Re: What is a post processor? Q from newbie

--- In CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO@yahoogroups.com, "oakberk" <oakberk@f...>
wrote:

> I am new to cnc and am currently assembling a gantry router. I have
> seen some posts looking for a post processor for turbocnc or

master5.

> If everything is done with step and direction outputs what is a

post

> processor intended for?

An NC program for controlling CNC machines consists of G-codes
(mainly for motion) and M-codes (auxiliary functions like spindle,
coolant). Gcode translator translate the codes to output steps and
direction signals to the motor driver to control its motion

Unfortunately, just as there are Bill Gate's English and Queen's
English, there are different dialect of G-codes, for example, some
treat the I and J in a G02/G03 as absolute coordinate, other treat it
as relative coordinate. So a post processor is like a translator who
translate the messages to suit the recipient.

Hope that helps.