SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 8/9: Simulate Toolpaths

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The integrated simulator in SOLIDWORKS CAM is a great way to preview your set-up and trouble shoot issues. Click Simulate Toolpath in the CAM command manager or right-mouse on Mill Part Setup1 and select Simulate Toolpath.

Simulate Toolpath

1. Play and jog buttons for controlling the simulation.
2. Display options for items visible during the simulation. Here we may change the display style of the model, hide or show tool holders, cut section views and compare the operations to the original model using the Difference option.
3. Collision options for handling crash warnings during the simulation. Can be set to stop, cut or ignore for tool, tool holder and tool shank collisions.
4. Export options for saving JPG images and work in progress STL files for future set-ups.

In the simulator options we can alter the speed and accuracy of the simulation.

Toolpath Options

Next, we will post process our NC code. SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 9/9: Post Processing NC Code

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 1/9: Defining Machine

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 2/9: Defining Stock

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 3/9: Defining Coordinate System

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 4/9: Extract Machinable Features

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 5/9: Generate Operation Plan

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 6/9: Sorting Operations

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 7/9: Generating Toolpaths

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 8/9: Simulate Toolpaths

SOLIDWORKS CAM Standard Milling Setup 9/9: Post Processing NC Code