In this article we are going to present four CNC simulators. This way you can design and generate G-Code and run it on CNC machines. The generated code can be tested and verified in these simulators before placing it on the machines. The simulators we present contain advanced features such as 3D design visualization, Wire Frame graphic display, and offer the possibility of testing the functioning of G-Code on any free platform.
For those who don't know what a CNC is, it is an acronym for Computer Numeric Control (English initials). Basically, they are machines that convert a design, generated from a CAD/CAM program, into numbers that are treated as coordinates. That said, let's get to the list.
G-Simple
G-Simple is a CNC simulator for designing projects and generating equivalent G-Code. Then, you will be able to save the G-Code and test it as a CNC file. The environment has a large number of functions such as drilling, center drilling, text engraving, 3D and elementary CAD, among many other functions. G-Simple is a free program available for Windows and Linux operating systems.
CAMotics
CAMotics is a cross-platform CNC simulator. You can simulate the three-axis CNC axis quickly and easily. The platform also has several important functions such as three-axis cutting simulation, 3D visualization, Cylindrical simulation, cone shapes, and other functions. CAMotics is a free program available for Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.
webgcode
webgcode is a platform that simulates G-Code, and although you cannot generate it from the utility's interface, if you are an advanced user you can manually write CNC G-Code from its editor and then simulate it. Webgcode is a free online program that works in all web browsers.
CNCSimulator Pro
We will finish with CNCSimulator Pro, a modern and advanced 3D CNC simulator, it has a virtual CNC controller and a large number of machines so you can perform simulations. (CAM system SimCam). CNCSimulator Pro is a program with a 180-day license available for Windows operating systems. On Windows 7 or higher versions, it works with .NET Framework 4.5 or higher.
We hope that with these programs to simulate CNC you can do all the tests before installing the code on the machines and not waste valuable time and materials with erroneous codes. Do you know any that are not on the list? Recommend it in the comments!
