Siemens NX G-code driven simulation is an essential part of staying competitive in today’s market and maximizing your machine tool investments. Validating your G-code before transferring a program to a machine tool is crucial.  This becomes even more critical when working with 5-axis machines and multitasking machines.  NC program validation can save time and money while also making sure company assets are kept safe.

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DMG Mori CTX Gamma Multi-tasking Machine with dual channels and dual spindles

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Many CAM platforms have very limited verification tools and they do not actually simulate the G-code.  They only verify the toolpath before it’s posted out into G-code.  If you’ve been around machining for any length of time you’ve seen (and heard) some of those “oops” moments out on the shop floor.  Those times are when there was just minor mistake in the G-code, but it had major consequences at the machine.  We have seen some very expensive and dangerous situations over the years like tools crashing into apart, tool holders hitting a mill-turn chuck, or fixtures knocked completely off a 5-axis machine table.  CNC equipment and tooling are not cheap, so it is vital to make sure these things don’t happen.  Using the integrated NX G-code driven simulation after programming a part in NX CAM can confirm that your G-code will do exactly what you want it to when the machine is actually running.  There should be no guesswork in programming highly sophisticated machine tools or any machine tool for that matter.  G-code simulation can also detect potential machine over travel and optimize cutting times. Manufacturing has changed over the years and there really is no safer and more efficient way to validate your G-code than by using NC simulation in side Siemens NX CAM.  

Okuma Multus B300WII Multi-tasking Machine

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DMG Mori DMU 50 5-axis Machining Center

The “Weakest Link” or “Achilles Heel” of many CAM platforms or CAM service providers is often the post processor and simulation kit. What good is it to have CAM software or a high-end machine tool if they don’t communicate properly and efficiently? It is important to have a team of dedicated specialists to address the complex functionality of the machine tool paired with a very sophisticated CAM solution such as Siemens NX CAM.  These highly talented development engineers must know a wide range of machine tool functions, codes, and limitations.  They must also understand how to get the most out of the CAM software to properly utilize the investments made in NC equipment.  The complexity and abilities of today’s 5-axis machines and machines such as mill-turns with dual turrets and sub-spindles make it necessary to have a complete manufacturing solution.  It is imperative in today’s competitive market that your CNC operator can confidently press “Cycle Start”and know that the G-code has been confirmed. Working with a dedicated solution provider can be the difference in winning and losing when you consider the cost of your CNC investments.  

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Haas VF-3 5-axis Machining Center

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Mazak Variaxis i-600 5-axis Machining Center

The Siemens NX G-code driven simulation functionality brings the digital world to reality out on the shop floor.  The most valuable assets in any manufacturing company is their people and their equipment.  Validating G-code within the CAM software ensures that we keep them both out of harms way.  Learn more about how the world-class post and simulation kit services at Designfusion can help you take the next step in maximizing your NC investments.