Learn how to utilize CIMCO's Backplot & Solid Simulation functions.
3.4. Backplot
This section describes the Backplot tab in the CIMCO Edit 2024 Ribbon.
3.4.1. Backplot
The Backplot menu contains functions for file simulation and general backplot settings.
The File menu.
Menu options
Show Backplot or Solid Animation of the current NC program. The window splits in two, allowing the lines of the program file and their toolpath simulation to be shown simultaneously.
Show Machine Simulation of the current NC program. The window splits in two, allowing the lines of the program file and the machine/toolpath simulation to be shown simultaneously.
Enables you to backplot a file directly from disk, without opening the file first.
Closes the backplot window. Available when either Backplot or Machine Simulation is active.
This option lets you configure the backplot.
Before starting the graphical simulation, you must first configure the file type for the program you have already opened. To do this, click on Backplot Setup to open the configuration dialog. In the Setup dialog, select the Control Type (for example 'ISO Milling') and configure the desired parameters. See Backplot for more information.
3.4.9. Information Bar
This section describes the Backplot Information Bar. The Information Bar is used to control the simulation and show information about NC codes.
3.4.9.1. Backplot Information Bar (Milling)
The Information Bar is shown in the lower part of the Backplot window and contains the following elements:
The Backplot Information Bar (Milling).
3.4.9.2. Dynamic Simulation Progress Bar (0 - 100%)
3.4.9.3. Speed and Direction Slider
From midpoint to the right = forward, slow ... fast.
From midpoint to the left = backward, slow ... fast.
3.4.9.4. Current Tool Coordinates
Shows the current tool coordinates within the defined preparatory functions (G00 - G03).
3.4.9.5. Backplot Information Bar (Turning)
The Information Bar is shown in the lower part of the Backplot window and contains the following elements:
The Backplot Information Bar (Turning).
3.4.9.2. Dynamic Simulation Progress Bar (0 - 100%)
3.4.9.3. Speed and Direction Slider
From midpoint to the right = forward, slow ... fast.
From midpoint to the left = backward, slow ... fast.
3.4.9.4. Current Tool Coordinates
Shows the current tool coordinates within the defined preparatory functions (G00 - G03).
3.4.5. Solid
The Solid menu contains functions for simulation of a solid model.
The Solid menu. Menu options
Click on this icon to configure the solid model as a cylinder or a box using dimensions and min/max values.
Stock STL files can also be added.
If the Scanning option is enabled, stock type and dimensions will be automatically scanned from either the NC program or the Setup file. The Scanning commands for stock include the following:
Load stock 
<type> X<number> Y<number> Z<number> A<number> B<number> C<number> <origin>
<axis> <unit> "<filename>"
<type> : Either of the four strings:
STOCK RECTANGLE
STOCK MIN/MAX
STOCK CYLINDER
STOCK STL
<filename> : String with an ".stl" extension
<number> : Integer, Float
: X,Y,Z Coordinate
: A,B,C Euler transformation
: W,L,H,D Width, Length, Height, Diameter
<origin> : Top
Bottom
Top X+Y+
Top X+Y-
Top X-Y-
Top X-Y+
Bottom X+Y+
Bottom X+Y-
Bottom X-Y-
Bottom X-Y+
<axis> : X,Y,Z Coordinate <unit> : Optional parameter with two possible values:
UM for Metric
UI for Imperial STOCK CYLINDER X0 Y0 Z0 D=200 H=28 ORIGIN="TOP" AXIS="Z"
STOCK STL X0 Y0 Z0 A0 B0 C0 UM
PATH="C:\CIMCO\CIMCOEditMachineSim8\Workpiece.stl" STOCK RECTANGLE X0 Y0 Z0 W=165 L=102 H=40 ORIGIN="TOP"
STOCK MIN X-101 Y-58 Z250
STOCK MAX X101 Y58 Z278
Creates a solid from the current view.
Click this icon to regenerate a solid model of the stock based on the position in the program and the settings specified in the Solid Setup.
Click this icon to specify the quality of the stock. Low Quality will provide a stock with a low tolerance, a High Quality will provide a stock with a High Tolerance.
Solid Setup dialog for milling.
3.4.14. Geometry Manager
This section describes the Geometry Manager tab from the docking tab pane. The Geometry Manager is used for adding a workpiece, fixture, and machine models. The Geometry Manager contains the following elements as described below.
Geometry Manager tab.
3.4.14.1. Machine Origin
Specify a position on the machine relative to the machine zero position using the translation properties below.
3.4.14.2. Work Offsets
Adjust work offsets using the translation properties below.
3.4.14.3. Workpiece
Shows the workpieces that have been added to the backplot environment. To add a workpiece, right-click in the Geometry Manager and select Add Workpiece. Locate the file and click Open to add. The workpiece will appear below Workpiece.
Adding a workpiece.
3.4.14.4. Fixture
Shows the fixtures that have been added to the backplot environment. To add a fixture, right-click in the Geometry Manager and select Add Fixture. Locate the corresponding STL file and click Open to add. The fixture will appear below Fixture.
Adding a fixture.
Stock Shows the stocks that have been added to the backplot environment. To add stock, right-click in the
Geometry Manager and select Add Stock. Either add the stock as an STL file or manually define the stock as a box or cylinder. The stock will appear below Stock.
Adding a Stock.
Once a fixture, workpiece and stock has been added they will appear below their corresponding header.
3.4.14.5. Visibility
Right click on the workpiece, fixture or stock in the geometry manager and select Toggle Visibility to toggle between viewing the component as visible, transparent, or hidden.
Toggling the visibility.
3.4.14.6. Remove
Remove a component from the Backplot window and Geometry Manager.
Removing a component.
3.4.14.7. Regenerate
Regenerate the stock relative to the position in the NC program.
Regenerating the stock.
3.4.14.8. Save Setup
Right click in the geometry manager and select Save Setup to save the machine setup. Any changes that have been made to the added fixture and/or workpiece will be saved for when the NC code and machine is reopened.
Saving the setup of a machine.
3.4.14.9. Save STL file
Right click on the stock in the Geometry Manager and select Save STL file to save the stock at its current progress as an STL.
Saving the stock as an STL.
3.4.14.10. Copy Position
Copy the position of a component.
3.4.14.11. Paste Position
Paste the position of a component
Copy/Paste a Position
3.4.14.12. Adjusting the Fixture and Workpiece
To adjust the workpiece or fixture you need to click on the added workpiece or fixture located under their heading in the Geometry Manager. The Properties table will then appear in the lower part of the Geometry Manager.
Adjusting the Fixture and Workpiece.
Translation: Adjust the workpiece along the X, Y and Z axis.
Rotation: Euler - Adjust the workpiece and rotate it around the Z, X and Z'' axis.
Colour: Change the colour of any elements located in the Geometry Manager. By changing the colour of
the workpiece/fixture it would allow you to better distinguish between the workpiece/fixture and other parts of the machine when viewing the machine simulation.
Unit System: Changes the unit of measurement.
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