Learning to write/modify posts

[John T.]

So whats the best way to learn how to write/modify posts? I have the MC9 post docs on CD, but there are hundreds of pages combined.

 

We have posts for our fadals, bridgeport, makino, and 5 axis DMG. What we don't have is a decent post for a milltronics lathe. Some of the other posts could probably use tweaking IMHO.

 

John

[Guest]

Dive in.

 

Start reading, asking questions, searching the forum, tweaking and testing. You will find that you will read much, maybe not all of the post documentation and then some. If you are into X you should also get a hold of the Post Parameter Ref pdf.

 

Always back up a good post before making changes, this way if you blow something up, you can at least go back to what you started with.

 

[Guest CNC Apps Guy 1]

Back when I first started tewwking posts I started with the simple stuff. Line numbers only at tool changes, line numbers matching tool numbers, staging tools, putting the first tool in the spindle at the end of the program, etc...

 

Start simple and work from there. Create a sample file with a Facing op with a tool, a contour op with another tool, a spot drilling op, a drilling op and a tapping op. Nothing really fancy. Post it out. Edit your posted code to suit, then begin modifying one ting at a time. Get hold of the Post Processor CD available through your reseller and start reading. This place is a tremendous resource. There's some really talented post guys in here and they are more than happy to share knowledge. Just don't ask for a post and things will go well for you.

 

James's rules for working on posts

 

1) Create a backup before you start

2) Use PFE32 editor

3) Make one change at a time (so that if you mess up you'll return where you left off)

4) Create a backup

5) and Finally Create a Backup!!

 

Did I mention create a backup?

 

HTH

[Watcher]

LOL

[Storkman]

quote:

---

2) Use PFE32 editor

---

B4 X I would agree James. But now I prefer the X editor for tweaking posts.

 

Stork teh color happy bird.

[Guest]

When I am working with a post, I set my X editor to the MC Editor and I use Cimco to have my post open and work in.

[smokey_44]

Hey James think he should create a backup ?

 

 

LOL

 

 

Dave

[Gene Welti. CNC Software Inc.]

Hello John,

 

There are post classes available at CNC Software see link below or go to the website.

http://www.mastercam.com/Support/Training/Default.aspx

[Chao]

Some cases, you can copy blocks from the post which is working well for the function you need and paste to the post you are working on.

[dwsz71]

Regarding Gene's link above:

 

There is a PDF that explains how the Machine Definition, Control Definition and POST all interact. It's the most indepth literature I've seen so far, though I may have missed it in other documentation supplied with MR1/SP2.

 

link to Working_with_MD_CD.pdf

[Nathan G. Baldwin]

Some basic Idea of computer programming helps, as well. Knowing how if/then statements and understanding how to initialize variables, what the heck a string is, and how flags work are really helpful.

 

In my own experience, I suggest that when making any change first check the numbered questions and the variable initialization to see if what you want is already available as a switch, wherein you only have to make one small change of one number/value. You can also check in your post and read through what the misc. values do so that you may properly set those in mcam.

 

Oh, and BTW. Backups are for sissies

(who like pulling out their hair)

 

HTH,

[Chao]

Programming processes and machine configurations may get involved to modification for the post.