As an engineer used to having others do my machining and one who will apparently have to make a custom post processor for my four axis mill (VSS MicroMill DSLS 3000AB with the fourth axis option), it would be extremely useful to verify my machine operations using CAMWorks True G-Code Machine Simulation. Sadly, I can't find it in Solidworks CAM Pro, so I'm guessing it's not there. Does anyone know if it's included and, if so, how I invoke it?
Thanks for confirming machine simulation isn't included in SW CAM.
Rod,
SOLIDWORKS CAM does not provide Kinnematic G-Code Verification within the software. The CIMCO toolpath editor will show the g-code movement but that portion will not show the model moving in relation to the g-code output. It is possible to use a third-party tool like Eureka or CAMplete. I have had success with CAMplete and DELMIA in the past. The DELMIA Machining solutions provide g-code kinematics as well but SOLIDWORKS CAM does not have that built-in capability.
Mike
Thanks for confirming machine simulation isn't included in SW CAM. DELMIA looks like it offers far too much capability for my needs, presumably at high cost. CAMplete is more along the lines of what I'm looking for, but on-line reviews indicate it's very hard to set up and likely needs a post processor (the very component I'm trying to test).
CAMplete can read in APT code output from SW CAM. This can then be simulated and posted directly from CAMplete if you want. You can also import direct g-code from SW CAM to CAMplete and verify. I did not find CAMplete hard to set up when I used it but it does take a little training to understand tilt planes and how the output code is being converted to the machine you wish to simulate. I ran it with a Matsuura MX-330 and it took me about 2 hours to iron out everything before I was ready to program with confidence and validate the toolpaths. I was outputting APT with the help of HawkRidge Systems from SW CAM to CAMplete.
Mike
Well, darn. Since CAMWorks True G-Code Machine Simulation isn't included with Solidworks, I'm going to contact CAMWorks to see what it costs. I'm also going to look into CNC Simulator which is less sophisticated but costs only $99 per year. Their "Hobby Mill" looks a lot like my mill, but doesn't show a 4th axis, so I'm going to contact them to see if they can really meet my needs. Thanks to everyone for your help!
SOLIDWORKS CAM doesn't include any version of the CAMWorks Virtual Machine module; that needs to be purchased separately and isn't even included in most levels of CAMWorks.
There IS a version of G-Code simultion (called backplotting) included in your CIMCO G-Code Editor but it's generic and not able to distinguish the nuances of whether a code will run on your specific machine or not.