Will machine configurations eventually work with CAM simulations?

[Cave_Master]

Will CAM simulations eventually work with machine configurations to detect travel outside the travel area of the machine?

Sometimes I work with stock that is positioned just millimeters inside of our machine's travel area and a move such as a lead in could send the machine outside the working area, causing a soft limit error.

Typically I program right at the control computer so in these situations it is very easy to post the code and simulate in the control (WinCNC) and then make adjustments in Fusion to make the operation work.    When I program remotely I have to view the g code and scan for coordinates which land outside of the machine's travel capability.  This method works but can be inefficient and easy to miss a move.

Is there a plan to add warnings into simulations based off machine configurations?

Alternatively does anyone have a recommendation for a G code simulator which will detect movements outside the machines travel capability?  My other computer is a Mac so it also needs to be Mac compatible.

Thanks

[raycon2010]

Do you have WinCNC installed on your CAD PC?  Or is that the hiccup running WinCNC on a Mac in a Windows Emulator.

You can install WinCNC on any Windows based PC. Configure a "demo" install to have the same limits as your "live" install - debug your code there. 

It would be a good use of a beater PC (XP - Win 7) if you're using a Mac for CAD - clone your live install and put it in a beater machine and use it for debugging g-code.

[paul.clauss]

Hi @Cave_Master 

Thanks for posting! Machine configurations will eventually be linked to simulation results, but this is still pretty far out. Please feel free to comment on the forums or HSM Ideastation with any feedback or suggestions for what you'd like to see in future updates!

I don't have a good WinCNC simulation equivalent for Mac, but find myself using TeamViewer or Windows Remote Desktop for Mac  a lot to access Windows specific programs remotely. A good remote setup could be another option for you.

Please let me know if you have questions!

[Cave_Master]

Short answer - no.   We are a production shop so usually I just run variations of the same job over and over again and do all the programming with Fusion installed right at the control computer.   Having a second PC to install WinCNC on just doesnt really make sense in my situation.   I rarely program remotely and when I do it is likely on my laptop when I am out of the office.     Mostly all I need is a g code reader to detect the max and min coordinates on every axis.

[Cave_Master]

Since Fusion uses HSM CAM should ideas about Fusion CAM go into the  HSM Ideastation as opposed to the Fusion idea forum?

I have used team viewer a little.  Accessing our control PC remotely to use WinCNC does come with two roadblocks.   The first being our router is running during 3/4 of my work day and while it is running a program I can't use the control to debug.  The other being the router has to be turned on and homed before WinCNC lets me simulate.  (I am sure there is a workaround here, though)

Either way, like I mentioned in my other response - all I really need is a g code reader to list the min and max coordinate for each axis.   I had Gwizard in the past.  I might look into trying that program .   I also will probably reach out to ShopSabre and see if they have a recommendation.

Thanks and I really enjoy watching the Fusion environment grow and evolve! 

[Cave_Master]

Hi @paul.clauss , quick question.

I have a CAM idea unrelated to this thread.        Is it best for me to post it in the Fusion 360 Ideastation or HSM Idea Station?

[paul.clauss · Accepted solution]

Hi @Cave_Master 

Thanks for asking - this is a good question. All CAM/Manufacturing related ideas are best suited for the HSM Ideastation, while ideas on the other workspaces in Fusion 360 should be sent to the Fusion Ideastation.