<< Click to Display Table of Contents >> Navigation:  MILL Module > Simulating Machining Operations > Cut Material Simulation  > Advanced Simulation Engine

There are three material removal simulation modes (or models) available for use. The Voxel model can only be used for 2½ and 3 axis toolpaths. The main advantage of this model is very rapid processing times. The Polygonal or TriDexel models are necessary for simulating all 4 ans 5 axis toolpaths.  This model is more comprehensive and results in better display quality, however at the expense of speed. The TriDexel model leverages the graphics card GPU and RAM installed on your PC and is much faster during more complicated simulations.

 

 

To change the simulation module in MILL module, select Simulation Preferences located under the Simulate tab or select CAM Preferences > Simulation Settings button under the Machining Browser and select the appropriate model for simulation.

Refer to Simulation Preferences for a detailed description.

 

Voxel Model  
The Voxel Model is a fast simulation model that is primarily used for 3 axis applications.  It is especially useful when there are large amounts of toolpath blocks to be simulated.  This model is fast but suffers from some accuracy limitations near vertical walls.  The display quality of this simulation might also be insufficient for some applications especially when simulating near vertical walls.

Polygonal Model  
The Polygonal Model on the other hand is a high quality simulation model.  This model uses more accurate simulation algorithms at the expense of speed.  The speed of this simulation can be relatively slow when compared to the Voxel Model.  Additionally only the Polygonal Model of simulation can be used for 4 and 5 Axis simulations.  The Voxel Model is limited strictly to 3 Axis applications.
 
Note: * This feature is not available in Xpress configuration.

Here is an example of a cylinder stock model representation with Voxel and Polygonal model.

TriDexel Model

This is a triple orthogonal dexel workpiece representation that enables fast, accurate, direction-independent simulations of toolpaths and machining results. This is a one of the best trade-offs between accuracy, computational efficiency, and flexibility compared to the Voxel Model or Polygonal Model options mentioned above. See also Use Specified Spacing for TriDexel Model listed below.