What are the Post Processors?

Post processors are the main interpreters between the CAM software and the CNC Machines, they a some kind of software of a simple file written in any programming language (JavaScript,C++). which is fully defined according to the machine to translate Toolpath into machine G-Codes file or NC file.

Types of Post-Processors

There are many post processors in the market independent and within CAM Software, these two types are mainly used in the manufacturing industry.

• IMS

• UPG

• ICAM

• CAMPost

• Autodesk

• PowerMill

• Solid CAM

  Types of errors

  There are main two types of errors in the post. Post-processor definition file errors and CL data or Apt file errors. 

• Undesired g-codes errors 

• Run time exception errors

• CAM software-specific errors

  Apt and CL data errors

  When using an external post-software application we have to generate generic data from the CAM software. which is in the form of CL file and an Apt Source file. for example, CATIA V5, SolidWorks CAM, MasterCAM, and PTC Creo, etc. when we generate Apt or CL files to further the post process we should have a post-processor. Typically we get the atp or CL file errors which cannot be resolved by the post processors themselves, we have to define a post-processor word table specific to our CNC Machine to solve this issue.

  if you got an error like this and you want to solve this please correct the pptable file or you can write us! cncbyte1@gmail.com.

  Inbuild Post Processors

  Some CAM software has the capability to generate g-code files directly from the software. Just I am going to discuss one of them PowerMill. in order to generate g-code files from the CAM software it is necessary to have post processor file. we have the facility to edit or change the post-processor according to our cnc machine. the developer gave the post editor option with in or a separate application software to edit the post.