operation, you can designate a tool from the Tools database. When a cycle is created, you can recall it any time you need to re-use it.