Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: what is POSTPROCESSOR? a fundamental question

"doug98105 " wrote:

> In some cases a post processor can be more than a translator from
> the CAM program's internal data format to a language that is machine
> specific.

What are the characteristics of a machine that makes it different
from any other machine? That is if you have one brand of 5-axis
machine and another brand of 5-axis machine and both use stepper
motors and stepper drivers, where are the differences that
constitute machine specificity with regard to a post processor?

I've been trying for at least 2 years to figure out what a post
processor does and have had no joy. Fred Smith has come the
closest, but the explanation is still too generic and ambiguous.

> In case you haven't given it much thought, surfacing with a ball
> nose cutter can be inefficient.

Inefficient? I'd call it rediculous to suggest doing it,
although I see your point in choosing this as an example.

So far, no one on this list has explained what a post processor
actually does; I've asked at least two times in the past 2 years
about post processors.

So let me ask a specific question starting from the machine end.
If you have a Sherline and a Taig mill and each are driven with
size 23 stepper motors of the same brand and lot number, then how
is a post processor for each different? Probably not different.
So lets say that both machines have steppers driven via Gecko
drives. Does that change anything? Probably not. So, say the
Sherline has Gecko drives and the Taig has Xylotec drives. Does
that change anything? What I am after is the point at which the
machines become different and why?

Sorry, Doug, to use your post as a vehicle for these questions.
But it was handy :-)

JerryK