Posting NC Code
Introduction
This topic will explain how to post NC programs, how to save, and edit code, and provide links to related topics.
How to Post NC Programs
To post the code for any toolpath that has been computed:
- In the CAM
Tree, right-click the job name (for example,
Milling
Job), and click Post
or click Post & Save As.
The posted NC code is displayed in the Posting Manager.
Important: When using toolpath patterns, the Operation Tree allows you to determine whether the instances are visible in the tree. When these instances are set to be hidden we add an additional option so you can specify if the hidden instances should be posted. In cases where those toolpath pattern instances are not visible, but are set to be posted, attempting to post code will show a message:
There are toolpath pattern instances that have been manually set to not post, but are not currently visible. It is recommended to turn the toolpath pattern instance visibility back on and enable all instances to post. Would you like to stop posting and view these instances?
• Yes - Code is not posted, and the instances are set back to a visible state in the Operation Tree.
• No - Code is posted in its current state and the toolpath pattern instances remain hidden.
• Cancel - Cancels posting with no actions taken.
Tip: After code is posted in the Posting Manager, you can click inside the Posting Manger to give it focus, and then use Ctrl+F to use the Find dialog. This allows you to search for particular codes/terms without the need to open the posted code in an editor.
Note: By setting the NC File Extension value, in the Posting page of the Current Settings dialog, to APT, you can output the cutter location data rather than an NC file.
The Posting Manager Shortcut Menu - How to Save and Edit Code
After posting a program, right-click anywhere in the Posting tab to display a shortcut menu with the following items. Use these options to save or edit the code that displays in the Posting Manager.
- Save As - opens the Save As dialog box for you to select a location, name, and save the code as an .nc file.
Note: The numerical control (.nc) file is a text file that can be edited with any text editor. When you post a program, the file is automatically saved to the default location for .nc files: C:\BobCAD-CAM Data\*(Current Version)*\NC\...
- NC Editor - opens the NC Editor with the posted code. Editing, back-plotting, and other actions can be performed with the editor.
- Mach 3 - if you have purchased Mach 3, you can open the code in the Mach 3 software.
Related Topics
Getting to Know the User Interface
