To Preview a Toolpath

You can preview and simulate toolpaths in Inventor CAM while they are being calculated. If you have a toolpath that is taking some time to calculate, you have the option to continue working by clicking the Hide button in the Task Manager (if it is visible).

If you select a calculating operation, the preview shows the toolpath generated up to that point. This can be very useful for spotting incorrect parameters early in the process - like an incorrect machining boundary - without having to wait for the calculation to complete.

Preview for a partially generated Scallop toolpath

Similarly, you can simulate calculating a toolpath from the ribbon by clicking CAM tab Toolpath panel Simulate . Inventor CAM warns if the toolpath is invalid, but if you click Yes to continue, it can be simulated anyway.

Simulation of a partially generated Scallop toolpath

Note: Only the cutting passes are simulated, as linking passes are not available until the end of the calculation. The ordering of the unlinked passes may also deviate from the ordering once the toolpath has been fully linked.