‘Virtual machine’ features 3-D simulation

By Control Engineering Staff November 8, 2005
Machine simulation software from Index Corp. simulates on a PC all machine motions and functions related to any machine program.

Noblesville, IN —All Index Corp. machine controls will now include a “virtual machine” function that fully simulates on a PC all machine motions and functions related to any machine program. The feature lets users try out complete programs and programming changes without risk, avoid potential programs during a machining cycle, and ensure that machine hours are dedicated to production rather than program try-outs.

Increasing complexity of machines and programs motivated the offering, a company spokesperson noted. Machine control software and a mirror of the actual machine configuration data allow the user to program, set-up, and operate the “virtual machine” in exactly the same manner as the real machine. The “virtual machine” contains a copy of the Siemens CNC kernel of the Sinumerik S840D control so that it can perform highly detailed 3-D machine modeling in the Tecnomatix simulation system and directly execute the unmodified CNC program.

“This is the only way to guarantee that workpiece machining and program execution will proceed exactly as in the machine and allow existing CNC programs to be‘edited’ without another adaptation being necessary,” said the spokesperson. “All of this takes place without any loss in production time or risk of collisions or damage to the machine.”

—Control Engineering Daily News Desk
Jeanine Katzel, senior editor, jkatzel@reedbusiness.com