How CAD-CAM CNC Machine Simulation is Revolutionizing Business


Every manufacturer looks for ways to become more efficient and profitable. That means more productivity and less waste. CAD-CAM CNC machine simulation is a perfect way to end the days of wasted parts because you had to scrap them due to programming errors.

CNC Machine Simulation Overview
Steady advances in CNC Machine Simulation over the last decade has made it a critical aspect in offline programming for businesses who want to eliminate costly mistakes at the machine. Simulation allows operators to imitate their exact machine’s kinematics, avoiding collisions with tools, tool holders and machine components. CNC software has seen many improvements over time, becoming more accessible and affordable than ever.

Here are some elements of Machine Simulation that provide shops peace of mind:

-Save money and time by eliminating waste from scrapping parts due to programming errors.
-Simulation function allows you to set machine travel limits and detect over travels.
-See exactly how finished parts look cut on your machine in a virtual environment.
-Calculate machine cycle times on part programs.
-Machined part deviation shows you where tools were unable to machine within the associated operations.

Simulation_Deviation_Analysis_05Machined Part Deviation
Think of this utility as a diagnostic tool that allows a user to define tolerance ranges for part deviation and display them on the cut model. Different colors indicate various deviation tolerances, showing exactly where left-over material will be for milling toolpaths and drilling operations. The Deviation Analysis tab, which is customizable by the user, helps programmers to determine surface finishes and find areas where stock may be remaining due to a larger tool. If you ever wanted to know what tools to use in a program, this allows programmers to easily see where the deviations are in the program, the operation and which tool was in use in the program.

bobcad and haas umc750-6Advanced Machine Simulation
Machine simulation allows you to use your machine’s kinematics to simulate the actual machine’s motion and toolpath operations. Machine creation starts with defining each element of your machine such as linear & rotary axes, and moving direction & limits. For each element, geometry (.stl) files are added to define what appears in the simulation window. When building your machine, you must first examine how the machine is built and start with a base. Every machine element is attached to either a base or other machine elements. How machine elements are attached and which way they move defines how the machine is built. This feature is a great benefit to machinists because they can simulate the program, using their exact machine tool.

BobCAD-CAM CNC Software includes ‘Dynamic Elements’, which can change with each NC program. The first set of dynamic elements is Workpiece Transform and it includes the toolpath, initial stock, stock, fixture, and the Workpiece. The second set is Holder Transform elements. Generally, you don’t have to define the geometry for each item because they are defined by each program you create (except in User Defined) in BobCAD-CAM CNC Software. Also in the BobCAD-CAM software PRO version Machine Simulation the geometry for the holder element in simulation is automatically defined using the assigned tool holder from the milling wizards. Changing the Machine Housing view allows the user to see the machine tool in different modes. Simulations can take place in any view required, providing useful information to the operator before running the program on the CNC machine tool.

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