SIMNC Products Overview

Products Machine API



The SIMNC Machine API provides full 3-dimensional simulation of the complete machine tool in dynamic solids. Using the Machine API, the movements of complex multi-axis, multi-tasking, milling, turning and / or Swiss-turn machines are simulated.

An unlimited number of axis combinations and machine configurations are supported. The Machine API extends the core API to support a complete virtual machine including:

    Machine API



  • Advanced Machine Kinematics
    Cutting and Non-Cutting Processes
    Comprehensive Collision Detection


 

  • 1. Machine Simulation
    Using the SIMNC Machine API, a full 3-dimensional model (virtual machine) of your machine tool is simulated including all the key machine components and their movements. Your virtual machine tool will match your real-world physical machine including spindles, heads, turrets, tables, slides, steady-rests, tailstock, doors, etc. The linear and rotary axes of your machine and their associated components (turrets, spindles, slides, etc) are simulated in realistic dynamic 3D solids.

    2. Cutting Operations
    The SIMNC Machine API uses the axes’ positions to calculate the cutting tools and or work piece motions (toolpath motions). These toolpath motions are fed into the SIMNC Core API which then calculates the material removal and updated stock. The Machine API and Core API work hand in hand to provide the material removal and machine simulations.

    3. Non-Cutting Operations
    Apart from toolpath motions related to machining cycles and cutting tools, the SIMNC Machine API also supports the simulation of non-cutting operations, such as clamping, bar-feeding, part transfer, steady rests, tail stocks, and automatic tool change. A wide variety of other non-cutting processes, part loaders, doors, and tooling magazines are supported provided they are triggered by specific PLC functions and they are related to specific axes and components within the machine model.

    4. Collision Detection and Travel Limits
    SIMNC Machine performs checks for collisions between any combination of machine components which are defined a possible collision pairs (components that have a chance of colliding). These collision pairs are either provided in the 3D model of the machine or during the machine setup (definition of the tools, stock, etc. A collision takes place when two solids touch and/or intersect each other. SIMNC Machine includes functions for error analysis to provide additional information (crash point, crash time, affected solids, and more). Additionally, SIMNC Machine checks for violation of travel limits.