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Simulating Your Job

Learn how to use Rayforge's simulation mode to preview your laser job, identify potential issues, and estimate completion time before running on real hardware.

Overview

Simulation mode allows you to visualize your laser job execution without actually running the machine. This helps catch errors, optimize settings, and plan your workflow.

Benefits of Simulation

  • Preview job execution: See exactly how the laser will move
  • Estimate time: Get accurate job duration estimates
  • Identify issues: Spot overlaps, gaps, or unexpected behavior
  • Optimize path order: Visualize cutting sequence
  • Learn G-code: Understand how operations translate to machine commands

Starting a Simulation

  1. Load or create your design in Rayforge
  2. Configure operations with desired settings
  3. Click the Simulate button in the toolbar (or use keyboard shortcut)
  4. Watch the simulation play through your job

Simulation Controls

Playback Controls

  • Play/Pause: Start or pause the simulation
  • Step Forward/Back: Move through the job one command at a time
  • Speed Control: Adjust playback speed (0.5x to 10x)
  • Jump to Position: Skip to specific percentage of job
  • Restart: Begin simulation from the start

Visualization Options

  • Show toolpath: Display the path the laser head will follow
  • Show travel moves: Visualize rapid positioning moves
  • Show laser power: Color-code paths by power level
  • Heatmap mode: Visualize dwell time and power density

Information Display

During simulation, monitor:

  • Current position: X, Y coordinates of laser head
  • Job progress: Percentage complete
  • Estimated time remaining: Based on current progress
  • Current operation: Which operation is executing
  • Power and speed: Current laser parameters

Interpreting Simulation Results

What to Look For

  • Path efficiency: Are there unnecessary travel moves?
  • Overlapping cuts: Unintended double-cutting of paths
  • Operation order: Does the sequence make sense?
  • Power distribution: Is power applied consistently?
  • Unexpected moves: Any jerky or strange motion patterns

Heatmap Visualization

The heatmap shows cumulative laser exposure:

  • Cool colors (blue/green): Low exposure
  • Warm colors (yellow/orange): Moderate exposure
  • Hot colors (red): High exposure or dwell time

Use this to identify:

  • Hotspots: Areas that may over-burn
  • Gaps: Areas that may be under-exposed
  • Overlap issues: Unintended double-exposure

See Simulation Mode for detailed information.

Using Simulation for Optimization

Optimize Cut Order

If simulation reveals inefficient path order:

  1. Enable path optimization in operation settings
  2. Choose optimization method (nearest neighbor, TSP)
  3. Re-simulate to verify improvement

Adjust Timing

Simulation provides accurate time estimates:

  • Long job times: Consider optimizing paths or increasing speed
  • Very short times: Verify settings are correct for material
  • Unexpected duration: Check for hidden operations or duplicates

Verify Multi-Layer Jobs

For complex multi-layer projects:

  1. Simulate each layer independently
  2. Verify operation order across layers
  3. Check for conflicts between layers
  4. Estimate total time for complete job

Simulation vs. Real Execution

Differences to Note

Simulation is highly accurate but:

  • Doesn't account for: Mechanical imperfections, backlash, vibration
  • May differ slightly: Actual acceleration/deceleration vs. simulated
  • Doesn't show: Material interaction, smoke, fumes
  • Time estimates: Usually accurate within 5-10%

When to Re-simulate

  • After changing settings: Power, speed, or operation parameters
  • After editing design: Any design changes
  • Before expensive materials: Double-check before committing
  • When troubleshooting: Verify fixes to identified issues

Tips for Effective Simulation

  • Always simulate before running important jobs
  • Use slower playback to catch subtle issues
  • Enable heatmap for engraving jobs
  • Compare multiple settings by simulating variations
  • Document results: Screenshot or note issues found

Troubleshooting Simulation

Simulation won't start: Check that operations are properly configured

Simulation runs too fast: Adjust playback speed to slower setting

Can't see details: Zoom in on specific areas of interest

Time estimate seems wrong: Verify machine profile has correct max speeds