Overview

Machine simulation is the safest and most cost-effective way to prove out multiaxis toolpaths. Using a multiaxis machine to prove out programs is time-consuming and dangerous, both for the machine and for the operator! Running programs blindly on a real machine, based on a wireframe backplot in a CAD/CAM system, is just as dangerous.

When CAD/CAM programmers converse about programming a multiaxis machine, they typically use a special sign language involving rotating arms and torsos, while holding up two fingers and a thumb, signifying the right-hand coordinate system in all kinds of different orientations. They visualize the part and the machine as it performs an imaginary choreography. This visualization is not easy to do, especially if there are many different machine types in the shop.

Wireframe backplots portray the tool motion as it moves around a stationary part. This movement is later post-processed into machine motion and is different for every different type of machine. The CD included with this book contains a number of examples showing the same part being cut on various machines. It will be clear that even though the CAD/CAM backplot motions are the same, the machine motions are completely different.

With machine simulation, a machine s virtual replica can be shown on the computer screen where the cutting process can be simulated safely. This try-out will ensure that the program contains the most effective cut, the part is located in the machine s sweet spot , and no fixtures, tools, or any machine components will meet unexpectedly.