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
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.
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. Quite often i see people asking which text editors others use to work with their G-Code. Some even suggest paid ones. I am using a free general-purpose advanced text editor called Notepad. In fact i am using the same editor to create code for my apps too. Eureka G-Code is a best-in-class NC simulation software and a reliable digital-twin for any CNC machine. Eureka simulates the actual G-Code to be sent to the machine, regardless of how it was created, manually or post processed from a CAM system.
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. Sugar bytes wow download mac.
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
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G Code Simulator Software
Related: Cnc G Code Simulator - Convert Autocad G Code - Cnc Editor G Code - G Code Emulator - Fanuc Cnc G Code Simulation
- License: Shareware
Create G-Code from pictures and photos. You can use the G-Code to engrave the picture with a laser machine or a mill. You only need to select the picture from hard disk. You get a preview of the G-Code on screen. You can then save the G-Code or edit it. You can enter the maximal cutting depth, the save Z distance, the motive depth and the number of depth nuances the program should use. You can also specify the start position and the with of the motive.
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- Size: 3815 KB
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CNC Machine G-code generator for lathes & mills, added automatic code generation for dimensional patterns, New send and recieve, Now with limited engraving, set radius and feed rate, tool nose radius, corner or fillet radius, set clockwise or counterclockwise, set drill depth and feed rate, add G-codes and M-codes, set threads per inch, set up sheet, V thread or Acme, set rapid, set feed, add new tool, set spindle speed, forward or reverse, G76, choose a straight or tapered thread, x, z rapid to position, x start thread diameter, depth of cut, threads per inch, G92, set major or minor diameter, set min.
- Platform: WinOther
- Publisher:Vicky Ellison
- Date: 18-06-2012
- Size: 7045 KB
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Let this program draw the tool path of any G-Code program on the screen. This program will help you write NC code programs or to learn how to write NC programs or event to debug such programs. Our software supports the standard GCode commands and also sub program calls and macro programming with IF statements and WHILE loops etc. The program draws a graphical representation of the programmed G-Code tool path in an isometric 3D view. You can configure the program to interpret the G-Code as Mill or Lathe (Format A or B codes).
- Platform: Windows
- Publisher:CAD-KAS GbR
- Date: 07-04-2008
- Size: 934 KB
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An interpreter for the G-code language, which can control a 3-axis Cartesian positioning system (ie for a CNC milling machine) which has electronics compatible with the RepRap project.
- Platform: WinOther
- Publisher:gcodeforreprap.sourceforge.net
- Date: 20-11-2012
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'ncdr2cnc' - N/C Drill to CNC code (G-Code) is the simple utility, which converts N/C drill files to G-Code files (adopted to Turbo CNC).
- Platform: WinOther
- Publisher:ncdr2cnc.sourceforge.net
- Date: 10-10-2012
- Size: 81 KB
- License: Freeware
Converts Gerber R-274X compliant files to G-Code suitable for a CNC solder paste dispenser.
The user can input real world coordinates to align the board before code creation.
Also supports batch jobs of multiple boards on the same work area.
Cream to G-Code License - GNU General Public License (GPL).
- Platform: WinOther
- Publisher:C2g
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Utilities for CNC (G-Code) using Java
Java G-Code Utils License - Public Domain.
- Platform: WinOther
- Publisher:Javagcodeutils
- Date:
- License: Shareware
F-Engrave is a text to g-code program that is written in python and is based on the text engraving software (engrave-11) available in the LinuxCNCKnowledgeBase. The name F-Engrave is simply the predecessor programs name 'engrave' with an 'F' slapped on to indicate that the program can perform more formating functions like justification (left, right and center) and text on a circle. When I first released the program I had no idea I was going to add v-carving or DXF features so the name does not reflect any of those features.
- Platform: Windows
- Publisher:Scorch
- Date:
- Size: 6041 KB
- License: Shareware
Mill Wizard is a useful tool for the users who need to generate the G-code for milling various parts. The program can be used without other tools in order to chain up multiple operations in order to create the parts that you need.
The program allows you to configure the materials, various tools and to adjust the parameters for each job in order to get the desired result.
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- Platform: WinOther
- Publisher:Newfangled Solutions LLC
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D2nc (Describe to Numerical Control) is a useful tool for the machine operators that need to describe a shape and to generate the G-code for the cutter. The program is integrated with the Mach3 machine controller.
The program allows you to describe a shape using SDL and to process it while considering the machine, tool and material constraints. The resulting tool path is converted in G-code that is used by the machine for cutting it.
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G Code Simulator software, free download
- Platform: WinOther
- Publisher:Graham Hollis
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Free G Code Simulator Software
- License: Shareware
CamBam+ is a powerful application designed to help you create 2D models and to generate G-code for CNC milling machines. You can use the application to create a model and to export the data to a CAM file that will be used for creating the item.
It can import data from 2D DXF files and supports the operations such as drilling or engraving. The functions of the app can be enhanced by using the plugin support and the ability to accept scripts.
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- Platform: Windows
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Cnc Simple is a handy and reliable utility designed to create g-code. It's lightweight and easy to use.
No CAD skills are required. It features face and pocket milling and it is paramater based.
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- Platform: Windows
- Publisher:Cnc Simple
- Date:
- License: Shareware
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- Platform: Android 2.x, Android 3.x, Android 4.4, Android 4.x
- Publisher:Afanche Technologies
- Date: 05-04-2014
- Size: 1945 KB
- License: Shareware
This is a great CNC G-Code file editor. With its help, you can view or edit your CNC GCode files on your phone (or table) no matter where you are, at home or workshop. It is an ideal tool to create small new cnc file, or do simple modifications to existed files, for instance, changing machining parameters, correcting small errors, etc.
The app provides many text editing features just like your desktop text editor does, including row modification, row insertion, deleting a row, appending a row, searching.
- Platform: Android 2.x, Android 3.x, Android 4.4, Android 4.x
- Publisher:Afanche Technologies
- Date: 04-01-2015
- Size: 1945 KB
- License: Freeware
Convert scores from more than 90 PT, OT & SLP assessment instruments into CH-CN modifiers. These modifiers can be used as part of the G-Code submission on Medicare Part B claims required by CMS after confirmation. This app does not collect any patient data.
With this app you can:
•Convert 90+ scores into G-Code Modifiers
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MediServe has created this G-code “functional modifier” conversion app to help you score patients appropriately as a part of our Claims Based Outcomes Reporting (CBOR) Initiative in cooperation with our Pac-Metrix.
- Platform: Android 2.x, Android 3.x, Android 4.4, Android 4.x
- Publisher:Mediware
- Date: 06-01-2014
- Size: 927 KB
- License: Shareware
This is a great professional version 3-D G-Code data file viewer. G-Code format is one of the most popular 3D formats for areas including 3D Printing, CNC, CAM, PLM, etc. With help of this app, you can take your GCode files with you no matter where you are and view them with your phone (or tablet) directly.
The app provides many 3D features including rotating model with finger movement, zooming in/out, panning, changing object material color, changing rendering background color (or background image), changing rendering light intensity, etc.
- Platform: Android 2.x, Android 3.x, Android 4.4, Android 4.x
- Publisher:Afanche Technologies
- Date: 22-03-2014
- Size: 1945 KB
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- Platform: Windows
- Publisher:Tihomir Kuzmic
- Date: 11-04-2015
- Size: 4172 KB
- License: Freeware
This course will teach you how to create G-Code so you can control CNC machines. This is very useful if you are a machinist or want to be a DIY and create what ever you can imagine in your own garage.
You will be given material to teach you the basics and watch tutorials of G-Code applied to real parts. This course will use CNC simulators so you can see what the code you create actually does.
The course will provide you with the materials necessary to turn drawings into the code required to make it a physical part.
- Platform: Android 4.x
- Publisher:Udemy
- Date: 03-01-2015
- Size: 20480 KB
- License: Shareware
For the experienced programmer who knows how to program the machine, but just doesn't want to write the code out line by line With this program you will be able to input your code, then you can send it to the text editor to view your whole program on the computer screen before you send it to the machine. You will be able to save your programs that you create so that next time you need to run that particular part, you will just have to pull up the code, make any changes that you may need to make, review it, then send it to the machine, just that easy.
- Platform: Windows
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- Date: 22-10-2009
- Size: 786 KB
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The LTCodeSimulator (LTCodeS) implements the fountains code LT Code. This kind of codification was developed to obtain a simple algorithm based on the exclusive or operation to encode and decode the message.
LT CodeSimulator License - GNU General Public License (GPL); GNU Library or Lesser General Public License (LGPL); Public Domain.
- Platform: WinOther
- Publisher:Ltcodesimulator
- Date: