PowerMill is a 3D CAM solution that runs on Microsoft Windows for the programming of toolpaths for 5-axis CNC (Computer Numerical Control) milling machines developed by Autodesk 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.[3][4]
History
Toolpath strategies using PowerMILL
The code of PowerMill originates from the software DUCT which was developed in 1973 by Donald Welbourn 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 computing resources. The advancement of mini computers from 1982 meant that it became economically viable to design complex 3D shapes using a computer.[5]
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.[6]
Release History
Robot machining part programmed using PowerMILL Robot Interface
Release Version
Date
PowerMILL 1.0
1992
PowerMILL 2.0
1995
PowerMILL 3.0
2000
PowerMILL 4.0
2002
PowerMILL 5.0
2003
PowerMILL 6.0
2005
PowerMILL 7.0
2006
PowerMILL 8.0
2007
PowerMILL 9.0
2008
PowerMILL 10.0
2009
PowerMILL 2010
15/03/2010
PowerMILL 2011
22/11/2010
PowerMILL 2012 (R1)
01/09/2011
PowerMILL 2012 (R2)
19/03/2012
PowerMILL 2013
02/01/2013
PowerMILL 2014 (R1)
06/09/2013
PowerMILL 2014 (R2)
20/02/2014
PowerMILL 2015 (R1)
25/06/2014
PowerMILL 2015 (R2)
02/01/2015
PowerMILL 2016 (R1)
16/07/2015
PowerMill 2017
2016
PowerMill 2018
2017
Autodesk PowerMill Ultimate 2022
2021
Autodesk PowerMill Ultimate 2023
2022
Autodesk PowerMill Ultimate 2024
2023
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
