Using the simulation controls, you can show the movement of the cutting tool as it follows the toolpaths in the machining program. Pressing the Play button starts and stops the tool motion, and the single step buttons to either side move the tool forwards or backwards one toolpath segment.

You can also use the keyboard shortcuts Ctrl+Space to start and stop, Ctrl+Right to move one toolpath segment forward, and Ctrl+Left to move one segment backwards.

The slider underneath the buttons controls the speed of the motion. The playback speed is 100% when the slider is at the midpoint, and speeds up or slows down to either side. You can also see the position, feed, and speed using the Tool Position window.

After one workingstep is finished, the playback will move to the next one and will highlight the new workingstep in the tree display to the left. You can change to a new workingstep at any time by just clicking on it. When the toolbar shows that the geometry window is in the Move Tool mode, you can to go to a specific toolpath position by clicking on it.

The Motion toolbar menu has a list of machine tool models that you can choose for simulation. The Virtual tools have no extra machine tool geometry to display, but they shift, tilt, and turn either the workpiece or tool to satisfy the toolpath. By default, the playback uses the Virtual Gantry Machine, which leaves the part fixed in place and moves the tool as needed.

The other machine tool models have actual CAD geometry associated with them, and it may take a moment to load when you first select one. This list is expandable, and the machines installed on your computer may differ from the ones shown to the left.

By default, the simulator attempts to center the workpiece on the machine table. You can fine-tune this placement by selecting the Adjust Mounting Location menu item. This will bring up a small dialog with controls for adjusting the X, Y, and Z position independantly.