If you are in debugging mode in GENER, it is useful to arrange various windows like Input, Output, Macro, Console, Variable, Source, etc. as shown below. This helps you to keep an eye on different components of post-processing at the same time to try and debug any errors. On the other hand, if you would [...]
Each time you run Gener, besides the output NC program being generated, a post-processor verification listing file is also produced. This file can be used for debugging purposes, especially when diagnostics are elicited during the process. In the "Display Format" section of the Questionnaire, you can select the items you would like to be printed [...]
If you are using multiple CAM systems, CAM-POST can generally automatically determine the appropriate CAM interface kit based on the file extension and contents of the CLDATA file (e.g., aptsource, cls, nci…). Using the "Automatic" interface simplifies running CAM-POST, since you do not have to remember to manually switch CAM interfaces each time you [...]
How to get the spindle output with a tool change This is a simple tool-change shutdown macro that starts the spindle immediately following the tool change, despite where the CAM system might actually output the SPINDL command. %L01=$FGET(SPINDL,0,$FGET(GOTO)) IF/%L01.GT.0 TAPEWT TAPEOP/DELETE,%L01 ENDOF/IF To have the spindle command output with the tool change, place the macro [...]
Most CNC controls do not support regular Cutter Diameter Compensation (G41/G42) for 3D toolpaths. The only way to compensate for a worn 3D finishing tool is to use 3D Cutter Compensation. On FANUC controls, this feature is supported with the following codes: G41.2 (3D COMP LEFT) and respectively G42.2 (3D COMP RIGHT). This type [...]
Do you know that CAM-POST can automatically switch between Polar and Cartesian interpolation to avoid over-travel errors? The LIMIT/POLAR command defines conditional Polar interpolation, which enables the post-processor to automatically switch between Polar and Cartesian interpolation as required to avoid over-travel errors. Mill-turn centers often support native polar interpolation. CAM-POST can emulate polar interpolation [...]
The following document outlines the procedure for generating Siemens 840D settable user frames from a regular axis system change in CATIA. Normally, when an axis system change is set in CATIA, the resulting aptsource will only contain a series of commented-out lines which define the axis system transformation matrix. For example: $$*CATIA0 $$ Machining [...]
Regardless of the CAM system used, programmers often omit to set the value of the tool length and/or diameter offset when programming toolpaths. CAM-POST can easily compensate for these slips by using the tool number as default offset number. This option can be set in the Questionnaire for both the length and diameter offsets. This [...]
Have you ever wondered how CAM-POST calculates feed rate values? The first step in computing the machine feed is to determine the velocity of the cutter as defined by the CAM system. The distance of the move (from one GOTO to the next) divided by the programmed feed (from the FEDRAT command) gives us the [...]
On mill-turn machines equipped with a B-axis head, it is now possible to generate turning toolpaths where in addition to the X- and Z-axes, the B head can be used to control the turning tool orientation. This type of turning can improve the chip load and optimize the use of cutter nose radius compensation. The [...]
