1. Using CIMCO Edit with Integration for CAM
CIMCO Edit 2024 integrates seamlessly with CAM software’s such as Mastercam via the “CIMCO Edit Verify Integration Tool”.
The “CIMCO Edit Verify Integration Tool” allows the user to export data such as tool-, fixture-, stock-, and workpiece geometry from a cam software, into CIMCO Edit, where machine simulation will be possible.
Without CAM integration, you will need to add your data manually into CIMCO Edit.
Below, we will show a quick guideline on how to download and install the verify integration tool for Mastercam, followed by how to use the tool to get your data across from Mastercam into CIMCO Edit.
1.1. Install CIMCO Edit Verify Tool: Download and install from here.
1.2. Generate G-Code: Create toolpaths in your CAM software.
1.3. Verify Setup: Go to the Verify tab and select CIMCO Verify Setup.
1.4. Select Machine Configuration: Choose from CIMCO Edit Configurations.
1.5. Set Workpiece Origin and Plane: Define origin and plane in your CAM software.
1.6. Input Translation Values: Set X, Y, Z values.
1.7. Select Workpiece, Fixture, and Stock: Choose geometry and stock options.
1.8. Run CIMCO Edit: Press Run CIMCO Edit button to transfer to CIMCO Edit.
2. Using CIMCO Edit Without Any Integration for CAM
This guide provides basic steps to scan and automatically load tools, holders, fixtures, and workpiece data into CIMCO Edit by directly using the NC File.
CIMCO Edit uses a function called “tool scanning” which can help a software without CIMCO integration to be used with CIMCO Edit. The following should be true for the tool scanning to work:
- The folder where your NC file is saved is used as a master file location for all the other necessary files, such as stock stl files and workpiece stl files
- Tool setup file with correct formatting
- Setup sheet/file with correct formatting
- Cimco tool scanning settings should be correct
2.1. Accessing Scanning Settings
2.1.1. Open CIMCO Edit Pro.
2.1.2. Navigate to Editor > Global Setup > Machine Configuration > Scanning.
2.1.3. Select the appropriate scanning mode:
- Scan Active NC File: Reads scanning commands directly from the NC file.
- Scan Setup File: Reads from an external setup file with default scanning commands.
- Disabled: No scanning is performed
2.2. Configuring Scanning Mode
- Ensure the correct scanning mode is activated based on your workflow.
- For external setup files, make sure the file paths are correctly configured.
2.3. Setting Read/Write Preferences
2.3.1. In the Read/Write Settings section, select the components you want CIMCO Edit Pro to read from or write to the NC or setup file:
2.3.2. Confirm your selections to enable automatic loading of these components.
2.4. Defining NC File Placement
2.4.1. Specify where scanning commands should be placed within the NC file using the NC File Placement Settings.
2.4.2. Typical placements include:
- Before the program start (O block)
- After tool change commands (T block)
2.5. Utilising Scanning Commands
2.5.1. Use scanning commands within your NC or setup files to define:
- Tools: Specify tool dimensions and parameters.
- Holders: Define holder types and sizes.
- Workpieces: Set workpiece dimensions and material details.
- Fixtures: Include fixture positions and configurations.
- Work Offsets: Configure offset data for accurate positioning.
Example Scanning Command Format:
2.6. Tip: How to get tool data in the correct format
2.6.1. The scanning function in Cimco needs to read tool data in a specific format
If correctly formatted, the NC & Setup file can direct the scanning tool to the correct file locations, and automatically import stl’s, tool and holder information into your backplot or machine simulation file.
The guide below will explain how to get a correctly formatted file for simulating using Fusion 360 as you CAM program.
Create a designated file where your Setup, NC, Stock & Part file will be saved. This Step is crucial for getting the correct result. See below, your folder will only contain these files.
In Fusion 360 before posting your code, select CIMCO Scanning as your Post Processor and press post and set the previously made folder as the output folder.
This creates your Setup, Workpiece & Stock file and saves it to the designated folder. If you also have a .nc file after this, please delete it as this not the correct .nc file for the Simulation.
To get the correct .nc file you need to post your code again, but instead have your machines’ Post processor set as the post. The correct .nc file will now be in the designated folder.
In CIMCO Edit in scanning settings Location of Setup Sheet should be set to custom folder and the custom folder should be the designated file where your posted files are located and press ok.
Open your .nc file in CIMCO Edit, this imports your tools & workpiece, you will also see your NC file with code on the left.
To Import your stock, right click in the Geometry Manager collum on the right and select ADD Stock then Stock STL and select your stock in the designated folder.
You will now be able to see your Stock as well. At this point you file is ready to be simulated and have accurate results but, to be able to see your correctly formatted .nc file you need to select Save Setup in the Geometry Manager collum.
The result should look like this:
2.7. Simulating the Setup
2.7.1. Use the Backplot Simulation feature to visualize and validate tool paths, fixture positioning, and workpiece interactions.
2.7.2. Check for any collisions or setup errors.
2.8. Stock Comparison then Finalising and Saving the Program
2.8.1. Run a tock comparison to make sure all tolerances are met.
2.8.2. Save the updated program with all scanned data applied.
3. Tips for Success
- Regularly synchronize tool and fixture libraries with machine databases.
- Use backplot simulations frequently to avoid errors.
- Maintain clear naming conventions for saved setups.
