post processor

[mallardfizz]

Hello
can anybody help me with a post processor for Delcam software on a Cincinnati machine with A2100 control.
thankyou
mallardfizz

[mike_Kilroy]

Dick,

You looking for the software? Or have a question about it?

This is a CAD to G code converter program right?

[scudzuki]

Mike,
A post processor is an interpreter that is machine/control specific and is added to CAM software.

When one creates the operation and toolpaths within a CAM program, it is then post processed ("posted") to create the actual CNC code. So next month when the user needs to run another part(s) but the CNC used originally is tied up, the toolpath sequences can be posted using a different post processor ("post") to produce code for a different machine.

I have an Arrow 500 with Control Techniques FNC control, of which relatively few units were sold. I have had to create posts for both CAM packages I've used with it. Had it come equipped with an A2100 I could have used posts provided with those packages.

Joe

[mallardfizz]

thankyou for your reply. can i point out that the CT Arrow was built in large numbers. we were building about a thousand a year at its peak and there are lots of them around. i have one myself for testing control\machine parts on which i supply to end users on a service exchange basis.
regards
mallardfizz

[scudzuki]

Large numbers compared to the number of Fanuc and A2100s?

I'll wager most with CNC experience have never seen one.

EdgeCAM and VisualMill did not come with CT posts, but dozens of posts for other controls that I've never heard of.

My impression of the CT control (not that I'm any expert) is that it was a full featured control for its time, with similar processing power (block processing speed) to its peers. It's an easy to navigate control, and it's a shame it was not used for more applications.

CT recently repaired my spindle drive (thank goodness they're still servicing them) and although it was not cheap (nearly $2k flat rate) they were extremely thorough. They replaced the entire case, covers, and display, fixed the electronic gremlins, updated the software, and calibrated the unit. Looked like a brand new drive when I got it back and most importantly it worked.

Joe