When I am programming, I run a simulation or backplot but, I don’t do a machine simulation. Does anyone on the forum run a machine simulation? It looks time consuming. Also, no one in my shop does that.
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@DarrollHough I used to do a machine simulation. It can be most helpful in 4 and 5 axis work. In 3 axis work not so important to me.
I have not in class, nor do I suggest to my students. The simulation is all I have needed so far. I have added vices and such to the simulation for assignments. When I was a judge in SkillsUSA last year, they had us judge with Verisurf, I found that to be easy to view… If I had a two year program I would probably include that in the 5 axis programming portion, have played with it at home and it seems to work really well in Fusion 360
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I have a personal rule to put everything in my favor on a CNC if time permits. When I was all Hand program and old school setup, I would dry run in air. If machine had graphics I would use it. If I am short on time at minimum I would verify each tool when it comes down on the G43 move - ex: G54 height from Z0 or multi axis - distance to go. this includes running someone elses programs. Trust nothing.
If I have a Cam system in Mastercam - backplot is good enough - the full simulation with stock maybe maybe not. on 2.5 axis work. In Fusion 360 - all the time - it doesnt take long.
on the job we tend to get lazy and trust too much. and once a year is when the big BOOM happen when you least expect it. So I never just change a tool - preset and go for it blind even after I just ran the program. I check a G43 Line - verify and full speed ahead.
Full machine simulation is like Vericut system - the big companies use it all the time. Mastercam machine simulation is ok - a lot of setup parameters. I would onley use as a virtual machine for teaching. Same with Fusion full machine simul. Its pretty good on the multi axis - but more of an aid -
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