Post processor FoxAlien 4040-XE

[Th0maz]

Hi!

Just bought myself a FoxAlien 4040-XE and started to pay around with Fusion 360, however when I try to export my gcode I have to have a post processer set up, but there ain't pre made templet for it, and I have no clue how to make one. Can anyone help me with this?

The machine came with a USB with Candle on if that is to any help.

[seth.madore]

Did your machine come with any preloaded g-code files or a programming manual? If so, share them here. g-code files need to have a .nc or .txt extension, rename them if needed.

[Th0maz]

Hi, it came with this file.

[seth.madore]

Okay, I don't think we have anything right off the shelf that is going to work, modifications are needed. Some of the points I gleaned from your supplied code:

1) No tool, height or cutter comp callouts

2) Redundant XY codes on each line (no position change)

3) Arcs don't exist, it's line-to-line movements

4) Feed rates are posted on each line

5) Presence of a G21 at beginning and end (this is normally a Metric/Imperial designation)

[seth.madore]

Here's what I had time to knock out, but it still needs some work (I've got a machine down and need to head out to get some parts so I can get back up and running)
It still needs proper handling of the Z/X/Y retract at the end of the program. Otherwise, it "should" be all set. You'll want to test this carefully, running slow and above the part.

I don't think your machine supports cutter compensation, and the post is not configured to generate an alarm. Make sure your toolpaths are set to use Computer Compensation. Also, I don't think it's going to alarm out on coolants, so make sure your toolpaths are set to not use coolant.

[Th0maz]

Wow, this is actually huge. Thanks a lot for putting in all the effort to make a usable post processor code. Hopefully a lot of other FoxAlien users can take advantage of this code as well. I'm brand spanking new to all of this, so I didn't even knew some CNC machines had a cutter compensation feature. Might seem like a stupid question, but even if the machine had the feature, wouldn't it be easier as a beginner to use the computer compensation instead of the controller?

[seth.madore]

Yeah, it's highly likely that your machine does support compensation anyways. Comp does have its benefits, as it allows you to adjust the toolpath to compensate for size differences between what is programmed versus what is machined.

[email2AQRR]

Hi guys ,

is there a manual how to use foxalien with fusion360 i have many problems and do not know . 

is it enough to import the .cps file from here (post process) ?

hopefully this brand is also soon in your device list 

[seth.madore]

@email2AQRR Have you tried creating toolpaths in Fusion and then using the correct post processor to create g-code from your machine?

As for the machine not being available; there are hundreds (or more) of these small desktop type machines, we're likely to never have all of them available for machine simulation. Your best bet will be to find something close and use that.