Hello
First of all welcome to the CNC Arena!
One question to you: Isn’t the new Heidenhain programming station interesting for you as you simulate on the machine anyway?
The programming software can be set as it is on the controller (with so some efford) .. from the tool table to the PLC... and then the whole lot can be processed comfortablly on the computer without having to run to the machine all the time
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Or if you want to simulate directly on the basis of the issued program and also cover your collision control ...e.g. VERICUT, NCSIMUL, etc.
However regarding the budget, functions and intended application the last differ a lot compared to the programming station software... wheras the actually sense and purpose is completly different- I have to say that as well..
What do you want to spend for your simulation program? Low budget or more towards high end with extended functions?