Need help with postprocessor setup

[Neil_J]

Has anyone had any experience generating a Surfcam postprocessor file for a CNC mill? I currently have SurfCAM 2003 and am trying to set up a postprocessor for a Sherline 2000 CNC running Mach3Mill.

I've been playing around with the SPOST option file generator, but I'm not even sure what it does exactly.


Thanks,

Neil

[chmillman]

I would try working with the MPost. It's easier to configure, you should be able to find a stock post you can modify. The manual has pretty much all the info you need. All the files are in plain text, so you can edit them in a simple text editor. You should have on hand the specs for your machine w/regards for what it wants for input. --ch

[Yossi]

Yes, Mpost is easier.
Find a file name POSTFORM.M .
Back it up before you make any changes.
This is where you can make changes.
If you write a specific question we can help you.
There is a lot of information in the end of the surfcam help file.

[Neil_J]

Thanks, I'm off to play with Mpost.

[Stevie]

Hey Neil

Any luck with a post for Mach3?

I've been playing with the Mpost too
Let me know where you got to

Steve

[Stevie]

Well I have the start code right and the end code
But getting a G00 or G01 in all the lines seems to be tougher to do
I don't need to change the G02 or G03 they seem right (I'm playing with the Fanuc 10 post)

Any ideas?

Steve

[chmillman]

In the line that starts with "ModalGs", you will see some numbers. If you want G0 and G1 to be output on every line, remove the 0 and 1 from that line. "Modal" means active until canceled or changed, and therefore the output is only given at that point. If something is not modal, it will be output on every line where it is called for. --ch

[Stevie]

thanks bud

I'll try that

[Stevie]

that got it
Not sure if thats what Mach3 needs yet; but I know turbocnc needs it
I run both

[Stevie]

actually I think Mach uses just g1 and g0
So changing that should be just 1 numeral instead of 2
I know that one
I'll make 2 posts
1 for Mach3 1 for turbocnc

[Stevie]

Turbocnc post is just about done; but then it's really quite simple
Mach 3 is getting there; need to play with it a bit more; but I have most of it done already
Way simpler than Mastercam to change posts

[Neil_J]

Hey Neil

Any luck with a post for Mach3?

I've been playing with the Mpost too
Let me know where you got to

Steve

I did get it working with Mach3, I'll attach it here tomorrow.