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Machine shop simulator software?
For some time I have thought that it would be useful to have a simulation program that could analyze a machining project by going through the various steps required or suggested, and estimating the suitability of various machines for the job and such information as time required, tolerances that can be held, etc. I found some search results, but they were mostly for CNC, and I wanted something for common hand-operated lathes, mills, grinders, shears, brakes, welders, and many others.
Here's what I found:
What I would like to see is a sort of virtual animation, perhaps like a game, where the operator can provide a drawing or solid model of a part, and then select the material from various actual vendors or a personal stockpile, and thus begin with a good estimate of the cost. Then one would choose a machine, such as a bandsaw, and simulate the operation to produce the rough size needed. This would use a visual simulation of the operator and the machine, and show the material being cut, and the time required. It would also show the results of various blades, cutting speeds, and machine power, and warn if the selection would be inefficient or problematic.
Each operation would tally the time and cost, and show the material as it would appear for each step. So you would be, essentially, creating and editing a solid model as can be done with a CAD program, but using virtual machines rather than creating, adding, and subtracting shapes.
Has anyone seen or heard of anything like this? It would be a major undertaking, but could be a challenge and useful for becoming familiar with machine tools and the process of machining.
Here's what I found:
What I would like to see is a sort of virtual animation, perhaps like a game, where the operator can provide a drawing or solid model of a part, and then select the material from various actual vendors or a personal stockpile, and thus begin with a good estimate of the cost. Then one would choose a machine, such as a bandsaw, and simulate the operation to produce the rough size needed. This would use a visual simulation of the operator and the machine, and show the material being cut, and the time required. It would also show the results of various blades, cutting speeds, and machine power, and warn if the selection would be inefficient or problematic.
Each operation would tally the time and cost, and show the material as it would appear for each step. So you would be, essentially, creating and editing a solid model as can be done with a CAD program, but using virtual machines rather than creating, adding, and subtracting shapes.
Has anyone seen or heard of anything like this? It would be a major undertaking, but could be a challenge and useful for becoming familiar with machine tools and the process of machining.
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