Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] preprocessor postprocessor

Peter,

I think that you understand it.

A post-processor is a special program that is used after you have created
your cad/cam program. I use AlphaCam and my final step is to post my output.
During this step, I must select the machine (controller) that I want to run
my program (G code) on. Each different controller can have special
requirements. Some have tool changers and other special requirements. The G
code in most cases will look the same. One exception is for some machines
like the Multicam, for the Z axis they use a -Z value when the Z axis goes
up.

Programs like AlphaCam are fairly easy to customize their post processor.
Some companies make it difficult.

Bob Campbell

----- Original Message -----
From: "cadcamcenter" <cadcamcenter@...>
To: <CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, August 29, 2002 12:17 AM
Subject: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] preprocessor postprocessor


> Hi,
>
> One often hear about post-processors for CAM programs, and to this
> programming dummy, it is something that ensure the NC program
> generated will be understood by the Machine (is this the same as the
> controller?).
>
> Just learned that there is such a thing as preprocessor, which I
> dimly understand to be something that make sure that the source code
> will be understood by whatever compiler to be used to compile them
> into an executable program.
>
> Is my understanding way off the mark? Is there any thing that anyone
> can add to the above that can add to our understanding of what
> exactly is a post-processor? Like perhaps throwing some light on how
> a pre-processor and post-processor work, and if one can dish up a
> post-processor (other than for the infamous MasterCAM) even without
> knowledge of the source codes?
>
> Thanks
>
> Peter
>
>
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