Hello,
Does anyone have experience using any online machine tool simulators? I am looking for something students can use at home in lieu of experience on an actual machine - at least until our remote learning order has been lifted and we can go back to school in-person.
Thanks,
Marty
Online Machine Simulators
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Re: Online Machine Simulators
No experience but I could see how that would be a neat tool before you let a student run the real deal.
I always think back to this guy named Leon at Butte College that by the end of class was only qualified to operate a file- for good reason.
I always think back to this guy named Leon at Butte College that by the end of class was only qualified to operate a file- for good reason.
Shop toys...
10X54" Vectrax GS20F mill with DRO & frequency drive (saved from the scrap pile).
Jet 13x40 lathe.
Powermatic 1150 drill press.
I love Craigslist!
10X54" Vectrax GS20F mill with DRO & frequency drive (saved from the scrap pile).
Jet 13x40 lathe.
Powermatic 1150 drill press.
I love Craigslist!
- Bill Shields
- Posts: 10541
- Joined: Fri Dec 21, 2007 4:57 am
- Location: 39.367, -75.765
- Contact:
Re: Online Machine Simulators
I am sure there are 'hobbyist level' solutions, but my experience is 'heavy industrial'....so WYSIWYG:
the best simulators (which include screen and keypad), come from the machine tool manufacturers..or the control manufacturers.
Haas has one that I have used - looks like the Haas control panel, keyboard and all. They use them for 'user training' classes when you purchase a machine.
https://www.haascnc.com/machines/vertic ... lator.html
Mazak has software (that requires a special plug-in board) for your computer. you must also plug in (electronically) all of the parameters for a specific machine).
Fanuc similar - for any connected machine knowing the parameters.
Siemens has 'Sinutrain' software that runs on a windows platform...which again requires that you 'define' the specific machine and interface to the control along with solid models of everything you see zipping around on the screen.
https://new.siemens.com/global/en/marke ... sicht.html
I would contact one of these sources (try Haas first)...and see what they have for schools....however this 'box with screen and keyboard' is not really something that every student can take home unless you purchase a bunch of them.
The Siemens Sinutrain, once it is setup for a machine can run on any windows box.
Be aware, that setting these simulators up is not a trivial task. Even the most experienced machinist / CAM programmer / post processor developer struggles for quite a while....which makes the Haas simulator nice since it only does...Haas...
many CAM systems (including the one that I work for), provides Machine Simulation as part of the programming package...but again, if you are not already a machinist and do not know what you are doing...it can be frustrating.
the best simulators (which include screen and keypad), come from the machine tool manufacturers..or the control manufacturers.
Haas has one that I have used - looks like the Haas control panel, keyboard and all. They use them for 'user training' classes when you purchase a machine.
https://www.haascnc.com/machines/vertic ... lator.html
Mazak has software (that requires a special plug-in board) for your computer. you must also plug in (electronically) all of the parameters for a specific machine).
Fanuc similar - for any connected machine knowing the parameters.
Siemens has 'Sinutrain' software that runs on a windows platform...which again requires that you 'define' the specific machine and interface to the control along with solid models of everything you see zipping around on the screen.
https://new.siemens.com/global/en/marke ... sicht.html
I would contact one of these sources (try Haas first)...and see what they have for schools....however this 'box with screen and keyboard' is not really something that every student can take home unless you purchase a bunch of them.
The Siemens Sinutrain, once it is setup for a machine can run on any windows box.
Be aware, that setting these simulators up is not a trivial task. Even the most experienced machinist / CAM programmer / post processor developer struggles for quite a while....which makes the Haas simulator nice since it only does...Haas...
many CAM systems (including the one that I work for), provides Machine Simulation as part of the programming package...but again, if you are not already a machinist and do not know what you are doing...it can be frustrating.
Too many things going on to bother listing them.
Re: Online Machine Simulators
I sent your question to two retired shop teachers I know, here is one reply.
It really is not directly about Simulation, but shop safety.
He taught shop for over 35 years, and did not use any simulator.
Of course, it applies to any machine - Safety First!
Mike K. wrote:
"An on line lathe simulator needs a wearable headpiece with a computer controlled hammer in it.
That way when a student leaves the chuck key in the pretend lathe and turns it on he gets the real experience.
The late Paul Taylor would approve. I think Russ would, too."
It really is not directly about Simulation, but shop safety.
He taught shop for over 35 years, and did not use any simulator.
Of course, it applies to any machine - Safety First!
Mike K. wrote:
"An on line lathe simulator needs a wearable headpiece with a computer controlled hammer in it.
That way when a student leaves the chuck key in the pretend lathe and turns it on he gets the real experience.
The late Paul Taylor would approve. I think Russ would, too."