SolidCAM Releases Simulation Software for CNC Operators

SolidCAM’s SolidCAM for Operator software solution is designed to provide machinists with a complete simulation of the SolidCAM CAM part and enable them to view the tool table list with full details. According to the company, this enables the machinist to understand the clamping setups and home positions and to view the simulation before running the G code on the CNC machine — changes to the CAM part are also enabled and the tool path and G code are regenerated.

SolidCAM for Operator gives users a full view of solid and machine simulations, enabling them to avoid unexpected crashes or collisions due to programming mistakes. Operators can make minor adjustments without relying on the CAM programmer, and they can see all details of each operation, including tools, setup definition, stock clamping, home positions and a complete simulation of the process. Users can also step through each move in the program to reduce setup time, eliminating the need to dry-run programs on the CNC.

SolidCAM for Operator provides three modes:

• Full Editor Mode enables the CNC operator to open existing CAM parts, created by the SolidCAM Programmers, edit the operations (for example, change step down or change speeds and feeds), edit toolkit, view the part setup, recalculate, simulate, then post-process new G code.
• Editor LT Mode enables the CNC machine operator to open existing CAM parts created by the SolidCAM programmers, edit only the speeds and feeds, edit toolkit, view the part setup, recalculate, simulate and then post-process new G-code.
• Simulator Mode enables the CNC operator to see the tool table list with full details, understand the clamping, work offsets and see simulation of the CAM part, before running the G code on the CNC machine. Simulator mode has no CAM part-editing capabilities.

“We are excited to offer SolidCAM for Operator to SolidCAM manufacturers worldwide,” says Emil Somekh, CEO and founder of SolidCAM. “SolidCAM for Operator is an essential tool for the CNC operator and greatly assists the machine shop in streamlining their manufacturing process. SolidCAM for Operator bridges the work of SolidCAM CAM programmers and the CNC machine operators. By using the same software, it enables the operator to see what the CAM programmer sees, and to edit it when needed.”