Originally Posted by asuratman  Hi,
What is post processor on mastercam? Do we need post processor for ea machine. One of my friend plan to install mastercam. Thanks. Aristo. |
A post processor is what outputs the G-code for your machine. Yes you will need a post for each DIFFERENT machine. Format on a Hardinge is different than the format for a Daewoo, is different than for a Haas. You get the idea. It isn't too hard to take a good post for, say a Hardinge, and modify it to run a Daewoo. However, getting that 1st good post can be a pain if you are trying to change how it outputs tooling lists and the rest of the header. Items that need to be changed are scattered through the post processor.
You could use the generic MPLFAN.pst (lathe) or MPFAN.pst (mill) to create your program, and then modify it to run on your machine. It isn't something I would want to do for very long.
Posts for machines from the same company may have to be slightly modified. Example: Hardinge makes a lathe (Conquest) with a tailstock that is moved with M-codes. The Conquest can also be purchased with a programmable subspindle. It is considered a Y-axis, and is moved by Y-codes. You can also get the Conquest with C-axis capability. Again requiring another modified post processor. Or a Conquest with live tooling but not C-axis capable. Spindle is orientated using an M19S-value. Again requiring a modified post.
HTH