The File Tab (Simulation)
Introduction
The topic explains the File tab in the simulation, will describe where to access it, the options in it, and will provide links to related topics.
The File Tab
The File tab of the simulation window is used to access various simulation settings, including preferences, customizing the interface, saving stock, creating presentations, and simulation reports as well as the Machine Simulator Options dialog box.
Navigation
To access the File tab in simulation, click the
machine button in the upper-left corner of the simulation window, or click
the File tab itself if it is displayed.
Content
Info
The Information tab provides basic information about the current simulation settings that display directly in the File window.
Load Machine
This option allows you to load in a machine .xml file. Since the associated machine file is already loaded with the program, this option will, most often, be unnecessary.
Save/Export
The Save and Export section of the File tab allows you to save the stock material, create a simulation report in XML format, and create a simulation presentation that can be shared with employees or clients.
Save Machine
Saves the Machine Definition
- Save - allows you to save the last modification made to the machine and overwrite the existing xml file if one exists. If there is no existing xml file, you are asked to enter the location and file name.
- Save As - allows you to save the machine definition to a new location, with or without a new file name.
Create Presentation
You can create a presentation of your current job that you can share with customers or employees. Saving a presentation creates a fully functional .exe file that displays all of the information and buttons that are available in simulation.
-
Set presentation window title based on the name of *.exe presentation file - sets the presentation title according to the presentation file name. -
Set Custom Presentation
Window Title - You can select the check box and then type
a custom name to display in the presentation window. - Ensure support for all
Windows Platforms
- Makes sure the presentation runs on any Windows x64 platform irrespective of whether the Microsoft Redistributable package required to run that version of the Machine Simulator is installed or not. This option may increase the executable file size.
- Keeps the executable as small as possible, but it could have an issue running on particular systems.
Note: After making your selections, click the Create Presentation button to save the current simulation as a presentation. The Save As dialog box displays for you to select a location and name to which the presentation is saved. Click Save to create the presentation.
Save Stock Material
You can save the current stock material from the simulation as an .stl file to use for other purposes, such as assigning operation stock to an operation to eliminate air cutting. There is only one setting that can be changed from this location as follows.
- Custom Precision
- Allows you to define a custom precision tolerance that is used
to create the .stl file of the current stock material. Type a new value
to adjust the tolerance as needed - Uses the default value, which should be good for
most scenarios.
Note: Click the Save button to save the current stock material from the simulation. The Save As dialog box displays for you to select a location and name to which the file is saved. Click Save to create the .stl file.
Tip: You can also use the Cutsim information tab in the simulation window to access options for saving the stock material (including saving the stock at each tool change).
Create Simulation Report
You can export an .xml file that contains information about the current simulation, such as tools, run times, operations, and collision reports. There are no settings to change for saving the report.
Click the Create Simulation Report button to open the Save As dialog box for you to select a location and name to which the file is saved. After selecting a name and location, click Save to create the report.
Options (Machine Simulator Options Dialog Box)
When you click Options from the File tab in simulation, the Machine Simulator Options dialog box displays with many options and preferences for the simulation as explained in the Machine Simulator Options topic.
Exit
The Exit option allows you to return to the simulation window when you are finished making changes in the File tab. You can also click the back arrow at the top of the File window to return to the simulation window (this doesn't display for all styles).
