Using this manual

Control Emulator is Icam software that emulates or simulates the operations of a CNC (computer numerically controlled) machine. It does this by reading and processing MCD (machine control data, also commonly called tape) in the same manner as the CNC would and by manipulating a virtual model of the CNC machine, for one or more of the following purposes:

  • To test the machine axes movements for over-travel conditions.

  • To test for collisions between tools, fixtures, parts, stock and machine components.

  • To test the effect of workpiece, length and diameter compensation.

  • To validate the MCD program for syntax errors.

  • To verify the correctness of the resulting as-machined stock.

Control Emulator consists of two parts: QUEST and CERUN.

  • QUEST is an interactive program that builds a database containing information entered about one or more CNC (computer numerically controlled) machines.

  • CERUN uses this database, along with the MCD files generated by a post-processor, human or other system, to emulate the actions and processing of a particular CNC machine.

This manual describes the complete Control Emulator product, organized as follows.

  • “Control Emulator: General Information” provides a general overview of Control Emulator and describes its two main applications: QUEST and CERUN.

  • “QUEST: Control Emulator Development” describes the use of the control emulator development tool QUEST. This section is only of interest to those sites licensed for full development and those persons responsible for control emulator creation at a site. It includes instructions on how to run QUEST, details of the QUEST system, macro programming references and other information useful to developers.

  • “CERUN: The Control-Emulator” describes the use of the control emulator itself, named CERUN. This includes instructions on how to use CERUN with Virtual Machine and Dassault Systèmes 3DX/DELMIA.

Following these sections are: a “Glossary” of terms used in this manual; an “Appendix” listing information of possible interest to both users and developers alike; and an “Index”.