Question about CNCSimulator

[Chunky]

I hope this is the right forum. I put a dxf file into CNCSimulator. It produced a really weird looking gcode. I cannot find any information to tell me whether this type of file can be run or what kind it is supposed to use. Help?

[Al_The_Man]

AFAIK CNC Simulator does not take a DXF file, I believe it is G Code only, unless things have changed since my version.
Al.

[Chunky]

AFAIK CNC Simulator does not take a DXF file, I believe it is G Code only, unless things have changed since my version.
Al.


I think gcode is what it makes.

[JavaDog]

Originally Posted by Chunky I think gcode is what it makes.

CNCSimulator is designed to give you a simulated run for your part, from your gcode. That way, after you draw your part in CAD and then use whichever program you choose to create the Gcode - you can then see how long it will take to run; if the part will be machined correctly; if there are any errors, etc.

[Chunky]

CNCSimulator is designed to give you a simulated run for your part, from your gcode. That way, after you draw your part in CAD and then use whichever program you choose to create the Gcode - you can then see how long it will take to run; if the part will be machined correctly; if there are any errors, etc.
All that may be so. But the program comes with some samples. They are .nc files. When opened and run they produce gcodes. Or I should say gcode is displayed. So whether the program produces it or merely displays it is still unknown to me. And more importantly-- How do I go from dxf (the file that gave me the weird gcode) to *.nc code?

[fyffe555]

Open the .nc files with notepad and you'll see the .nc files ARE gcode. As the others said Cnc simulator reads gcode files (of any extension type) and shows what the product of that gcode would be.

To convert a dxf to gcode look at Ace converter, Gers Gcode autocad script, Sheet cam or any of the CAM software. Freemill is a good free program but its tricky to get 2D out of it.

[Chunky]

Open the .nc files with notepad and you'll see the .nc files ARE gcode.
Ah hah! Thanks

As the others said Cnc simulator reads gcode files (of any extension type) and shows what the product of that gcode would be. Excellent. Love the way you phrased that.

To convert a dxf to gcode look at Ace converter, Gers Gcode autocad script, Sheet cam or any of the CAM software. Freemill is a good free program but its tricky to get 2D out of it.Am I correct in saying that CNCSimulator can actually send the data to the CNC machine, or is that just a simulaton also?

[ger21]

Originally Posted by Chunky Am I correct in saying that CNCSimulator can actually send the data to the CNC machine, or is that just a simulaton also?

All CNC Simulator does, is take g-code you already have, and run a simulation of what your machine will do. Basically a trial run to determine if the code is correct.

When you say send the data to the cnc machine, you need to load your g-code into machine control software, such as Mach2 or TurboCNC, which will actually run your machine.

[Chunky]

When you say send the data to the cnc machine, you need to load your g-code into machine control software, such as Mach2 or TurboCNC, which will actually run your machine.

Okay. Here's a pic of what it does when I activate it. Seems to be actually sending it somewhere. I understand what you're saying though, about going to one of the other programs. Seems odd though that since it has checked the gcode-- why can't it just go ahead and send signals for steps and direction? I bet you're gonna tell me that it needs interpreting. Right? And Mach2 or TurboCNC would do that. Right?

[Chunky]

Pic didn't work for some reason. Tried three times.

[Chunky]

The CNCSimulator really is cool for someone like me (scary thought). Should've said anyone struggling like me to get it together. Haven't yet been able to run any of my files 'cause I don't yet have a program mastered where I can change a dxf into *.nc. But the samples make if very clear what's happening. Love it. On the other hand the CNCWizard I've been playing with will take my raw dxf's and make tool paths and simulate them running. Unfortuntely the simulation is really cheezy. The line being cut will actually appear on the screen a micro-second before the tool. The milling head is actually chasing the work. And there's no simulated swath, just a line no matter how big the tool. When you're as hopelessly dependant on visuals as I am that really makes a difference. Program's $250.

[Al_The_Man]

All you are doing there is to send the G-code over to the CNC Machine which has to be hooked up to your PC via the serial port on each, if your simulator is in the PC that you run your machine on then you do not need to send it anywhere.
The majority of CNC machines are set up to automatically recognize a G code program and run it just like it shows on the simulator, As Gerry said, the simulator is really subbing for your machine, if there are drastic errors its better to crash on screen than the machine itself.
Al.