PowerMILL is a 3D
CAM
Calmodulin (CaM) (an abbreviation for calcium-modulated protein) is a multifunctional intermediate calcium-binding messenger protein expressed in all eukaryotic cells. It is an intracellular target of the secondary messenger Ca2+, and the bind ...
solution that runs on
Microsoft Windows
Windows is a group of several proprietary graphical operating system families developed and marketed by Microsoft. Each family caters to a certain sector of the computing industry. For example, Windows NT for consumers, Windows Server for serv ...
for the programming of tool paths for 2 to 5 axis
CNC
Numerical control (also computer numerical control, and commonly called CNC) is the automated control of machining tools (such as drills, lathes, mills, grinders, routers and 3D printers) by means of a computer. A CNC machine processes a ...
(Computer Numerical Control) Milling machines developed by
Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software corporation that makes software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. Autodesk is headquartered ...
Inc. The software is used in a range of different engineering industries to determine optimal tool paths to reduce time and manufacturing costs as well as reduce tool loads and produce smooth surface finishes. More than 15,000 organisations use PowerMILL worldwide.
History
The code of PowerMILL originates from the software DUCT which was developed in 1973 by
Donald Welbourn
Donald Welbourn FREng was an English engineer, and a pioneer of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM) research and development in the United Kingdom.
Early life
Welbourn was educated at Emmanuel College, Cambridge (BA ...
and Ed Lambourne along with the help of Delta Metal Group, whose funding aided the transfer of the system into industry. DUCT was initially developed with the sponsorship of Control Data in Germany in the form of access to their
time-sharing
In computing, time-sharing is the sharing of a computing resource among many users at the same time by means of multiprogramming and multi-tasking.DEC Timesharing (1965), by Peter Clark, The DEC Professional, Volume 1, Number 1
Its emergence a ...
computing resources. The advancement of mini computers from 1982 meant that it became economically viable to design complex 3D shapes using a computer.
From 1995 to 1998 DUCT was gradually replaced with a new range of products, which covered the full manufacturing cycle from conceptual design through to manufacture. Delcam's Power Solution range of products that built upon the functionality of the DUCT suite, incorporated the latest user interface technology and offered users many new benefits.
Release History
Ad-ons
PowerMILL Pro includes PS-Exchange a CAD data translator for all neutral import and export (IGES and VDA and STEP)
PowerMILL 3+2 Machining where a 3 axis milling program is executed with the cutting tool locked in a tilted position
PowerMILL 4&5 axis machining for 4 and 5 axis machines
PowerMILL Rotary Axis for machines using a rotary axis
PowerMILL Training Seat/IGES Viewer
PowerMILL Port Machining for the machining of tubular apertures
PowerMILL Blade, Blisk & Impeller Machining
PowerMILL Robot Interface for programming of robotic arms
See also
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Autodesk
Autodesk, Inc. is an American multinational software corporation that makes software products and services for the architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, media, education, and entertainment industries. Autodesk is headquartered ...
*
Delcam
Delcam is a supplier of advanced CAD/CAM software for the manufacturing industry.
The company has grown steadily since being founded formally in 1977, after initial development work at Cambridge University, UK.
It is now a global developer of ...
*
PowerSHAPE
Delcam is a supplier of advanced CAD/CAM software for the manufacturing industry.
The company has grown steadily since being founded formally in 1977, after initial development work at Cambridge University, UK.
It is now a global developer of ...
*
PowerINSPECT
References
{{CAM software
Computer-aided manufacturing software