G Code Simulator Software
I’m a hobby machinist, why do I need a g code simulator? I asked the same question for a long time. However, as I learned more about CNC machining, I found myself using a g code simulator to save time. Say you have a g code program that you just created or downloaded. How do you know if it will work? You could take it to your machine and set your x, y & z origin (0,0,0) location safely away from the work table and then run the program. What if something doesn’t work they way you expect and you need to modify the g code. Or worse, you damage your machine. This is where a g code simulator can really help.
Introduction
3D Machine Simulation, verification and backplotting for 2-5 Axis Fanuc CNC based Mills, Lathes, Mill/Turns, Lasers, Waterjets and Routers Fanuc CNC support with Predator Virtual CNC Software. Predator Virtual CNC provides comprehensive G-code based 3D CNC verification and machine simulation support for all Fanuc CNC models. All to G-Code Converter is a free DXF to GCode converter software for Windows. It is one of the simplest software through which you can quickly generate the GCode of a 2D or 3D model contained in a DXF file. Apart from DXF, you can also use it to convert designs present in PLT and SVG files to GCode. In addition to that, you can also batch.
I started using a g code simulator when I was experimenting with engraving programs. That is, programs the generate g code to engrave text. I didn’t trust the g code the programs were generating. I wanted a way to test the g code. This was a perfect case for a g code simulator. I could test the g code without risking my machine or walking downstairs into the garage.
G-Code Q'n'dirty toolpath simulator. Paste your g-code in the left-hand window or drop a file on the page and see the preview of your tool path on the right. The right-hand pane are interactive, drag them to change the point of view. Compared to traditional APT-based simulation systems, which only simulate the planned tool-path, ICAM’s Control Emulator™ delivers for a more meaningful simulation, accurately recreating how the machine tool will react to the G-code generated by your post-processor.
What is a G Code Simulator
A g code simulator or g code viewer is a software tool that lets you test g code you created. The software reads the .nc file just as your CNC machine would and creates a graphical representation of the tool paths and movements of the machine.
NC Viewer – The G Code Simulator I Use
Ok, so I want to use a g code simulator, where do I get one? My favorite is called NC Viewer a free browser based tool. This runs directly in your browser window. No need to download or install a program. It’s also mobile friendly.
Click the link below to check it out…
https://ncviewer.com/
How to Use a G Code Simulator
The following is specific to NC Viewer but the process will be similar for other simulators. The main screen of NC Viewer is annotated in the image below with the key functions of the tool.
Step 1 – Click the link to navigate to NC Viewer.
Step 2 – Load you G Code into the program.
You can either use the file menu in the top left portion of the window or copy and past your g code into the g code window on the left.
Step 3 – Click the “Plot” button in the G Code window
Step 4 – Click the “Play” button in the plot area to see a simulation of your g code.
You can also step through the code line by line. To step through the G Code line by line, click a line of G Code in the G Code window and us the up and down arrow keys.
User Tip – If you do not see a tool path, try zooming out or panning around the screen.
Tips for Using a G Code Simulator
The following list of tips will help you get the most out of looking at your g code in NC Viewer.
1 – The origin
The X, Y, Z = 0 location is represented by the intersection of the red green and blue lines. This is very helpful if you are not exactly sure where to set the origin when setting up your part on the machine.
2 – Zoom, Pan & Rotate
The plot area image can be manipulated by using the view cube in the top right section of the plot area. For example, this is helpful if you want to confirm the Z = 0 location relative to the tool paths.
3 – Reset the View
If you want to restore the original view, simply click the “Home” button in the top right section of the plot window. This is helpful if the rotating gets away from you. It’s a quick way to reset the plot view.
4 –Find G Code
If you want to find a line of G code from the plot window, you simply click on the section of the tool path and the line of G code is highlighted in the G code window.
Conclusion
A G Code Simulator is a great tool for hobbyists and professionals alike. I don’t use an external simulator every time. If I am making my G Code in Fusion360 then I use the build in simulator feature. However, if I am using another program, I run a simulation in NC Viewer before taking the code to my machine.
Special thanks to Xander Luciano the creator of NC Viewer. I appreciate the tool you created and your willingness to share it with the machining community. Check him out on Instagram @XanderLuciano
Thanks for reading. Until next time… Tim
Like What You Just Read?
Enter your name & email address below to join our mailing list & receive the latest updates and information from us.
Program description
The G-Code Text Engraving program creates G Code in real time for the milling of text by CNC Routers.
Please note this program no longer supports Inch
The program uses any True Type font and ANY language copied and pasted into it, whereby
ANY language means for example Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Tamil, Urdu, Korean, Japanese, Chinese and so on, seriously ANY.
It makes absolutely no difference what language the text is from.
Please note that the G-Code produced by this program is for an outline of the letters, and not single lines.
This program can also be switched to German.
Any True Type font can be used, this includes all the graphical fonts available
Here is a sample https://www.fonts2u.com/category.html?id=25
Graphical fonts can also be used
Here is a video demonstrating the capabilities of the software.There is no audio
G-Code Text Engraving Specs:-
Just 88 Kb
G Code is compiled in real time every time one of the input boxes is changed or an object is dragged by the mouse resulting in a real “What you see is what you get” development environment.
The angle of the text can be at anywhere from 0 to 360 degrees. I know 360 and 0 are the same but 359 looks weird.
The text can be flipped (mirrored) horizontally.
The height and width of the text can be adjusted at a resolution of 1 mm, i.e not limited to standard font sizes.
The text can be multi line, just type away in the input box and hit enter to start a new line, or simply paste whatever you want into the box from ANY source.
No annoying “Run, Compile, Generate, Build, Save, Merge” or who knows what else cycle.
Graphics reflect changes in real time.
Jobs can be moved exactly with cursor keys, input boxes, or dragged with the mouse pixel by pixel
G Code is copied to the computer clipboard and can be pasted into a simulator or milling machine directly.
No annoying dialog boxes to click away, all messages displayed in a text box.
Each job has its own properties, independent of the other jobs.
1000 + different jobs.
G Code Simulator software, free download
Psiphon for mac. mm scaling.
Things to know:-
Here is some sample G Code in metric,
Please note this program no longer supports Inch
Please try this on your machine as an air cut before buying.
Note that Z down is MINUS in this code and that the origin 0,0 is bottom left of screen.
The program code can use comma , or decimal point . by ticking the comma box shown below. This option was added recently and is not shown in the pictures above.
N1 G21 G40 G80 G90
N2 G00 Z15
N3 F500 M03 S1200
N4 G00 Z15
N5 G00 X100 Y100 F500
N6 T1 M06 (2 mm)
N7 G00 X80 Y129 Z0 F500
N8 F800
N9 G01 Z-0,3 F200
N10 G02 X80 Y129 I0.0 J-49
N11 G00 Z5
N12 G00 Z15
N13 M09 M30
N14 (###### End job 1 ######)
A 1.6 screen resolution ratio is best (screen width / screen height e.g 1680/1050 is 1.6)
or things may look distorted.
G Code Simulation Software
This program requires a monitor with at least 1450×1000 resolution
The program runs in:-
Windows XP, 7, 8, 10 (XP and Win 7 users will need to install the Dotnet framework 4.0, I will supply a link to this in any case, but it should already be integrated in Windows 8,10)
Cnc G Code Simulation Software
The program is 32 bit for maximum compatibility.
After purchase, the program will be available immediately for download.
Free G Code Simulator Software
Purchase the program here for 20 Euro with PayPal Secure Transaction
G Code Simulator Software
For any questions about the product, contact me at
cnc@olympia-art.com