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Real3d

Real3d Scanner V2

CNC machining-center simulator

A 3D wood-cutting simulator closely modelled on a real-world CNC machining center. Both vertical and horizontal machining can be performed on a cylindrical model by adjusting the cutting parameters. Multiple cutter shapes are rendered as surface-based models with high visual quality.

Manufacturers use different cutter shapes to machine wood according to specific requirements; the simulator therefore includes a range of tool shapes, all surface-based and rendered at high quality.

CNC machining-center simulator for curved-rafter processing.
The corresponding real-world CNC machining center with integrated 3D laser scanning.

How to use the CNC cutting-simulation module

  1. Import a cylindrical model from Documents\Real3D Scanner\Samples\models\Rod50D100L1.3m.ply.
  2. Go to CNC → Run Simulation Module.
  3. Load tools by pressing the Load Tools button.
  4. Select the tool you want to use in your cutting simulation.
  5. Press Simulation – ON/OFF. The simulation will start and the cutting section becomes visible.
  6. Press Enable Smooth Rendering for smooth rendering of the material-removal operation.
  7. Adjust feed rate, spindle speed, tool location, and other parameters from the left section.

Left section — cutting conditions

The left section shows CNC cutting conditions for wood processing: cutter radius, depth of cut, feed rate, spindle speed, work-piece length and diameter, cutter angle (where relevant), offset between tools, and tool locations. All parameters can be changed at runtime.

Tools section

Several tools are available — end mill, ball mill, horizontally-aligned bit, and horizontally-rotatable bit. Three-dimensional material-removal operations can also be performed with two tools simultaneously.

Views section

Cutting simulation can be visualised from top, bottom, left, right, front, and back views.

Right section — tool-path generation

Once offset surfaces have been generated, enabling tool-path generation makes the tools follow the model's surface profile. The generated G-code can then be exported after completing one round. If disabled, the module runs in normal cutting-simulation mode.

Surfaces — On/Off

Toggles the offset surfaces on and off.

Export G-code

Exports the generated G-code to disk.

Import G-code

Imports a previously generated G-code file so it can be re-run.

Run G-code

After importing a G-code file, enabling Run G-code switches the module into G-code playback mode; the simulation can then be started or stopped via the Simulation – On/Off control.

Save X-vs-Y graph

Saves the surface profile data in the 2D XY plane after a cutting simulation.

Show X-vs-Y graph

Visualises the work-piece surface profile in the 2D XY plane after a cutting simulation.

Smooth / flat rendering

Toggle smooth rendering for a visually smooth cutting surface.

Reset model

Resets the model to its original state.

Reset parameters

Resets all cutting parameters.

Stop after one finish round

If checked, the simulation stops after one completed round.

Simulation — On/Off

Toggles the simulation on and off.