Why the SimCam CNC output doesn’t look like you want (and how to fix it)

Modified on Mon, 29 Sep at 3:33 AM


SimCam is designed to speed up toolpath creation. It generates generic, FANUC‑style G‑code that works as a starting point. Every shop and controller has its own conventions, so you’ll usually need light edits (post‑style tweaks) before running on a real machine.

Bottom line: SimCam assists the programmer; it doesn’t replace one. You remain responsible for verifying code before cutting.


Common reasons the code doesn’t “look right”

  • Different controller dialects: Haas vs. FANUC vs. Siemens vs. Okuma, etc.

  • Header/ footer style: program numbers (O1234), G17/G40/G49/G80/G90 preamble, M30 vs M2, comment style () vs ;.

  • Units/formatting: mm vs inch, decimals/leading zeros, feed in mm/min vs inch/min.

  • Tool/coolant calls: Txx M06, M08/M09, spindle syntax Sxxxx M03/M04.

  • Work offsets: G54–G59 vs. G92 or local shifts.

  • Arcs: center format I J K vs radius R, arc plane (G17/G18/G19).

  • Canned cycles: drilling/boring (G81–G89), peck/ream/tap variations.

  • Subprograms / repeats: M98 Pxxxx L vs explicit repeats.


Quick wins: make the output match your shop

  1. Decide your house style (once):

    • Header: O####, G17 G40 G49 G80 G90, units (G21/G20), work offset (G54).

    • Footer: spindle/ coolant off, retract, M30.

    • Comment style, decimal precision, feed/spindle formatting.

  2. Set SimCam’s output preferences (decimals, format, leading and ending blocks, etc.).

    • Try different settings and test the output.

  3. Create a reusable header/footer template. Paste this at the top/bottom of every program (or set the Leading and Ending blocks to merge automatically):

    (JOB: <name>) O1000 G17 G21 G40 G49 G80 G90 G54 (TOOL 1: <desc>) T1 M06 S1200 M03 M08
    

    M09 G28 G91 Z0 G90 M30
    
  4. Map codes with quick find/replace rules. Keep a small table you can apply in your editor:

    FromToNotes
    ;( )Convert to parentheses comments
    M2M30Shop standard end code
    R… in arcsI JIf your control requires center format
    G55G54If you standardize on G54
  5. Standardize tools and offsets. Ensure your tool numbers (T01/T1) and length/diameter comp (G43 Hxx, G41/G42 Dxx) match what’s set on the machine.

  6. Simulate and prove out.

    • Run inside the simulator first.

    • On the machine: graphics/ dry run, single‑block, feed‑hold ready.


“Will SimCam ever output my exact machine’s code?”

Not perfectly for every brand/option combination. Controllers vary widely, and shops prefer different preambles, cycles, and macros. SimCam aims to produce solid, readable “FANUC‑like” output that you tailor for your environment.


Safety & responsibility

You must verify that the program is correct and safe for your machine before cutting. Check units, work offsets, tool lengths, and any canned cycles outside the simulator environment.


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