Post Processors
Introduction
The Post Processor controls the output of your NC programs (G-code),
based on the type of machine that will run the program. The layout and
format of each post processor is defined in a text file that is stored
in the BobCAD-CAM Data folder. The information that is stored in the post
processor is used to translate the job information and output it to an
.nc file (other extensions are
also supported and can be changed in the Current Settings dialog box).
Post processor files must use a .BCPst.
How to Set the Post Processor
It is important that you first define all of the machines that you use and assign a post processor for each machine using the Current Settings Default dialog box. When you create a new CAM Job, the post processor is automatically set using the machine that you select. The machine and the post processor can be modified for the current job using the Current Setting Job dialog box. To learn how to define your machine and post processor, view the Machine Configuration topic.
After defining the machine and post processor in Current Settings, you can use the Post Processor in the CAM Tree to quick-change the post processor for the job. This method should only be used if you have more than one post processor that you use for a single machine. Otherwise, you should select the desired machine to automatically update the post processor for the current job.
Editing Post Processors
To edit a Post Processor:
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The Post Processor file is a text file that can be edited with any text editor program.
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Mill - the location for mill post processors is: C:\BobCAD-CAM Data\*(Current Version)*\Posts\Mill
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Lathe - the location for Lathe post processors is: C:\BobCAD-CAM Data\*(Current Version)*\Posts\Lathe
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Mill Turn - the location for mill turn post processors is: C:\BobCAD-CAM Data\*(Current Version)*\Posts\MillTurn
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Wire EDM - the location for the Wire EDM post processors is: C:\BobCAD-CAM Data\*(Current Version)*\Posts\Wire EDM
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The Post Variables, API functions, and the Advanced Posting documentation found in this help system are also included in C:\BobCAD-CAM Data\*(Current Version)*\Posts\Documentation.
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For advanced users, there is a full VBScript-based scripting API for use in post processors. It is recommended for use only when absolutely necessary, when there is not already a built-in function or variable to perform an action or output a value that is needed. To learn about scripting, view Post Scripting.
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There are a few Advanced Posting pages that can be added to some of the feature dialog boxes. For more information, view Advanced Posting with Custom Files.
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To learn about formatting the output of a post variable, view Formatting Variable Output.
Related Topics
Post Variable and API Reference
