Post processor customization

Post processors that have been copied to your personal Local or Cloud library folders can be edited. It is possible for you to make your own modifications to a post processor. But before you take that route, there are some things you should consider.

It is likely that we have already seen a modification request similar to yours. Most post processors have switches to add or disable machine functions. You should check the switches for the ability to change the CNC output, before attempting to modify a post.

Resources for customizing post processors

If none of the standard post processors supplied in the Post Library are suitable for your requirements, you can edit a post processor, or contact a reseller about customizations.

• The online Post Library contains hundreds of post processors for a variety of machines and controls.
• Visit the HSM Post Processor Forum to search for similar post processor change requests, or to request assistance from other users.
• You may choose to edit the post processor yourself. You can download the Post Processor Training Guide for more information on the post processor language.
• Contact a reseller listed at the Autodesk Services Marketplace to ask about customizations.

The post processor language

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 language has been optimized for performance and you should see your NC programs being generated within seconds (with the output commonly exceeding 6-7Mb/s). Naturally, the actual performance depends on the individual post configuration.

Writing your own post processor

Before you decide to write your own post processor, ask yourself these questions:

• Did I try several post processors first?
• Did I change the post processor switches to alter the output?
• Is it possible the NC program is OK, but there is something else that is keeping the machine from running?
• Do I know enough about NC code to write my own post processor?
• Do I know enough about the JavaScript that it makes sense to write my own post?

It is a nice idea to think about writing you own post processor. But the reality is, you could you easily invest from 50-200 hours in learning the post processor language. If you only have to create one or two post processors, you need to determine if it is worth the time to learn a new programming language. 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 processor configurations. This will ensure that the configurations are not lost when Fusion upgrades to a newer version.

Prerequisites for customizing a post processor

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

• A post processor configuration .cps that is close to matching your machine requirements.
• A sample program that has run on your machine.
• The control make and model.
• The machine make and model.
• The machine type. For example, mill, lathe, mill/turn lathe, waterjet, plasma.
• The number of axes. For example, 3x, 4x, 5x vertical mill, 3x, 4x, 5x horizontal mill, 2x, 3x, 4x, 5x lathe.
• The programming manual for the NC control (or a list of G & M codes for the control).

Important notes

• You can only trust code that has actually run on your machine. The program samples in the programming manual are rarely accurate or complete.

• 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 processor completion.