CNC Program Simulation for Turning

MultiPath plays back G-code the way the machine will run it: the toolpath, the shape of the insert and holder, and the cycle time. Both single-channel and dual-channel programs can be simulated. You switch between the two modes in the machine configuration.

Single-channel simulation

Paste the program into the editor and the simulation draws the toolpath right away. Rapid moves, feed moves and circular interpolation are shown in different colours, and the block being executed is highlighted in the code. Playback runs at 0.1× to 4×, in a loop, block by block, or you can display the whole toolpath at once.

When a tool has a holder and insert assigned from the catalog, it moves through the simulation in its real shape and scale, and the simulator warns you about holder collisions. Programs with Macro B variables are simulated with their actual values.

Cycle time is calculated from path length, feed rate and spindle speed. It takes into account G96 with the spindle speed limit set by G50 S or LIMS, G94 and G95, an adjustable rapid traverse rate and tool change time.

Two channels and synchronization

In dual-channel mode you paste the CH1 program into the left editor and the CH2 program into the right one, or drag the file onto the corresponding half of the window. Once started, both toolpaths are drawn at the same time, CH1 in cool colours and CH2 in warm ones.

The channels synchronize on M-codes exactly as the control does. The channel that reaches a sync point first stops and waits until the other channel arrives at the same code. While it waits, “waiting for sync” is shown and the channel button flashes.

The Sync panel lists every sync point in the program. Click a point and both editors jump to the corresponding line. Align-sync inserts blank lines so that matching sync codes sit side by side in both editors.

Dual-channel cycle time is not the sum of the two programs. Between sync points the channels run in parallel, and at each point the faster one waits for the slower one. The simulation shows the CH1 time, the CH2 time and the resulting cycle time. With the real insert and holder enabled, collisions between the CH1 and CH2 holders are checked as well.

Controls

Machine configuration

Machine Config sets the number of channels, the control, the axis layout, and the work zero with the Z direction for each channel separately. Presets are ready for a machine with two turrets above the centreline (e.g. DMG CTX, Mazak Integrex), with an upper and lower turret and mirrored X (e.g. Doosan Puma TT, Nakamura), for the Doosan Puma MX, and for a sub-spindle where CH2 is mirrored in Z. You can save your own setup as a preset.

Both channels are saved together in an .mpcnc project, and you can keep several programs open in tabs. The same synchronization model is also used by CAM Turning and Cost Analysis Mode.