To Simulate and Post Process the Toolpaths

In this final step of the tutorial, all toolpaths are post processed to produce the NC-code to be used by the machine tools. Before starting the post processing, it is good practice to regenerate all toolpaths and then simulate them. Doing so enables you to spot any errors in the toolpaths and rectify them.

  1. Start by clicking Setup1 at the top of the CAM Browser.
  2. On the ribbon, click CAM tab Toolpath panel Generate .

    3. You may receive a dialog box message that the selected operation is already valid. This means that your toolpaths are good. You can click Yes to optionally regenerate them, or click No to leave them untouched and exit the dialog box.

  3. Now, click CAM tab Toolpath panel Simulate .
    4. Tip: As an alternative, you can also right-click on the Setup folder in the CAM Browser and select Simulate (All) from the pop-up context menu.

    The Simulation player is displayed in the graphics window.


  4. Click the Play button on the Simulation player to playback the defined toolpaths.
  5. When the simulation is complete, click the Close button in the Simulation dialog box, or right-click in the graphics window and select Close from the marking menu.
  6. Next, click CAM tab Toolpath panel Post Process .

    7. The Post Process dialog box is displayed.

    Tip: As an alternative, you can also right-click on the Setup folder in the CAM Browser and select Post Process (All) from the pop-up context menu.
  7. Select heidenhain.cps - Generic Heidenhain from the Post Configuration drop-down menu.
  8. Accept the default output folder or choose another.
  9. Accept the default program name/number or provide another.
  10. Start the post processor by clicking the Post button.
  11. Click the Save button.
  12. Because the Open NC file in editor check box is enabled by default in the Post Process dialog box, the post processed file is automatically loaded into Inventor HSM Edit.

From the editor you can edit, inspect, and transfer your NC program to your CNC machine. The editor provides a number of CNC code-specific functions including line numbering/renumbering, XYZ range finder, and file comparison. The editor also features a DNC link for reliable RS-232 communications with a variety of CNC controls.

Remember: You can also post process individual operations by right-clicking the operation in the CAM Browser, and selecting Post Process from the pop-up context menu.

Congratulations! You have completed this tutorial.

Parent topic: CAM Mania Tutorial