Hi,

Just joined the list. Will like to ask my first question on configuring a post processor. Below is responses we need to input to create a postprocessor in Deskam. How does one use this dialogue box?

Hope someone can input an example of a working post processor to illustrate creation of a post processor.

GENERAL-
Name[ ]
File Extension[ ]
Comments:
Begin Comment Character[ ]
End Comment Character[ ]
[ ] Include Comments
Maximum Block Line Number [ ]

TOKENS
Token
()Xt(X Axis) ()Jt(Center Y) ()St(Speed)
()Xt(X Axis) ()Rt(Radius).. ()Tt(Tool)
()Xt(X Axis) ()Nt(ln Num).. ()Ct(Clearance)
()Xt(X Axis) ()Ft(Feed).... ()Misc1t

Token Defination
Variables
()None
()Sx ()Sa ()Cv Address
()Sy ()Ea ()Nv Label [ ]
()Sz ()Rad ()Fr Format
()Ex ()Cx ()Ss Decimal Places[ ]
()Ey ()Cy ()Tn [ ] Use'+'
()Ez ()li

MOVEMENT SCRIPT
Script
()Linear ()Arc CCW
()Rapid ()Drill
()Arc

Script Options
Command [ ]
()single Move
()Continuous

Tokens
()Xt(X Axis) ()Jt(Center Y) ()St(Speed)
()Xt(X Axis) ()Rt(Radius).. ()Tt(Tool)
()Xt(X Axis) ()Nt(ln Num).. ()Ct(Clearance)
()Xt(X Axis) ()Ft(Feed).... ()Misc1t

HEADER/FOOTER
Header
[ ]
Footer
[ ]


Best regards

Peter

Commands are broken down into 'Tokens'. A Token consists of an Address Label and a Value. The Token 'X2.5' begins with the Address of 'X' (in this case representing the X axis) and its value of 2.5. Tokens can begin with a space to make the output file more readable. All Tokens must be created before they can be used. To create a Token, select the Token you wish to create from the Tokens group and a variable.

Available Tokens are:
Xt for the X Position
Yt for the Y Position
Zt for the Z Position
It for the Arc Center X Position
Jt for the Arc Center Y Position
Rt for the Radius
Nt for the Line Number
Ft for the Feedrate
St for the Spindle Speed
Tt for Tool Change
Ct for tool clearance
Misct for any miscellaneous commands

Available variables are:
None

Sx for the Start Point X of a toolpath
Sy for the Start Point Y of a toolpath
Sz for the Start Point Z of a toolpath
Ex for the End Point X of a toolpath
Ey for the End Point Y of a toolpath
Ez for the End Point Z of a toolpath
Sa for the Start Angle of an Arc
Ea for the End Angle of an Arc
Rad for the Radius of an Arc
Cx for the Center X of an Arc
Cy for the Center Y of an Arc
Ix for the Incremental Center X of an Arc

Jx for the Incremental Center Y of an Arc
Cv for the Clearance Value
Nv for the Line Number Value
St for the Spindle Speed
Tn for the Tool Number

Enter the number of decimal places for this Token and whether it needs a '+' to denote positive numbers and press the Create button. An example of the newly created Token will be displayed at the bottom.

Movement Script
This is the script that defines how a command line will be formatted in the output file. It consists of adding a Command along with the previously defined Tokens. The typical G-Code line N100 G01 X2.5 Y3.6 Z 4.7 consists of a 'Line Number Token', Command 'G01', 'X Position Token', 'Y Position Token', and 'Z Position Token'. Movement Scripts can be either a single command line or a block of continuos commands as set by the 'Single Move' or 'Continuous' selection. A Modal Token will only be written to the output file if it is different from its previous value.

Movement Script Example:
Select 'Linear'.
Select 'Single Move'.
Enter 'G01' in the Command box.
Select the 'Nt' Token and press the Add button.
Press the Add Command button
Select the 'Xt' Token and press the Add button.
Select the 'Yt' Token and press the Add button.
Select the 'Zt' Token and press the Add button.
Select 'Ft' and press the Add Modal button.

As each button is pressed, an example of the formatted line is displayed at the bottom. The feedrate Token (Ft) is displayed in brackets to show that it will only be written if it differs from a previous value.

Header / Footer
Here you can add any miscellaneous start up or end commands that will be written to the output file. you can also add your own comments.

Save
Saves the Post Processor definition to a file so it can be used when saving toolpaths.

Delete
Deletes the Post Processor selected under 'Name'. You will be prompted for confirm.

Edit

Paul wrote: "All Tokens must be created before they can be used. To create a Token, select the Token you wish to create from the Tokens group and a variable."

I think I got this: For every token we want, we need to select, then click [create]. Nothing seem to change? but something has gone into the memory? A message "created" or something would have been nice.

Regarding tokens M..:

M1t
M2t...m5t

I think this refers to M02 Program end, M03 start spindle clockwise, etc?

If it is, where is M06, etc? The choice only extend to M5t.

Managed to create a post processor TRIAL, but when I try to generate an NC program with it got a funny movement such as:

N10 G00 X0.0000 Y0.0000 Z5.0000
N20 X-2.1233 Y-4.2109 X-2.1233 Y-4.2109

With multiple movements on the same block. What could be the possible cause.

Many thanks Paul

Peter

Hi Peter,

The tokens 'M' are Miscellaneous and not specific M Codes. For M03, enter ' M03' for the label and 0 fror decimal places. Save as any Misc Token. M02 is best put in the Footer after any other safety blocks are added.

For each type of movement (Linear etc.) there are two scripts that need to be defined. The first (single move) is for the first non-modal occurance of that GCode. The second is for each successive identical GCode...

G01 X2Y3Z4 (first occurance)
G01 X5Y6Z7 (second)
G0 X0Y0Z0 (first)
G1 X2Y3Z4 (first, Non G1 before it)
G1 X5Y6Z7 (second)
G1 X1Y2Z3 (third, uses second script)

It is easiest for beginners to create the same identical movement script for 'Continuous' moves as was created for the 'Single Move' and not use any Modal commands. Later, after you get the hang of it, you can make the Tokens Modal if you like.

Hi Carken,

I am afraid I don't understand.

I have tried various ways to create a working post processor, but having only partial success. Managed to creat one post processor which succeeded in converting the advanced.dxf file in the tutorial, but there were still lines where movements were repeated in the same block.

eg G00 x2 y3 x2 y3

Wonder if you could walk us through the creation of a simple post processor which uses the R parameter for the G02 and G03 command.

Thanks

Peter