Introduction

In this article, we will outline the various levels of simulation that are supported by CIMCO products for Mastercam users. The central distinction between each level is the completeness of the toolpath information.

Internal simulation

With Internal simulation, CIMCO Verify reads the toolpaths directly from each CAM operation in Mastercam, without passing it through a post processor. Any custom posting behaviour, such as using MISC values, can be adjusted under Post Settings in the CIMCO Verify Setup. The advantage of this method is that it takes very little time to load the toolpaths in CIMCO Verify. Internal simulation is fast and generally the most appropriate to use for stock simulation and for verification while programming each operation.

Internal simulation can be initiated by CIMCO Verify in Mastercam.

Simulation with external post processor

With this method, CIMCO Verify passes the toolpath through an external post processor, that is synchronized with the actual post, and which generates a cutter location file (CL) that CIMCO Verify can read and simulate.

This method enables you to simulate the behaviour of the post processor, however, the additional processing also increases loading time. This is the main factor that affects the simulation time when you use an external post processor. Therefore, we recommend this method as a final check before posting to NC-code.

Simulation with external post processor can be initiated by CIMCO Verify in Mastercam.

Simulation with NC-code in CIMCO Edit

This method uses CIMCO Edit for NC-code simulation. With CIMCO Verify you can do a 1-click export of tools, work offsets, stock, workpieces, and fixtures from Mastercam to CIMCO Edit. Essentially loading and preparing your Mastercam setup for full NC simulation in CIMCO Edit.

CIMCO Edit users are advised to use this method because it offers the most accurate and complete simulation. With this method, you do not need a separate external post processor, because you will use the specific control in CIMCO Edit instead.

Simulation with NC-code in CIMCO Edit can be initiated directly from the CIMCO Edit Integration tool, through CIMCO Verify in Mastercam.

Read more about CIMCO Edit & Machine Simulation.