On the face, there is nothing wrong with this method. (sg92 for example, is not forced. Best regards, Employment Opportunity / RFQ (Request for Quote). You can apply any of the roughing and finishing paths, although the surface quality is limited to the resolution of your original STL mesh Hi Colin, do you post processing classes for Edgecam ? MP is "old school" in that it only holds String Data or Numeric Data. 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. Along with pre-defined post blocks, MP has pre-defined string variables and pre-defined numeric variables as well. While this can also be expensive, often the Solution is bundled with Simulation and Verification Software. In this case, 'pfbld' is "force block delete", which forces out the forward Slash character (/). I'll have to give that a whirl. Somebody has this machine? I am going from a STL to a G code using MeshCAM but on this programme the rotary axe is X and my CNC is Y so need to change them. Hi Colin, I would like to make a request. I actually work with Fusion 360 and must use one of the free post they provide and edit it by hand over and over, many things are still not working well. Now you've got to get someone inside your company to take over the reins, or you must hire someone new, and they are stuck trying to figure out the process that was used by the old programmer to produce the NC code. There is really no "one size fits all" solution, and will depend on your shop's work-flow, personnel, and capital resources. check out the. The value in this case has been set by us to '1', and the String List is a Zero-Based index. (Technically, that isn't true now, as MP has been enhanced recently, but that would just complicate this overview, so ignore this for now.). Where would you go to learn how to create and edit posts? 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. I've taught many Post Classes in the past, but haven't done one for a while. What I am doing is reverse the X an Y then Reversing the Y- To Y and Y to Y- this portion is done but dont know how or what to do with the I and J. I am starting to learn and need help please. Colin Gilchrist. ", "Y0. This documentation seems to me to be written for advanced users. An Implied Post Block is created typically to allow "multiple actions" to follow the result of a single "Logic Test". The code is exported to the machine, and the manufacturing process begins. This is what tells MP that it is a "post line" and not a new definition. learning MP language, is it based on other programming languages? Why do some lines start with a P and some dont. I have sometimes fixed one problem only to break something somewhere else. The first line (NCI Gcode) tells MP what the data on the next line represents. Because of Modality. derek@eapprentice.net This is a Post Line with multiple "Output Parameters". The thing that identifies the start of the block is that the 'p', 'l', or 'm' character starts in the first column of text in the editor. Awesome write up Colin. Machinery Manual, Brochure / Photo Archives, SolidCAM for SolidWorks and SolidCAM for Inventor, Mechanical Calculations/Engineering Design, Mass finishing equipment/media/strategies, 80/20 TSLOTS / Other Aluminum Framing Systems, General CNC Plasma / Oxy Fuel Cutting Machines, Plasma, EDM / Other similar machine Project Log, General Laser Engraving / Cutting Machine Discussion, Laser CO2 Tubes, Diodes, RF and Power Supplies, Printing, Scanners, Vinyl cutting and Plotters, Commercial Products / Manufacturers Support Forums, Machine Controllers Software and Solutions, General CNC (Mill / Lathe) Control Software (NC), Additive Manufacturing / 3D Printers and 3D Scanners, General 3D Printer / 3D Scanner Discussion, Musical Instrument Design and Construction, Education - Forum for Technicians and Engineers, CNCzone.com-CNC Machines, CadCam ,Classifieds, Metalworking,Woodworking, If this is your first visit, be sure to With a Generic Mastercam Post, there is logic that is setup to read data from the NCI file, and based on that data, it outputs your NC file. You will need to pay for a Post for that machine. Do you have a legal license of Mastercam? They will provide you with a Post Processor Request Form, which you can then fill out with your machine information. If something starts in the first column (a string, numeric, function, postblock), it is the "definition" of that "thing". Each Post Line is made up of Parameters. (The PST values can override the MP default values, since the PST file is read 2nd). Once we evaluate all the Parameters and post block calls, we return to the same point from where the calling began, and process the next Parameter. X8? This is a recipe for disaster, and can be avoided by having a properly configured Post Processor in the first place. Some distributors might charge for it, but now it is electronic instead of printed I am not sure if they still are or not. How did you learn this work? It creates the paths the tools will take. ", "Y0. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); document.getElementById( "ak_js_2" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); #AdditiveManufacturing (AM) and #3Dprinting are overlapping terms but not synonyms. Paste as plain text instead, But at the end of the day, an investment must be made to produce reliable NC 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. The MP Language is simple, but powerful. So 'sgabsinc' could output either "G90" or "G91", at many different places in the post, as it is used on many different Post Lines. Modality is a the heart of how the post functions, and can be used to control the "modal" output of String values as well. So that's kind of a quick overview of Strings and Numeric Variables and related functions. Please correct the marked field(s) below. 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 $7,000, depending on the level of customization required. (ABS/INC is set by mi2$ in the Misc. I've met so many different CNC Programmers over the years. Copy the files to your Shared Data Folder and into the CNC_MACHINES folder. I still have a long way to go to do some of the stuff guys on here talk about. Looked like a good machine to start with. Somebody can help? (X, Y, Z, I, J, K, and so on). I cover all of these details in my Eapprentice classes, but I can provide a brief summary here that will hopefully help you get "big picture" understanding of how the MP Language works. The MP Language is a Scripting Language that is most similar to Standard C. The first thing you should do is make sure you are opening the PST file with the Mastercam Code Expert text editor. If I had some perspective I would get much more out of my reading. I'd say that John Summers and Jeff Hill are ones we should be thanking. The first Tool Change in the File is the NCI Gcode 1001, and calls 'psof$'. This means that every numeric variable holds the current and the previous value of the variable. Hi Eric, your best bet would be to contact Autodesk, for help with a Fusion 360 Post. The end result of a "jump" is a "return". There is a Target Variable, which is a String, that gets its value changed constantly, based on the modality of the Selector Variable. Invest in training one or more of your CNC Programmers to learn Post Development, so that you have the necessary skills "in-house" to make the necessary post edits. The standard indenting inside the Mastercam Generic Posts is 6 spaces before the start of every line. Is the MP language based on something else with more information such as C+ or Java, etc., or even CNC macro B? Hey, I know a guy who is not only a wizard but he teaches other people how to be wizards. All of the "Entry" post blocks are "pre-defined". The function will output a given string from the string list, based on the modality of a numeric variable. I can't tell you the number of shops I've been in where the Post Processor is basically an afterthought. I see now your class will benefit me. I try to read through most of the topics because I never know when I will learn something new. ", e$ pfbld, n$, sg92, *xh$, *yh$, *zh$, e$, Both of these lines are evaluated, from left to right, and the same process happens. If the value is different, it triggers MP to write the variable to the NC output, and it then "updates" the variable. Why or how does this work. When the NCI file is read 2 lines at a time, every single NCI G-code calls some sort of "entry post block". Based on the value of that variable, we are controlling the output of Absolute or Incremental coordinates for Motion as well. The String Select functions are either forced, or are dependent on Modality. There are several companies that develop their own Post Solutions (as opposed to a "native" CAM Post Processor that is specific to a particular CAM Software). Thanks. Mastercam's post processors are not really any specific programming language. Post processors take into account each individual machines kinematics how the tool or workpiece moves along the linear and rotary axes. There are two additional Output Post Lines: pfbld, n$, *sg28ref, "X0. This allows you to "force" the ABS/INC mode inside the Implied post block, so you are guaranteed to get Incremental output, but not effect the ABS/INC mode outside of this block. All pre-defined variables and blocks end with a Dollar Sign ($). I know that probably sounds like "yeah, I already knew that, that doesn't help! This indicates that the values is automatically recognized by MP, and that MP is what creates it. Consider a 3rd-Party Post Solution. There are many CNC Programmers that "hack" the post processor, to get the code they need "right now!". CNC Machines,CAD/CAM,Milling Machines,Lathes,Classifieds, That is 5 hours per week that you would spend on hand editing your code. That's it. When you make a hand-edit to a NC Program, you have broken the direct link between the CAM Program that produced the motion, and the NC code that is producing your part. To be fair, I did work for about 3 years at CNC Software and learned probably 60% or more of what I know now because of that experience. Make sure you have a backup of your post and thoroughly test any changes you make. This means the post developer created them, and they are not pre-defined by MP. The function looks at the value of absinc$, and based on the Modality , it picks a String from the String List, using the value of absinc$ as the index to the String List. More info on that below. I now keep a backup and a note with each change I make in case I have a problem later on. This message will be removed once you have signed in. - Colin Gilchrist. Now I need to treat manually loaded tools differently from magazine-fed tools, and I need to figure out ifs and elses. 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. 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. While $5,000 certainly sounds like a lot of money, that pales in comparison to how much time your CNC Programmer might waste on a yearly basis, making the same hand-edits, over and over again. This is a special pre-defined variable. You should probably add Jim Evans and Roger Peterson to that list as well. When I started I had a very limited knowledge of the "Basic" computer programing language and a little graphing calculator programing experience. Colin since reading your write up several times through I am understanding my reading more and more. Well, maybe I shouldn't use absolutes like that, but let's just say that I've never met anyone that wanted too. This would typically happen at the Tool Change event, which starts every Operation. Update Machines List. Without this site I couldn't have done half of what I have done. An implied Post Block is simply Post Lines, consisting of Parameters, surrounded by Square Brackets [ ]. This is the Sequence Number. Here are two post blocks, each with a single post line: These are the "pbld" (block delete) post blocks and the "pfbld" (force block delete) post blocks. Thank you for taking the time to lay this out. If all conditions are meet then the output will happen if not then it will sort through what other conditions need to be answered or completed to then output the needed code. The output produced by the post processor should be usable without any further modifications. We are setting the value of the variable absinc$ to '1'. Including the ones Colin has starred in. 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. Use your display name or email address to sign in: By CAD creates the design geometry and then CAM takes thedesign intent and produces optimum toolpath strategies to subsequently drive the CNC Machine. It's value is manipulated by the programmer in the Operation inside Mastercam. New posts will be added to the folder, but updated posts will overwrite the old versions. For Mastercam customers on a Maintenance plan, finding the right post processor is as easy as reaching out to their local certified Reseller. I've always used other editors. I created my classes specifically to cover all these things. After the Pre-Read is complete, the PST will read the NCI again in an "output loop" where data is written to the NC file. This process always starts with the "entry" block, which is always triggered by a specific NCI Gcode line. It needs a comment (TOOL_UNCLAMP_NOW) and an M0 directly after a tool change to T100, and then after the cuts and a G28 G91 Z0 G90, it needs an M5 and then the same comment and M0. MP is a "column dependent language". Download the files. October 13, 2016 in Post Processor Development Forum. This course is online, on Tuesday and Thursday nights, from 7:30-9:30 PM, Eastern Time. Done quite a bit of it self taught but know there's much more to learn and am very interested. 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. the MCE editor has "auto-complete" functionality. Call them and ask them if they could send you a copy. Good luck in your search. In Mastercam, click the Machine Type drop-down in the Machine tab, and then choose Manage List. The post can even call another "jump" from there, and go do more processing. This is an error-prone and dangerous process. Post Lines are always indented by at least 1 space. The site is 100% free to join and use, so join today! Custom drill cycles - e.g. This message will be removed once you have signed in. The Post is setup by default to read the NCI data (generic tool path and tool data), and it does this by reading through the NCI file, parsing two lines at a time. Have you contacted your Reseller for help? Mastercam Code Expert has had the "color coding" for pre-defined variables for much longer, but that only really helped with spelling errors. This is controlled (set) inside the Control Definition File. This is known as "calling a post block". 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. My post editing results in a lot of trial and error. It scans through the PST lines and it creates Variable Definitions (locations in memory with an "address" (where is it) and default value (what is stored). Let's assume that you are a CNC Programmer, and you create an average of 20 programs per week. While catching on there seems to be a great deal of the basics I am not understanding. Step 1: I tool a generic programming class in college and learn Adobe's Flash when it was popular but that has been a few years ago, and I have forgot much of that. Postability's Unified Post Kernel represents a step forward in Mastercam post development. Why? So if you change the value of mi3$ in your operation, the post will change the output for that particular String Select Parameter. So MP jumps to the 'pfbld' post block, and evaluates the post lines and Parameters. Understanding how to make the post processor output the proper code for your machine is a critical part of the program creation process. 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 "best" of them have one thing in common; they know something about how to edit the post processor to get proper NC code for their machine. So typically in the case of "post blocks", the next post block name is what ends the preceding block of code. gundrilling, slow entry, Probing (custom or Renishaw Productivity+). 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$' to see if it is "less than, or equal to" the value of the variable "one". You do not need a space between commas, but you should put them in for readability. Most CAD/CAM systems are machine-independent, which means the user is required to pass the intermediate format (Cutter Location, CL Data) through a post processor to produce the correctG-Code for the selected machine. Then we return from that Call, and move to the next Parameter. And that you spend an average of 15 minutes making hand-edits to those programs. This motion data dictates how the post processor should use the original CAM code. If the switch is turned on, you get a N Block. Make Your Life Easier with Mastercam 2023, Six Ways to Streamline Workflow in Mastercam 2023. Thanks again for all the help and training Colin! The lines are variables expressions. Register now to participate in the forums, accessthe download area, buy Mastercam training materials, post processors and more. But some suggestions for addressing the issue are: Above all, don't wait until a machine is down, or there is a problem on the shop floor to consider the issue of Post Processors, and how they are a critical link in your process chain. What happens when the original programmer leaves your company, is out sick, or (God-forbid) gets into a car accident? Post Blocks are made up of Post Lines. These are each evaluated from left to right, one at a time. Post Development is not "easy". Need help to finish my G code processor. In many cases, a quality Post Processor (purchased from a reputable company, that stands behind their work), costs between 1-3% of the purchase price of the machine. Need one or two codes (More if your shop rate, up-time, or days per week are increased). I've been using Mastercam to program CNC Machines since 1997. You do not need to force string variables. ", e$ pfbld, n$, sg92, *xh$, *yh$, *zh$, e$ absinc$ = sav_absinc ], pfbld = force block delete? I plane to take the coursed Eapprentice provides in the near future. I am half way through vol 1 of MP post reference documentation. The 4th Parameter on the line is: *sg28ref. Step 2: If you were trying to do this with a Mastercam Post, I could possibly help. There should really only be a single post for each machine in the shop, and this post should be modified for the way your company produces its parts. This is an ongoing expense, day after day, year after year. I am looking for a source to help me learn the basics of this language. It is a 4 week course, with 8 total sessions. eMastercam - your online source for all things Mastercam. Hi Bradley, please email: Until it stops, we will continue to fight uphill battles. 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. Post Development is not easy. If you run 5 days per week, that is $6,400 per week that could potentially be lost, waiting to get the spindle repaired. Register now to participate in the forums, accessthe download area, buy Mastercam training materials, post processors and more. They do this by being written on the NCI 1011 and 1012 Gcode lines. Mastercam is fed information about the machining operations by the CNC programmers. Numeric Variables output based on modality, and there is a mechanism that exists for tying the strings to the modality of a numeric variable. I'm currently editing - or rather further editing - the stock Meldas postprocessor from Autodesk. It will go back and look up that part of the post and see what needs to be considered. The first Parameter on the line is (pfbld). If not, I will likely just post here with specific questions. Take a high-end 5 Axis Japanese machine, that might cost $500,000 fully equipped. Every single NCI line that contains motion has XYZ values included on the NCI data line. When reading the MP docs I dont completely understand what I am reading. Banging my head against the wall dealing with hand edits and the Cam system not matching the program on the board. So starting the post block "psof$" in the first column identifies it as the beginning of a block of code. The programmer makes an edit, and then posts the NC code for the current job they are running. Rather than entering "G91" on an output line, as a string, we want to control the output to the NC file using the existing mechanism that is made to do this job for us. The 3rd line is: absinc$ = one. 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. Display as a link instead. Because the edit they made worked (in this case), they go on about their day, not realizing that they have broken some of the code that may be needed for a different job later on. This is a Post Block Call, and we "jump" to the 'pfbld' post block. Yes, the Auto-complete was only added a few versions back. CAD/CAM software is a combination of computer-aided design (CAD) software and computer-aided machining (CAM) software. The last Parameter is e$ and this is the end of every line of NC output code line. I can't endorse this guy enough! If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. I think that is probably a very low estimate for the average programmer making hand-edits, but it serves as a good example for now, so let's stick with it. A Post Processor is a software script that is used to convert the generic CAM program into NC code that is formatted with the proper Syntax for your machine. These "postblocks" or "subroutines" exist in one of two places: inside your PST file script itself, or inside MP DLL. This is because the MCE editor has "auto-complete" functionality for all of the pre-defined variables, functions, and strings. But I will be back with more questions soon. This is not only inefficient, it is dangerous. I just wrote an email to my boss complaining about this exact thing 20 minutes before I read this! You've got to know the CAM System itself (how the data is created in the "generic" format), the Post Language that is used by the post processor, and the proper syntax for the NC code that will be run on the machine. It can be very frustrating at first. Based on the NCI G-code, the post will call an "Entry" post block. I want to say that I have come here only after doing much homework, watching every video on the subject. Happy New Year for all of us! It, and all the lines that follow until the end of the block, are typically indented 2 or more spaces to give a structure to the code. In addition to creating the NC Code, you can simulate and verify the code "virtually" inside their software package. In our case, this particular String List has only 2 strings. 3D printing is one step in an o twitter.com/i/web/status/1, 3434 RT 22 West, Suite 130 Branchburg, NJ 08876, Mazak Technology Center700 Old County Circle Windsor Locks, CT 06096, HFO - Allendale Machinery 1545 Ocean AveUnit 12Bohemia, NY 11716, Mount Joy Business Center 955 W Main Street, Suite 12 Mount Joy, PA. If it is possible would like to call you. What are you having trouble with understanding? 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. The thing I think I do well at is translating all of the technical material into something accessible for those wanting to learn the language. By using an "implied post block", surrounded by Square Brackets, we can execute multiple "actions" if the results of that statement are true. Step 3: ), and Implied Post Blocks. The 3rd Parameter is *sgabsinc. While this can be expensive, it can also mean some seriously increased productivity, and reliability. (depending on your Mastercam and MCE version, you may get "auto-complete" as well). There aren't many sources for MP Post courses these days. ", but it is important to state because it is at the heart of how MP.DLL processes the data. Besides the potential downtime from a crash, making hand-edits takes valuable time away from your Programmer, and increases their stress level. This is controlled by the user in the Miscellaneous Integers. I happen to know a guy (me), who is Post Processor Wizard, and could get your Post setup for 100% Post-and-Run NC Code, with zero hand-edits Every NCI Gcode has one and only one "entry" point into the instruction list. You get output of the forced (*) variables always. 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. They only discover their issue down the road, when a new job comes in that differs in the code needed, and they end up hacking away at their post, to get this new job done. This is a call to a String Select Function. Post processing is an important yet often overlooked step in the CAD/CAM/CNC process. The other thing you might notice about these blocks is that they are "User Defined". The thing that "identifies" a Post Block is the name of that post block, which typically starts with "p" and only "p". Colin know his stuff when it comes to posts. 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 $20-60K for a replacement. Core post functions are maintained separately to the customized sections of each post processor. Now here is my meaning: the company I bought the machine from DO NOT provide the post. Thanks, There are Two Processing Loops that run on the NCI data. I just got a OMIOCNC router model X8-2200EPL. Meaning '0' calls the first item in the list, '1' calls the 2nd, '2' the third, and so forth. Be sure to confirm your Shared Data Folder in Mastercam. That means if you type in the name of a pre-defined variable, and you spell it correctly, it will turn Blue automatically (in the case of a numeric variable), Purple in the case of a String, and Red in the case of a pre-defined Post Block. Technically the comment isn't necessary, but I think it helps. Step 1: Step 3: Strangely, it couldn't rigid tap out of the box, and since I live in 2019 and not 1750 and I use the metric system, G95 (feed per revolution) made the most sense to me. When purchasing a new machine, make the Machine Tool Builder responsible for providing the post. Without a e$, the line does not break in the NC code file. This isn't a one year cost either. ", e$ pfbld, n$, *sg28ref, "X0. There is a PDF reference guide available from your local Mastercam dealer. Ints.). Tips For Manufacturing Training CD's, DVD's for Mastercam, SolidWorks, Inventor, G-Code Training & More. Normally, String Variables are always output when they are encountered on an output line. But I never knew the MCE editor has auto-complete fuction for the posts. This is essentially "by definition", since MP needs an Entry Post Block to start any kind of NC output processing. Based on an average of 50 weeks per year (can't forget vacation), that would equate to 250 hours per year of time spent hand editing the NC code.
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