Getting started

Start with simulation

Prove the program, machine definition, and operator workflow before connecting physical hardware.

Begin every new machine definition without physical motion enabled. Simulation uses the same JetFlight motion engine that drives a real machine, so it is the right place to inspect program behavior, units, axes, limits, and operator controls.

Already installed with JC3

JetFlight is distributed with JetCad3 and powers its motion simulations. If you already have JC3 installed, the engine is already there—JC3 manages it for you.

The simulated motion passes through the same trajectory-planning engine used for machine control. It respects the configured velocity and acceleration limits: axes build speed, slow for direction changes, and decelerate instead of jumping instantly to the programmed feed. This gives the preview a motion model grounded in the machine definition rather than a constant-speed animation.

Lathe beta qualification also exercises measured spindle speed, index and phase through that engine. Sixteen posted acceptance programs completed with feed-per-revolution, constant-surface-speed and synchronized-threading paths, while LinuxCNC output passed a pinned stable 2.9 interpreter. This is software qualification; it does not replace physical spindle and machine commissioning.

The result is only as representative as that definition. Simulation does not reproduce motor torque, mechanical compliance, cutting forces, or every hardware timing effect. Set realistic limits before using it to assess behavior or timing.

Before hardware

• Confirm the machine units and axis names.
• Set realistic velocity, acceleration, and travel values.
• Load a small known program.
• Verify the path, completion state, feed behavior, and stop controls.
• Save the exact machine definition used for the test.

Simulation does not prove electrical wiring, controller timing, motor direction, feedback polarity, limit switches, process outputs, or safe stopping. Those need a board-specific commissioning procedure.

Reviewed 2026-11-06. Confirm the hardware catalog and current published release before connecting a machine.