Need GibbsCam Tips for Optimizing for Drip-Feeding Older Controllers

[Deltic_Engine]

OK you Drip-Feeders, I know your out there....
Here's the typical configuration for an older VMC:

CAM: GibbsCam 2004+
Controller: Fanuc 6Mb with a 256K BMU
PostProcessor: Post Haste

In my limited experience the Fanuc 6M can only process about
10 lines/second semi-smoothly when you have line numbers
and such in the code.

However even with the line numbers removed its' not much
of an improvement speed-wise when drip-feeding 3D geometry.

I have had to use Poste-Haste as the Post Proceessor.
unfortunatelty it has a couple of annoying traits:

I can't figure out how to get rid of line numbers,
Periods (such as after a P command) and G54 when
Post Haste outputs a file.

My controller does not recognize periods or G54, so I have
had to edit each NC file after posting to delete these.

Aside from that there is also the GREAT DESIRE to convert
all 2D moves to ARCS instead of line segments.

I have found one place in 'Contour' mode that can do that
for some geometry, but there are often places where I simply
have to use 'Surface' mode to get the finish I want.

Is there any way to convert more of the line segments to arcs
in 'Surface' mode machining?

[double a-ron]

No, if a tool path or geometry moves between two coordinate systems, i.e. moving all three axis at once, then the output will be g01 X.xxxx Y.xxxx Z.xxxx. The exceptions to the rule are helix, and tapered thread.

[jeffliu2]

OK you Drip-Feeders, I know your out there....
Here's the typical configuration for an older VMC:

CAM: GibbsCam 2004+
Controller: Fanuc 6Mb with a 256K BMU
PostProcessor: Post Haste

In my limited experience the Fanuc 6M can only process about
10 lines/second semi-smoothly when you have line numbers
and such in the code.

However even with the line numbers removed its' not much
of an improvement speed-wise when drip-feeding 3D geometry.

I have had to use Poste-Haste as the Post Proceessor.
unfortunatelty it has a couple of annoying traits:

I can't figure out how to get rid of line numbers,
Periods (such as after a P command) and G54 when
Post Haste outputs a file.

My controller does not recognize periods or G54, so I have
had to edit each NC file after posting to delete these.

Aside from that there is also the GREAT DESIRE to convert
all 2D moves to ARCS instead of line segments.

I have found one place in 'Contour' mode that can do that
for some geometry, but there are often places where I simply
have to use 'Surface' mode to get the finish I want.

Is there any way to convert more of the line segments to arcs
in 'Surface' mode machining?

http://jeffcnc.spaces.live.com/