Simulation Overview
The Simulation view replays all visible toolpaths against a voxel representation of the stock. As the simulation plays, the tool removes material from the voxel grid, showing the machined result in real time.
Use the simulation to verify that pockets reach the correct depth, tabs are in the right positions, islands are preserved, and carving behavior matches expectations — before any material is cut on the machine.
Playback Controls
The simulation has playback controls at the bottom of the viewport:
- Play / Pause — starts or pauses the simulation playback.
- Reset — resets the simulation to the beginning (full stock, no material removed).
- Scrub — drag the progress bar to jump to any point in the toolpath sequence.
- Speed — adjust playback speed to step through slowly or fast-forward to the result.
What to Check
Use the simulation to verify the following before exporting G-code:
- Pocket depth — does the pocket reach the correct Z Bottom?
- Tabs — are tabs present and at the correct height? Does the part remain connected to the stock?
- Islands — are any raised areas (add features inside subtract features) preserved correctly?
- Carving — does V-carve or engrave follow the expected paths and reach the correct depth?
- Clamp clearance — does the tool clear the clamps on rapid moves?
- Operation order — are operations executed in the correct sequence?
Performance Notes
The simulation uses a voxel grid, so its resolution is finite. Very fine features or thin walls may not be accurately represented in the simulation even if the actual toolpath is correct. The 3D View and the G-code preview are more reliable for verifying fine detail.
Complex projects with many operations may take a moment to initialize the simulation. The simulation only includes operations that are currently visible (◉) in the CAM panel.