Overview of NREC MAX-PAC 2025
NREC MAX-PAC 2025 refers to the 2025 release of MAX-PAC, the flagship 5-axis Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) software suite developed by Concepts NREC, a global leader in turbomachinery design and engineering solutions. Specializing in the milling of complex components like impellers, blisks, rotors, and integrally shrouded impellers, MAX-PAC addresses manufacturing challenges such as hard materials, thin blades, tight tolerances, and restricted tool access. Built from the ground up for turbomachinery applications, it leverages patented methodologies to generate optimal cutter-paths, ensuring smoother machine motion, reduced programming time, and superior surface finishes. As of October 2025, the 2025 version introduces enhancements focused on simulation, roughing efficiency, and integration with advanced design tools, making it indispensable for aerospace, energy, and industrial sectors. With over 65 years of expertise, Concepts NREC’s software is trusted by OEMs, job shops, and machine-tool providers worldwide for its ease of use and cost-saving strategies.
Key Features in MAX-PAC 2025
The 2025 release emphasizes productivity gains through new simulation capabilities and modular expansions, building on prior versions like 2023.1’s coordinate system transformations for multi-setup simulations. Users benefit from a steeper learning curve reduction compared to general-purpose CAM tools, as MAX-PAC is exclusively tailored for turbomachinery geometries.
Machine Simulation is a flagship addition, enabling virtual verification of toolpaths on digital twins of 5-axis machines to detect collisions, optimize cycles, and predict real-world performance before physical machining. This feature, announced for the next major release in early 2025, supports mixed setups and integrates with post-processors for seamless G-code output.
The optional 3+2 Roughing Module accelerates material removal for large impellers and blisks, allowing 5-axis machines to employ efficient planar roughing strategies that cut cycle times significantly while preserving tool life. Available since version 8.5 (with 2025 enhancements), it complements full 5-axis finishing for hybrid workflows.
Upgrades to the MAX-SI module focus on integrally shrouded impellers, introducing advanced toolpath generation for undercuts and splitters, with improved lead/trail edge handling for smoother transitions and reduced gouging. This results in up to 20-30% faster machining without compromising precision.
Coordinate system enhancements from recent iterations persist and evolve, permitting simulation of multiple machining setups within a single model, CAD transformations between systems, and flexible imports/exports for external verification. Output supports APT GOTO commands for standard post-processors, with custom direct postprocessors available on request.
Additional tools include flank milling for ruled-surface blading, point milling for arbitrary surfaces, and specialized strategies for single blades or shrouded components. Patented algorithms ensure robust paths even for designs other CAM software can’t handle, as evidenced by OEM case studies where MAX-PAC succeeded after months of failures elsewhere.
Post-processing features export to formats compatible with major CNC controllers, while integration with Concepts NREC’s Agile Engineering Design System allows seamless import of designs for end-to-end workflows from CAE to CAM.
