SCHOTT Systeme says it has included parallel processing functionality in the latest version of its CAD/CAM software Pictures by PC.
According to Schott Systeme, parallel processing provides Pictures by PC 3.4 with reductions of up to 60% in toolpath calculation times.
Schott Systeme says machining strategies are becoming more complex, especially when employing high end 5 axis simultaneous milling and engraving techniques. With this increase in complexity, toolpath calculation times also become longer.
But Schott Systeme claims it has rewritten the software to ensure that the latest 32 and 64 bit versions can parallel process toolpath calculations. By dividing the processing of toolpaths over multiple cores in a computer's CPU, the software has instant access to the extra processing power offered by dual and quad core PCs.
Schott Systeme cites immediate speed gains of between 30 to 50% for the 32 bit version running on a dual core processor. The company anticipate additional gains of up to 60% when running on a quad core system.