PowerCAM Handles Mazatrol Offline Programming

By DE Editors

SolutionWare Corporation (San Jose, CA)  has enhanced its product line to include MazaCAM CAD/CAM and Editor’s ability to output Mazatrol programs directly from SolidWorks. PowerCAM, the CNC programming assistant, can reduce programming time for many parts typically by 75 percent.

In conjunction with SolidWorks, this software module programs parts drawn in SolidWorks or solid models imported as STEP, IGES, XT, PAR, etc. from other software. It outputs Mazatrol for both mills and lathes, including live-tooling for machines such as the Mazak Integrex Matrix or earlier controls.

The ability to take a Solid file with its feature data allows PowerCAM to designate tooling to make smart decisions in the form of pockets, drilling, tapping, etc.,  including tooling. These tools are selected from a predefined materials- and tools-library to include speeds, feeds, chip-load for various depths, and much more. The library is accessible to the user for customized materials and tooling.

PowerCAM was first introduced to the machining industry as a 2.5-axis milling programming system and has now been enhanced to include live-tooling lathe,  which includes programming the main and sub-spindle, and the Integrex B-axis. Machine-shops may now take in files from their customers, program them in PowerCAM and machine the part for example on the Integrex with typically 75 percent of the programming time reduced.

Mazatrol does not have to be a point-to-point programming system anymore: with PowerCAM,  the points are calculated for you — typically all you have to do is make sure it cuts it how you want, that the tooling is set correctly and sequences are in the order of your preference, and run it on the machine.

For details, contact SolutionWare Corporation.

For previous DE coverage, read “PowerCAM Programs Live Tooling Machines,” (Aug. 2008).

Sources:  Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company’s website.