This is not a problem if you have an open post. Canned Pocket Cycles: Many CAM packages have canned drilling cycles but few have canned pocketing.Skilled post writers can create additional functionality for their equipment even when the desired routines are not supported in the CAM system itself, as these two examples show:
#DESKCNC SOFTWARE CODE#
However, if such part variations are made frequently, then it is far more efficient to edit the post processor to generate the code automatically by prompting for some dimensional variables.Īdditional Functionality of Post Processors
![deskcnc software deskcnc software](https://i.pinimg.com/736x/cd/db/f7/cddbf73944ae0bb28704aa50d85ab6d5--desks.jpg)
For example, most machinists who need to make a minor variation on a part that has already been programmed will simply modify the G and M code at the machine. The third type of end user includes CNC programmers and machine operators who have learned to go into the post and change lines of code to change its functionality. In most cases, the cost of customization will only be a small fraction of what it would take to develop a completely custom post, because a generic version that already covers all or most of the end user’s requirements is likely to be the starting point. Others will need some specific customization, which could be minimal or extensive. A great many will find that the generic post (with or without some minor modifications by the reseller) meets their needs. This approach enables the final configuration to be tailored closely to the specific needs of each end user.Įnd users generally fall into one of three categories. Otherwise, some customers may be satisfied, while others may find the post totally contrary to the way they structure their CNC manufacturing workflow. However, flavoring of the post should be kept to a minimum at this point. There has to be enough functionality in the generic post so that the new users can operate the equipment productively. These generic posts can be used as written, with little (if any) customization, to put the new machine tools through initial testing by shops that are early adopters. Mastercam, for example, works with nearly a hundred machine tool companies.
#DESKCNC SOFTWARE SOFTWARE#
These relationships enable the software developer to create and test posts on new machine tools. The typical CAM software developer is likely to have relationships with many machine tool vendors. When a new machine tool is being developed, leading CAM software developers work closely with the machine builder and controller suppliers to develop an initial “generic” post that satisfies a majority of output requirements for the new machine tool. The first customers for new posts are the machine tool builders. Open post processors have an architecture that allows anyone-vendors, resellers and customers-to make modifications to customize the post processor’s behavior. Closed post processors allow no one but authorized parties (that is, the post vendor) to customize the post. Closed Post ProcessorsĬAM vendors offer post processors that are either open or closed. Some posts can be programmed to deliver functionality beyond what is currently available in your CAD system. The post can also generate additional outputs such as alarms or signals to equipment performing secondary operations. Examples of machine shop-specific customization might include your standards for safety blocks or required comments. For example, your control will expect information such as work offsets, tool offsets and canned cycles to be formatted and presented in a specific way. Open Your Own Machine Shop? Here is Advice On Starting SmallĪ good post is also capable of “flavoring” this information in ways that best suit your shop’s workflow, data handling procedures, and most importantly, the requirements of your machine tool and control.
![deskcnc software deskcnc software](https://s1.manualzz.com/store/data/006483820_1-1fa7a5bb1e238ed724742fba2a3fe1e2-360x466.png)
To do this, you create the tool paths in your CAM system, and then you “post it.” That means you send the instructions for making your part to the post processor, an intermediary piece of software that translates the tool motions calculated by your CAM software into NC code that can be executed by your particular machine. Say you are going to manufacture a part on a mill, lathe or multi-axis machining center. Understanding those things can help your shop become more capable and productive. Although it’s not as graphically interesting as CAD or CAM, there is a lot more to the post than meets the eye. It is called the “post processor” or “post” for short. It is the bridge between computer-generated tool paths and the CNC equipment. In their shadow, however, is an equally important piece of software. CAD and CAM systems are visually exciting. Good CAM systems import all sorts of CAD models and use them as virtual environments where tool paths for hundreds of CNC machine types can be generated.