Re: Post Processor

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@y..., "Jason Cox" <sinergy@o...> wrote:

> Hello,
>
> I was just wondering what exactly is a post processor?
>
> Thanks in advance!
>
> Jason Cox.

A post processor is the part of a CAD/CAM program that makes sure the
command generated by the program are understood by the machine in
question.
Not all machines use the same type of code and even the ones that do
use the same type possibly don't use the same exact layout.
This is where the post processor come in. Normally they are user
configuarble so you can get them to output the exact code needed.

Some programs, like Bobcad and their sucessors, although they refer
to these as Post Processor files they are actually just configuration
files. Where these differ is as you select each part of the program
like pocket they will look at the config file and output that piece
of code using the stored variables. This is called writing code on
the fly.
A true Post Processor will wait until all the operations have been
completed and then using the variables stored in the post, will write
the whole program at one go.
The main difference here is that if you need to edit the later type
with a true post processor you can and it will rewrite the new code.
With the previous 'write on the fly' type you hve to go back, delete
that piece of code, redo the geometry and rewrite the code, hopeing
it still all fits together.
All the high end programs use true post processors, only the lower
end of the market uses config files.

John S.