[CAMFUN]

Hi man! I see that you have deep doubs about CAM systems. So I´ll dispense some info for you:

1. does mastercam or procam come with postprocessors already in there programs?
R: Yes, Mastercam come with posts for Bridgeport Machines, althought I don´t know if is compatible with you control version.

2. Is the post the same for a 2d program and a 3d program or do you need two seperate posts?
R: It´s fudge. The same post may handles with 2d or 3/4/5 axis toolpaths.Including cycles.

3. Can a post for one machine be modified to work on other types of machines?
R: Yes, you can.Mastercam uses a own powerful language to construct yours posts.This language is called MP, and almost all is possible into this environment .In my humble opinion, is a more flexible and powerful language for postprocessor development among all CAD/CAM systems in the market.I said all !!!

4. I have seen a few forum articles that have had there posts designed by a company that writes post, Does anyone know the cost of having this done?
R: Yes, some companies wrote posts under your specifications.The cost vary conform your needs.

5. Can anyone lead me to a good explenation of what posts do and how they work such as these forum articles or some website?
R: Post processsors are the basis of a efficient programming process.I endanger say that is 50% for the CAM system.If you have a execellent CAM system to programming your parts and a poorly post processor, you machine won´t reach you potential, yours parts won´t a good finish, your tools will brake, etc.Basically, the post processor converts a toolpath data, usually in a neutral data, that CNC machines don´t understand, in a code that can be interpreted by machine.A good CAD/CAm system is that have a good strategies and features, plus a good postprocessor. The post is so important as CAM system. In my opinion, Mastercam have all this features in one. Excellent toolpaths and excellent postprocessors.

6. Is there differnt posts for every different cam program or can u use the same post for numerous cam programs.
R: No, you can´t. Each CAM system have your proprietary language to develop your posts. Powermill post only works in Powermill systems, for example. What exists is a neutral Postprocessors that generate NC files as of CLData, APT, that are neutral laguages to describe NC code.But nowadays, almost all CAM systems are able to create NC code in the same environment.

Sorry my bad English. I´m braziliam. I lovely Mastercam and NC programming, and I hope that help you with this words. If you have more doubts, just put here. If you need some changes in your posts, I can help you.Don´t worry about costs.It´s free. I do because I like.