MasterCam X4/X5 Post Processor for the Fanuc 21-T.

[CNCALLthethings]

So my group and I have been trying to get this Hardinge Cobra 42 with a GE Fanuc 21-T Controller up and running.

None of us are very familiar with hand programming with G-Codes and we are trying to get the ability to use MasterCam with it to increase productivity. The only issue I am having is finding the Post Processor code that we need to communicate between MasterCam and the controller.

Does anyone have a current post code for this controller or know where I could find one?

That would be greatly appreciated.

[txcncman]

Did you check the MasterCAM web site? More likely than not, the Generic Lathe post will probably work.

[CNCALLthethings]

Yeah, I checked it but the page I find says contact your reseller and I can't find any other part of their website that has downloadable post code.

[Superman]

None of us are very familiar with hand programming with G-Codes and we are trying to get the ability to use MasterCam with it to increase productivity. The only issue I am having is finding the Post Processor code that we need to communicate between MasterCam and the controller.

A post is unable to "communicate" with the control
-posts are the convertors of the toolpaths on the graphics screen (NCI) into the particular NC code that is required BY your control or machine.

Seperate software is required for communication to get the NC file from the PC into the control, your Mcam install has 2 possible methods ( Mastercam & Cimco ).
These methods are also linked with the editors, so you can post the file to be opened in the editor, do your quick once over, select a machine & then SEND to the control.

NOTE-a knowledge of RS232 cabling ( wiring ) and also settings for file transfers would need to be researched---( these topics are well covered on the ZONE )

Does anyone have a current post code for this controller or know where I could find one?

You should have a generic post with the install disks , look for MplFan.pst for starters, you have got plenty to choose from.
--in the C:\McamX\Lathe\Post directory <---( for X4)
--in the Shared McamX5\Lathe\Post directory <---( for X5--goto My Documents )

Check eMastercam downloads, HERE ( the Mplmaster.pst )

- all posts require a little tweeking to suit individual likings, use the one that ticks most boxes, you may need to rehash the way the comments are output, but you should ignore that section in your selection process.

[fordav11]

any of the built-in single turret lathe PP's will be fine for a 21. there's usually not much difference between all of them and if you think you need a post then you probably don't really care how the code gets written as long as it works. The built-in machines work well for most cases.
On the menu, select MACHINE TYPE / LATHE / MANAGE LIST
Select the machine closest to your machine and click ADD. then click the green arrow (OK)
Go back to the top menu MACHINE / LATHE and you will see the machine list. Click the one you want and it will add the machine group to the operations manager.
The main difference between controls is in the way the cycles are used (like G71/G76 etc) but since the post processor writes the code long hand (no cycles or special G-codes) the DEFAULT is usually ok for most common single turret lathes so you already have your 21-series post
If you need anything special added just do it manually at the end of the processing. It depends on how often you need to use MCX. You can edit the post processor to suit your needs if required. I don't use MCX much because I do most of my programming at the machine so I usually just manually adjust the code after it gets generated and add any special G-codes or whatever. The profile of the part that is auto-generated (the G0/G1/G2/G3 and X, Z etc) is pretty much stock-standard and will work with any Fanuc control regardless of which post processor you use.

[txcncman]

Like ford says, I do 95% of my lathe programming "by hand", either at the machine or with a text editor. Like Superman and I both said, the generic machine and post will probably work for your purposes.

Did you try to post with the generic? Did it put out usable code for your machine?

[hutch07]

If you export the file as plain text in ISO format, you could write it out to a PCMCIA card and read it into your controller. Are you doing very complex shapes with a huge file size?