Machine Simulator

The Machine Simulator provides a simulation of the whole machining environment, the cutter, holder, stock, machining table and CNC machine.

Whereas the Verifier and Simulator both deal with material removal and comparison of the manufactured stock against the design part, the Machine Simulator simulates the actual machine motions to detect:

1. Motions that are beyond the axis limits of the specific CNC machine.

2. Collisions of different parts of the machine against the part and also against the work table.

The Machine Simulator is particularly suitable for 5 axis (continuous/positioning) simulation.

The Simulate & Verify dialog is displayed:

To run the Simulator:

1. Set the following parameters:

1. Part Type

• Current: the "closest" part procedure is used. See the example. You must specify an output file name; the default name is cimpart.stl.
  You must also define Part Tolerance as the tolerance for the simulation.

• External file: choose an external *.stl file to be used as a part. See Stock Files for more information.

• No Part:

2. Press OK .

The Machine Simulation dialog is displayed:

The NC-Code Control Tab displays the NC code data, as well as block information, viewing options, video controls (start, pause, stop, etc.) for viewing the simulation, and also minimum and maximum values for specific coordinates.

The Machine Definition Tab displays the type of CNC machine selected as well as additional machining data.

To change the CNC machine type:

1. Select Simulation-Setup from the menu. The Simulation-Setup dialog is displayed.

2. Choose a CNC machine from the drop-down menu.

Notes:

• To simulate an inch file, use a machine type that is defined for inches, such as the HedeliusInch.

• To add CNC machines to the library, contact your Cimatron Provider.