A physical simulator now works alongside a software counterpart in Fusion 360
FANUC America has developed Machining Simulator, its solution to allow direct training for the ‘complete manufacturing process’ – from part design and engineering to CNC programming to virtual production simulation.
Featuring Autodesk Fusion 360 software and a custom machining simulation program designed by ModuleWorks, the software simulator comes free with Fusion 360, working on both Mac and PC hardware using the cloud.
Users can use Fusion 360 to perform CAD/CAM work and the included post processors convert the designs into G-code suitable for the included CNC, while the simulation system also includes a simple G-code editor for making modifications before the program is sent to the CNC.
The physical simulator is based on a real CNC control panel, in increase experience of working in real world conditions
Based on the FANUC Series 0i-Model F, a physical CNC Simulator has been built, to give users experience of working with real look and feel of a true hardware-based FANUC control, which can be operated as either a 3-axis mill or a 2-axis lathe.
Users can run programs, manage tooling and make any modifications on the control just like they would in a manufacturing environment, while the simulator includes FANUC Manual Guide i conversational programming software for users who would like to learn shop floor programming.
Users can virtually manufacture parts in milling or turning environments with realistic kinematics and structure, with the simulation based on actual CNC position data, not on the G-code program, to provide a realistic simulation, as the virtual machine interface reacts exactly as a real machine would.
Manual machine functions like jog, hand-wheel and reference cycles also work like a real machine.
Designs ready for CNC in Fusion 360
The software also uses color-coded tool paths, back-plot and cut locations to make it easy for users to identify the tool, path and cutting result.
Real-time collision detection uses visual and audio signals to notify users of collisions. The milling simulation includes a 21-tool changer and the turning simulation includes a 12-tool turret.
Milling tool data can be freely assigned or imported from the CNC Simulator, while turning uses a predefined set of turning tools that cover a wide range of applications.
While Fusion 360 is free for students, startups, educators and hobbyists, commercial users can sign up for a free one-year subscription through a special promotion with FANUC.
