Post Processor Resources.

Post Information and Resources.

Writing a Post Processor

All of the Post Processors are open for editing. It is possible for you to make you own modifications to any Post. But before you take that route, there are some things you should consider. Did you read the chapter on Post Processor Selection? If you have a common machine tool, it's highly likely that we have already seen a request similar to yours. Most Posts have the ability to create several different formats that can all be run in the same machine.

The Post Processors are highly flexible and fast because they are based on the JavaScript programming language. JavaScript should not be confused with Java which is a very different programming language. The post processor is used for both NC programs and Setup Sheet generation. The Post has been highly optimized for performance and you should generally see your NC programs being generated within seconds (with the output commonly exceeding 6-7Mb/s). Naturally, the actual performance depends highly on the individual post configuration.

Before You Decide To Write Your Own Post, Ask Yourself These Questions

• Did I try several post first?
• Did I change the Post "switches" to alter the output?
• Is it possible the NC program is OK, but there's something else that's causing it not to run?
• Do I know enough about NC Code to write my own post?
• Do I know enough about the JavaScript that it makes sense to write my own post?

It's a nice idea to think about writing you own post. But the reality is, you could you easily invest from 50-200 hours in learning the Post language. If you only have to create 1 or 2 post Processors, I would say that's not worth it. Learning how to write a Post Processor for 1 or 2 machines, is the same as building a clock because you want to know what time it is. In most cases you can hire an expert to make the changes for you, for much less than the value of your time. However we do understand a challenge.

It is recommended that you create a dedicated folder, at an appropriate place, for your customized post configurations. This will ensure that the configurations are not lost when upgrading the software at a later time.

Note: You can ask your reseller about customizing post processors and setup sheets.

Regardless of whether you write a post yourself, of have someone do it for you, you will need to know these things.

What Do I Need to Modify a Post Processor?

• A Post Processor that is close
• A sample program THAT HAS ACTUALLY RUN IN YOUR MACHINE
• The control make/model
• The machine make/model
• Machine type (Mill, Lathe, Mill/Turn Lathe, Waterjet, Plasma, etc…)
• Number of axis (3x, 4x, 5x vertical mill, 3x, 4x, 5x horizontal mill, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x lathe)
• The NC controls programming manual (or - List of G & M codes for the control)
• (word of caution - don't trust the program samples in the programming manual.)
• You can only trust code THAT HAS ACTUALLY RUN IN YOUR MACHINE)

Most Post Processor writers charge by the hour. By giving them the right information at the beginning of the project, you improve your chances of a speedy, successful Post completion.