The File Tab (Simulation)

Introduction

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.

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 displays).

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.

Load Simulation File

This option allows you to load in a .cl, .sim, and, .bin files. This can sometimes be useful for the development team, but the average customer will have no use for this.

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.

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. There are only two options for saving presentations as follows.

 

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

You should select the check box to ensure that the presentation you create plays on other Windows platforms.

 

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

You can select the check box 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 (the default value should be good for most scenarios).

 

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).