Program formats (Milling)

As Post reads each segment from the part data file, it determine whether the segment is:

• The first segment of the program.
• A tool change.
• A non-tool changing segment.

Using this information, Post outputs the appropriate block (that is, Program Start, Tool Change, or Segment Start) before executing segment data. Only one of these three program formats is used at the beginning of any one segment.

Note: Each definition can include multiple lines, and each line must end with <EOB>.

Program Start

The Program Start format is called once at the beginning of each program. This format must contain instructions for doing the following:

• Setup the initial conditions of the machine such as the program dimensions, absolute versus incremental positioning.
• Perform the first tool change and position the tool at the Z rapid plane.
• Turn on the spindle, set its initial speed, and set up the coolant.

Functions such as <SPEED>, <SPINDLE> and <COOLANT> status can be passed to the Post output with the first positioning move via <X-COORD> and <Y-COORD>.

If the target machine tool uses fixture offsets (G54, G55/E1, E2), the reserved word <FIXTURE> should be positioned before the <MOTION>, <X COORD>, and <YCOORD> words.

Tool Change

• A Tool Change block is output between segments that require a tool change.
• This block is only output if the Tool # specification (FeatureCAM) differs from the previous one.
• Functions such as <SPEED>, <SPINDLE> and <COOLANT> status can be passed to the Post output with the first positioning move via the <X-COORD> and <Y-COORD> reserved words.
• If the target machine tool uses fixture offsets (G54, G55/E1, E2), the reserved word <FIXTURE> should be positioned before the <MOTION>, <X COORD>, and <YCOORD> words.

Segment Start

• Segment Start is only output between non-tool changing segments. This typically occurs when there is a change in fixture offset or spindle speed.
• Segment Start should contain any commands that may change between segments, for example <SPEED>, <COOLANT>, and so on.
• The reserved words <X-COORD>, <Y-COORD>, and <Z-COORD> must be included in Segment Start.
• If the target machine tool uses fixture offsets (G54, G55/E1, E2), the reserved word <FIXTURE> should be positioned before the <MOTION>, <X COORD>, and <YCOORD> words.
Note: We recommend that you do not output any coordinates with modality brackets, because there may be a change of coordinate systems.

Segment End — Use this to output cancel codes without having to wait until the next Tool Change or Segment Start Format is called.

Program End — This block is normally used to output the rewind command and to reset the control to standard settings after program completion.

File End

File End specifies the format of the line(s) to be placed at the end of a file. This is generally used with the End of Prog specification (selected in the Macro Type field in the General Information dialog).