126-012B

Verify Operating Mode

Check the current operating mode displayed in the status bar. If 'Test Run' or 'smarT.NC' test mode is active, the control will automatically engage full simulation.

In Test Run mode, the TNC executes the complete program logic including dwell times and M functions without physical axis movement - ideal for program verification.

Switch to Machine Operating Mode

If actual machining is required, select 'Machine Operating' mode from the operating mode keys. Ensure work piece is properly set up and all safety conditions are met before switching.

Switching from simulation to Machine Operating mode will enable actual axis movement. Verify safe conditions before proceeding.

Review Simulation Settings

Press MOD key, select 'Settings', then navigate to 'Simulation' settings. Verify the simulation mode is set appropriately for your intended operation (OFF for real machining, FullSimul for complete simulation).

Access Machine Parameters

Enter MOD function, select 'Machine Parameters' (may require service password). Navigate to CfgSimulation section or search for parameters containing 'Simulation' or 'FullSimul'.

Modifying machine parameters requires appropriate authorization and may affect machine behavior. Document original values before making changes.

Review Auto-Simulation Triggers

Check parameters such as 'autoSimulationOn', 'simulationRequiresDatum', or manufacturer-specific simulation triggers. Note which conditions are configured to automatically enable simulation mode.

Machine manufacturers often configure auto-simulation as a safety feature to prevent crashes when critical setup steps are incomplete.

Complete Required Setup Conditions

Based on parameter settings, complete required conditions such as setting work piece datum (preset), defining tool data in tool table, or confirming safe start position before the control will allow real machining mode.

Use the control's status display to identify which prerequisite conditions are not yet satisfied - look for red or yellow indicators.

Consult Machine Documentation

Review the machine manufacturer's documentation for specific auto-simulation behavior. Some builders implement custom logic that automatically engages simulation based on program content or machine state.

Contact your machine tool builder if auto-simulation behavior is unclear - this is often customized during machine commissioning.

Check Current Simulation Settings

Press MOD key, navigate to 'Settings' > 'Simulation'. Check if FullSimul is currently selected. The active simulation mode is typically highlighted or marked with a checkmark.

On newer TNC controls, simulation settings are displayed in the header bar - look for a simulation icon or 'SIM' indicator.

Deactivate Simulation Mode

In MOD > Settings > Simulation menu, select 'OFF' to disable simulation mode. Confirm the selection and exit the MOD function. The control should now allow normal machine operation.

Some controls require pressing the 'END' or 'ENT' key to confirm the simulation mode change before it becomes active.

Verify Mode Change

After deactivating simulation, start program execution in Machine Operating mode and verify that the 'Automatic switchover in simulation mode' message no longer appears and axes respond to program commands.

When transitioning from simulation to real machining, always perform a dry run at reduced feedrate override to verify program safety.

Review Program at Simulation Entry Point

Note the exact block number where the simulation mode message appears. Open the program in 'Programming and Editing' mode and examine the NC blocks immediately before this point for unusual commands or conditions.

Use the TNC's Test Run mode with single block execution to step through the program and identify exactly which command triggers the simulation switchover.

Verify Tool Table Data

Press the 'Tool Table' key and verify that all tools called by the program have complete data including length (L), radius (R), and any required additional parameters. Missing tool data can trigger automatic simulation.

Pay special attention to tool number 0 and ensure the program doesn't call undefined tool numbers beyond your tool table capacity.