CNC Information | Learn CNC | CNC Programming G-Code

When you're finished in your CAM software program you have to post process. During the post processing, a G-Code file is made. This file is then taken to your CNC control computer and loaded up. At that point your CNC control computer takes over and runs the G-Code program.

Post-processors are very specific to each type of CNC machine. There are number different parameters that need to be set in your post-processor. Usually these have to be worked out when you first complete your setup.

i am haveing trouble posting to a dnc file. i am using procan 2 by tecsoft. i am trying to save to floppy and it is but only in text and setup. i was wonderind if you could give me some pointers.

Hello mguild,

Most CAM Softwares let you change the file extension to whatever you like. I have never used Procan 2, but I am guessing it is in a "Setup" or "Options" area in the software.

At times I have also post-processed a file and then just manually changed the extension. For example it may have popped out with a .nc extension and then I just change it to a .txt extension manually after the file is created.

Most G-Code files are simple text files that are readable with a number of different extensions.

Have a good one,
Ivan

Newbie here...

When you say post processor, is that a program that you need on your computer. like sheet cam or Cad program??

I have followed you video and quick learning course to produce a simple drawing. I've saved it in DXF. and transfered the file to SheetCam. SheetCam made the machining process.

Now, when i go to "post process" it looks for file format??? I try to save the file and open it so I can see the G-Code, but it tells me It can't open it?

Your help in understanding this would be appreciated

HELLO!!! I'M FROM SPAIN AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IF SOMEBODY CAN GIVE ME INFORMATION ABOUT SOFTWARES WHERE I CAN DO DRAWS IN 3D, SIMULATE AND POST-PROCESSING. I HAVE A TURN MACHINE WITH A FANUC OT SERIES CONTROL.
THANKS YOU!!!

Hello azcarbum!

First of all i am not familiar with Sheetcam but i know that when you define all the parameters in cam then you post-process and a G-code file is produced.
Most G-code files are .txt files that can be opened with notepad!

Hello MIKEMAK!

For 3D drawings i believe that Rhinoceros http://www.rhino3d.com/
and Solidworks http://www.solidworks.com/
are the best programs. Check them out.
I am using Rhino and i am very pleased.It has very user friendly interface.

THANK YOU MIK82!!!
ONLY ONE MORE QUESTION, YOU KNOW IF IN THOSE PROGRAMS YOU CAN SIMULATE TURNING OPERATIONS, AND THEN CREATE (POST-PROCESSING) AND SEND A CNC PROGRAM TO THE MACHINE? IT HAS A FANUC OT CONTROL.

I am not sure what you mean exactly.I am not very familiar with this technical words.Apply this question in the CNC Newbie Questions!!

As for the other part when you design in cad (any program) you save your file and then import it in cam program you post-process and G-code file is produced.

Hi Mik82,

thanks for your response...

Well, I've been able to figure out how to post process to a file. Should the file Show "G"'s before the coordinates?? It just doesn't look like what Ivan shows on his video, so I'm trying to make sure I did it correctly?

This is what I get when I open it.

example:
0
SECTION
2
ENTITIES
0
ARC
8
­layer­1
10
0.86360367146982
20
7.8911605846075
30
0.15748031496063
40
0.15999999759704
50
241.35211015117
51
270
0
ARC
8
­layer­1
10
0.86360367146982
20
7.8911605846075
30
0.080000002553144
40
0.15999999759704
50
180
51
241.35211015117
0
CIRCLE