The CNC data file created in XBUILD is used by Post as a 'template' to format the part program data file created in FeatureCAM.
The template consists of program formats (for example, Linear Move, Rapid Move) that determine the structure of a part program for a specific CNC. Each format uses address characters (for example X, Y, and so on) and reserved words (for example <X-COORD>, <Z-COORD>, and so on) to indicate the sequence of data in program blocks.
Program formats are filled sequentially. Reserved words are substituted by their corresponding values, G, and M codes (machine tool codes) when the part program data file is post-processed.
A typical CNC program Linear Move format block that is output by Post might look like this:
making
N305 G1 Z3.4 X2.753 F5<CR>
Post extracts the coordinate data from the FeatureCAM part program data file, as well as the line format from the XBUILD CNC information file. The values are then substituted to generate the line of code.
Letter addresses N, Z, X, and F are typed as literals, and display in the output CNC file as they display in the format block. The reserved words, such as <SEQ>, <MOTION> and so on, identify placement of corresponding values (or strings) in the block.
You can embed codes (or control characters) in a program format. To enter them, type the decimal value equivalent of the ASCII code, delimited by angle brackets < >.