In general, a Machine Design file is not necessarily tied to a particular post. For example, if you have a lathe without an optional sub-spindle, the main spindle simulation of the machine works fine with a post that doesn't support a sub-spindle. There are a few interactions that you need to be aware of. Only the first two apply to milling machines; all apply to lathes and turn/mill machines.
-
Matching .md file (found under Sim-Info > Set .md in the XBUILD menu) — We recommend that you set this to machine.md (without a full path), so that the simulation looks for the MD file in the same directory as the CNC file. This means that you can move the post/MD file combination anywhere and it still works without changes.
-
Dogleg rapid moves (found under CNC Info > General in the XBUILD menu) — This option affects only simulation, not the NC code produced by XBUILD.
-
B-axis support (found under CNC Info > General in the XBUILD menu) — You must select this option for a B-axis lathe, or for a hybrid milling machine that has a table that spins rapidly for turning (for example, SuperMILLER or Variaxis).
- Turret configuration (found under CNC-Info > Turrets in the XBUILD menu) — The number and placements must match the machine design file. For example, a main-spindle-side lower turret is much different to a sub-spindle-side lower turret.
- Spindle distances (found under CNC-Info > Spindles in the XBUILD menu) — The distance between spindles is vital for sub-spindle transfers. These are the options Machine Z coordinate at sub-spindle home and Machine Z coordinate at sub-spindle max (left). In particular, the sign of the movement should match the local coordinate system of the sub-spindle solid in the machine design file. For instance, if the Z coordinate at sub-spindle left is -63 inches, the sub-spindle solid should have a local coordinate system where the Z point 'to the right' so that it interprets 'move minus Z' as 'move left'.