CIMCO Edit offers multiple ways to analyse your toolpaths. In this blog, we’ll share five essential tips to help you get the most out of your toolpath analysis.
1. Stock Compare
The Stock Compare function in CIMCO Edit lets you compare the simulated stock to the design model, highlighting inaccuracies by coloring the stock based on the distance to the design model.
For example, red indicates too much material removed, while blue shows to much material remaining.
This function is particularly useful for ensuring that your part is within tolerance.
You can view the exact distance between the part model and the stock by hovering the cursor over the section you wish to inspect.
2. Toolpath and Mode Options
2.1. Toolpath Options
- Show/Hide Toolpaths: You can toggle the visibility of toolpaths by clicking the down arrow under the Toolpath function. This helps in visualising the simulation of toolpaths more clearly.
- Toolpath Simulation: Use the Toolpath menu to control and visualise the simulation. This includes options to show the toolpath from the start until the current position.
2.2. Mode Options
- Mode Selection: Click on the down arrow in the Mode section to open a drop-down menu. This menu allows you to select various options and additional functions for toolpath simulation.
- Simulation Control: The Mode options help in controlling how the toolpath is displayed during the simulation, providing a more detailed view of the machining process.
3. Collision Detection Options (Stop Conditions)
In CIMCO Edit 2023, Stop Conditions are a feature that allows you to pause the simulation when specific events occur.
These events can include over travel limits, tool changes, and collisions. You can also adjust the collision settings for different scenarios, such as ‘Rapid into stock’, ‘Holder to stock’, and ‘Tool and Models’.
Using Stop Conditions in CIMCO Edit 2023 offers several benefits:
- Enhanced Safety: Pausing simulations during events like over travel limits, tool changes, or collisions prevents potential damage to equipment and workpieces.
- Improved Accuracy: Adjusting collision settings for different scenarios ensures accurate simulations.
- Efficiency: The simulation kernel leverages GPU acceleration and the latest hardware technologies for faster, more efficient simulations.
- Customisation: Tailoring stop conditions to specific needs allows for a more personalised and effective simulation experience.
4. Click to jump on toolpath points
During the simulation, click on any point of the toolpath to highlight the corresponding line of code in the editor window. This feature helps identify and troubleshoot specific sections of your CNC program.
You can directly edit the highlighted line of code in the editor window and see the changes immediately after editing the highlighted line of code in CIMCO Edit. This real-time feedback helps ensure your adjustments are accurate and effective.
5. Hovering over G- and M-codes
You can hover over G- and M-codes to view detailed information and make interactive modifications.
This feature instantly provides insights into each code’s function, allowing you to quickly understand its purpose and make precise adjustments.
As a result, you can edit CNC programs more efficiently and accurately.
6. “Zooming” in on the Progress Bar (Using mouse scroll wheel)
Zooming in on the progress bar in CIMCO Edit Pro gives you better control during CNC program simulation. It helps you focus on key sections of the code and clearly see the toolpath, making sure everything runs as expected.
