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

Jerry,

In the terms of a post think of machine specific as meaning controller
specific. Mach1 and EMC understand a much broader range of Gcode than
does say DeskCNC DOS. Unless you use the least common denominator
approach you can not use the same G-code for both. The post processor
will control the syntax and such used.

Tim
[Denver, CO]
Sherline products at Deep Discount
Mach1 & DeskCNC with credit card ordering
www.KTMarketing.com/Sherline
Now selling Visual Mill

> -----Original Message-----
> > 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
>
> Addresses:
> FAQ: http://www.ktmarketing.com/faq.html