Discovering tool simulation

What is tool simulation? The short answer is very simple: it is a procedure where we check whether the result of a turning operation we just set is giving the attended results or not.

In the most ideal scenario, it is just a command that confirms that we are great machinists and that no errors are happening. However, sometimes, we may discover that we still have to tune the operations a little bit more.

While watching the toolpath, we should always check for these four errors:

1. Tool and shank collisions with the chuck or with the stock
2. Entry and exit points located in unsafe areas
3. Tool trying to machine an already machined area
4. Difference between the intended result and the simulated result

It seems that there are so many things that could go in the wrong way that we need to check from our toolpath. Luckily, there is quite a handy tool that takes a great part of the effort. We are about to discover this tool.

Let’...