topic Re: Show code while simulating in Machining Discussions Forum

Show code while simulating

Anonymous — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 10:35:34 GMT

I know this is probably and easy question but for some reason i cant seem to find it. I am using Inventor Professional 2017 with the CAM download and I would like to be able to watch the code as it simulates. Hopefully that makes sense.

Re: Show code while simulating

Laurens-3DTechDraw — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 11:20:04 GMT

I understand you would want this but this is not possible.

Re: Show code while simulating

fredsi — Thu, 18 Aug 2016 13:35:46 GMT

Simulations are done off the CL file (CL=cutter location; may have other names depending on CAM system). This is the raw file that the post processor and formatting file convert to G-code.

True G-code simulation requires intimate knowledge of the machine the code is being run on**; the result of which it tends to be expensive. Programs such as Vericut, NC Simul and the like, that were created for this sort of simulation, run in the $10K-$25K range.

There are CAM programs that have G-code simulation (NX, TopSolid for example)....but as with options like updating stock after each operation, there is probably a reason why these systems are close to an order of magnitude more expensive

Fred

** This means, in most cases, an exact model of the physical machine in 3D space, control options, fixtures, tools, etc.

Re: Show code while simulating

Anonymous — Fri, 19 Aug 2016 20:00:49 GMT

You do need to run it through the post to do this, which is not done during simulation.

Three Options:

Under the Info tab at the top of the browser bar gives you some good information.
If you expand the toolpath in the browser, right click on the icon that tells you the number of bytes it is and click View Toolpath.
Best option - Once you post the file the Inventor HSM Edit (Cimco Edit) opens up. On the Backplot tab click Blackplot Window. That will bring up a simulation of the g-code itself. It works to just see the path. You have to define the tools and stock to get a proper simulation. It's annoying but it can be done. All of this is included with the HSM download free.