Most edits people need have been discussed on here already or something similar that might point you in the right direction. check out the. You will need to pay for a Post for that machine. Need help to finish my G code processor. MP is a "column dependent language". So assuming 80% up-time (not unreasonable in this day and age), that is 12.8 billable hours in those two shifts, or $1,280 per day. So that's kind of a quick overview of Strings and Numeric Variables and related functions. One advantage of going this route is that many of these solution can take source "input" from more than one CAM package. I know that probably sounds like "yeah, I already knew that, that doesn't help! Please correct the marked field(s) below. 
The 3D CAD model is imported into Mastercam. I just got a OMIOCNC router model X8-2200EPL.
You do not need to force string variables. Why do some lines start with a P and some dont. I've met so many different CNC Programmers over the years. MP normally only allows "one line" of processing after the Boolean test results. Because of Modality. It may, or may not output depending on modality), Finally, the last line of code is Variable Assignment, that restores the value of absinc$ to the saved value. Core post functions are maintained separately to the customized sections of each post processor. Send me an email with your company information and Hasp Number, and I'll be happy to work with you, once I can confirm that you are a licensed customer of CNC Software. I am looking for a source to help me learn the basics of this language. Modality is a the heart of how the post functions, and can be used to control the "modal" output of String values as well. The 2nd Parameter on the line is n$. That is 5 hours per week that you would spend on hand editing your code. Modality determines if we need to output all the values on each line, or if the we only output the values that changed. Thanks again for all the help and training Colin! By the way, it is certainly possible to machine STL Files, inside Mastercam. I can't endorse this guy enough! Happy New Year for all of us! And that you spend an average of 15 minutes making hand-edits to those programs. Employment Opportunity / RFQ (Request for Quote). Display as a link instead. This is an error-prone and dangerous process. Along with pre-defined post blocks, MP has pre-defined string variables and pre-defined numeric variables as well. (More if your shop rate, up-time, or days per week are increased). Until it stops, we will continue to fight uphill battles. This is controlled by the user in the Miscellaneous Integers. There is a Target Variable, which is a String, that gets its value changed constantly, based on the modality of the Selector Variable. Develop a relationship with your CAD/CAM Reseller, or 3rd-Party Post Developer, and have them quote the necessary post development for new or existing equipment. Sorry I can't help you out with that one, as I write Mastercam and NX Post, and have no experience writing Fusion 360 Posts. Where would you go to learn how to create and edit posts? You get output of the forced (*) variables always. 'absinc$' does more than this though. ", but it is important to state because it is at the heart of how MP.DLL processes the data. Without having a properly configured post processor, your company is playing with fire. This means it copies the value that was just output to the "previous" value of the variable. ), If your shop rate was $100 per hour (usually more for high-end equipment, but let's use that number for our example), and you run 2 shifts a day, that's 16 hours of billable time per day. The other thing you might notice about these blocks is that they are "User Defined". Including the ones Colin has starred in. Step 2: The programmer makes an edit, and then posts the NC code for the current job they are running. For post processors not already designed, Mastercam post processor partners In-House Solutions, Postability, ICAM, and CAMplete Solutions offer advanced and custom post processing support. I can't tell you the number of shops I've been in where the Post Processor is basically an afterthought. It worked a treat and I've had no further tapping problems, except I imagine someday I'll need to put imperial threads in something and it will blow up!
I knew the basics before I started working there, but gained an amazing amount of knowledge about Mastercam in general, and posts specifically while working there. What are you having trouble with understanding? MP is organized into blocks or chunks of "script" code. I am a processionel carpenter for the past 40 years, I run a wood trading company in the amazon for 10 years and I have processed hundreds of cubic of wood. It is a 4 week course, with 8 total sessions. The cost of a typical 5X Post, that has been properly modified to support the advanced features and functions of this machine might cost in the range of $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the level of customization required. This is as simple as adding a line-item to the quotation, but be sure the language is specific on what you expect for delivery. (depending on your Mastercam and MCE version, you may get "auto-complete" as well). The next Tool Change is either a NCI Gcode 1000 (tool is the same tool as last op, otherwise known as a "Null Tool Change"), or the value is NCI Gcode 1002, which represents an "Actual" tool change, and we call a different block. Let's examine it: The first line starts with some Boolean Logic that tests the value of the Numeric Variable mi1$. I'm tempted to duplicate the entire cutting cycle part of the post processor in case T100 is called instead of any other tool, however I can't help but think there's a better way. This is what tells MP that it is a "post line" and not a new definition. ", e$ pfbld, n$, sg92, *xh$, *yh$, *zh$, e$, Both of these lines are evaluated, from left to right, and the same process happens. But I will be back with more questions soon. gundrilling, slow entry, Probing (custom or Renishaw Productivity+). Mastercam Code Expert has had the "color coding" for pre-defined variables for much longer, but that only really helped with spelling errors. Together,we are the strongest Mastercam community on the web with over 56,000 members, and our online store offers a wide selection of training materials for all applications and skill levels. We have a new Basic Post Processing course coming in June. ", e$ pfbld, n$, *sg28ref, "X0. Then we return from that Call, and move to the next Parameter. In Mastercam, click the Machine Type drop-down in the Machine tab, and then choose Manage List. The String Select functions are either forced, or are dependent on Modality. I want to say that I have come here only after doing much homework, watching every video on the subject. ", e$ pfbld, n$, sg92, *xh$, *yh$, *zh$, e$ absinc$ = sav_absinc ], pfbld = force block delete? I've taught many Post Classes in the past, but haven't done one for a while. There are only two data types: Strings and Numeric Variables (double values). I showed those blocks up above.
New posts will be added to the folder, but updated posts will overwrite the old versions. Meaning '0' calls the first item in the list, '1' calls the 2nd, '2' the third, and so forth. Banging my head against the wall dealing with hand edits and the Cam system not matching the program on the board. Yes, the Auto-complete was only added a few versions back. Tips For Manufacturing Training CD's, DVD's for Mastercam, SolidWorks, Inventor, G-Code Training & More. That line starting in the first column identifies the item to MP, and during parsing MP "creates" something in memory based on that definition. It creates a "current" block, and a "previous" block. the MCE editor has "auto-complete" functionality. There aren't many sources for MP Post courses these days. There are many honest and reliable Post Developers in the CAM business, but I'd also provide a word of caution. In addition to creating the NC Code, you can simulate and verify the code "virtually" inside their software package. Wow, I've been messing with posts for years. Without you I was not even able to cut a 2D square on my machine. All of the "Entry" post blocks are "pre-defined". It does this because we need a mechanism to control output. These "postblocks" or "subroutines" exist in one of two places: inside your PST file script itself, or inside MP DLL. This message will be removed once you have signed in. Besides the potential downtime from a crash, making hand-edits takes valuable time away from your Programmer, and increases their stress level. Based on the value of that variable, we are controlling the output of Absolute or Incremental coordinates for Motion as well. So if you've got several CAM solutions being used, this custom Solution can tie them all together in one package. To view or add a comment, sign in. Based on the NCI G-code, the post will call an "Entry" post block. Your link has been automatically embedded. It also takes the burden off your existing CNC Programmers for making them responsible for Post Development. With Numeric Variables in MP, you set the "current" value. If you were trying to do this with a Mastercam Post, I could possibly help. Post Lines are always indented by at least 1 space. If the switch is off, MP ignores the parameter and moves on to the next parameter on the line. In addition, the right code, put in the wrong place, can easily crash your half-million dollar machine, and could possibly damage your spindle, to the tune of $20-60K for a replacement. Step 2: Without a properly formatted post processor, you must resort to making hand-edits to your NC code. This is a Literal String, which means the output is just forces to the NC output line. They will provide you with a Post Processor Request Form, which you can then fill out with your machine information. (Not to mention the wasted time waiting for the necessary repairs. CNC Machines,CAD/CAM,Milling Machines,Lathes,Classifieds, The post processor can adjust things like feeds and speeds, transitions between toolpaths, and tool length compensation. So there are basically three types of Post Blocks: Pre-Defined (MP creates them), User Defined (you create them in the post, and you call them by placing the 'post block name' as a Parameter (by itself) on a Post Line. How did you learn this work? I now keep a backup and a note with each change I make in case I have a problem later on. Awesome write up Colin. This indicates that the values is automatically recognized by MP, and that MP is what creates it. Technically the comment isn't necessary, but I think it helps. CAD/CAM software is a combination of computer-aided design (CAD) software and computer-aided machining (CAM) software.
After you submit the form, your post will arrive, most likely by email. Unless you've got an offline Simulation and Verification package like Vericut at your disposal, it can be nerve-wracking to prove out a program with hand-edits, and costs more time at the machine, since you'll most likely turn down both the rapid override, and the feed override knobs while running the new program. The 5th Parameter is "Z0.". if mi1$ <= one, #Work coordinate system [ absinc$ = one pfbld, n$, sgabsinc, *sg28ref, "Z0. But I never knew the MCE editor has auto-complete fuction for the posts. I'm currently editing - or rather further editing - the stock Meldas postprocessor from Autodesk. All User Defined Post Blocks must be called from somewhere inside a pre-defined Post Block. Lasers,Engraving,woodworking,MetalWorking,Industrial Equipment, Manufacturing technolgies, still learning how posts/preditor work together, http://www.mmattera.com/html/mastercam_stuff.html. Post processors take into account each individual machines kinematics how the tool or workpiece moves along the linear and rotary axes. The post processor converts the toolpath into language that the machine understands. If we assume a fairly low "burdened rate" of $40 per hour (hourly wage, plus the cost of benefits and taxes), that equates to$10,000 per year of wages paid, just to hand-edit NC code. So typically in the case of "post blocks", the next post block name is what ends the preceding block of code. Step 4: Colin know his stuff when it comes to posts. MP is "old school" in that it only holds String Data or Numeric Data. I am half way through vol 1 of MP post reference documentation. This means they are actually defined inside the MP.DLL file, and are initialized prior to the reading of the PST file. The 'absinc$' variable is used as the Selector Variable in a String Select Function for outputting either Absolute (G90) or Incremental (G91) codes. Without a e$, the line does not break in the NC code file. Invest in training one or more of your CNC Programmers to learn Post Development, so that you have the necessary skills "in-house" to make the necessary post edits. I doubt you'll find a "free" Post available. It does help a great deal. The first Parameter on the line is (pfbld). So 'sgabsinc' could output either "G90" or "G91", at many different places in the post, as it is used on many different Post Lines. (The variable "one" is defined as a constant value of '1' at the top of the post). Now here is my meaning: the company I bought the machine from DO NOT provide the post. On the face, there is nothing wrong with this method. Hey, I know a guy who is not only a wizard but he teaches other people how to be wizards. Must be someone out there that knows about post processor. This is the start of the implied post block. If something starts in the first column (a string, numeric, function, postblock), it is the "definition" of that "thing". The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today! A CNC post processor is a type of software meant to turn CAM code into a readable CNC code according to which machine will be running the part. This is a call to a String Select Function. The String Select Table and Function Definition look like this: When 'sgabsinc' is encountered as a Parameter on a Post Line, it calls this function. Hi Colin, I would like to make a request. I plane to take the coursed Eapprentice provides in the near future. ", "Y0. If it is possible would like to call you. Many modern computer languages have many different data types (data structures) which determine the type of data they hold, and what operations you can perform on them. MP has a special mechanism called the String Select Function that works with a String Select Table that lets you create a list of string values. You can check them all out here. Nobody wants to crash a machine. Which is a function, a variable, and a string? You have to have an "entry" to kick of the subroutine script, and that is based on the processing order of the NCI data. Post Development is not "easy". When that variable is entered as a Parameter on a Post Line, MP looks to see if the current value is different from the previous. The code is exported to the machine, and the manufacturing process begins. Step 3: Colin since reading your write up several times through I am understanding my reading more and more. This would typically happen at the Tool Change event, which starts every Operation. So, to get back to your sample, we are testing the value of mi1$, and based on if that test is "True", we are executing each line of an Implied Post Block: "if mi1$ <= one, #G92 Local Work coordinate system", This line of code tests the value of 'mi1$' to see if it is "less than, or equal to" the value of the variable "one". It can be very frustrating at first. Download the files. By far the most important skill I've picked up along the way is the ability to make edits to a Post Processor. The first "pre-read" loop is used to capture things like Tool Data, to build a Tool List. This process always starts with the "entry" block, which is always triggered by a specific NCI Gcode line. Did this fro Esprit and SmartCAM. Save the files by machine type. The MP Language is simple, but powerful. If all conditions are meet then the output will happen if not then it will sort through what other conditions need to be answered or completed to then output the needed code. It also calls an "entry" post block, based on the value of the NCI Gcode. Best regards, I'd say that John Summers and Jeff Hill are ones we should be thanking.