If you find yourself post processing your tool-paths and then editing the output there is some work to be done on your post processor! And if so here is what to do.
Well there are two main options:
- Do it yourself
The second options is the one I would suggest to anyone who wants it quick, solid and without a hassle.
The first option is the one for people who want it cheap and are willing to put in effort, time and a lot of patience.
If we go the DIY route the main question is do you know JavaScript or ECMAScript?(Same thing different name)
Full info on that here: http://www.ecma-international.org/publications/files/ECMA-ST/Ecma-262.pdf
If you do not I suggest talking to someone who does or find some tutorials on the web and get a feeling for how it works and what it's capabilities are. Javascript is mostly used in web design, but the code is the same so this is a good place to start: http://www.w3schools.com/js/
If yes or after you did a little research it's time to get a feeling for the AutoDesk CAM Post Processors them selves.
Best place to start is looking at this Post Processor manual here: https://github.com/AutodeskCAM/Documentation/blob/master/Autodesk%20Post%20Processor%20manual-sm-130...
It's a work in progress so expect some changes and little faults here and there.(Some can be found in this post/Thread if you ever get confused: http://camforum.autodesk.com/index.php?topic=5937.msg23435#msg23435)
In the default post processor folder you will find the dump post processor(dump.cps). This dumps all info that is available from the cam system to the post in a file. Very convenient for making cycles work that require different height value's and pre-positioning moves, when does it get the value's and how can I control them or if you want to know the parameter for the tool Length. First thing I do when someone asks for something I don't know the answer to, what is available in the dump post that can help me solve the problem.
Last thing that is very good to know about is the post help file. Which gives short explanations on everything the post supports. It's good info if you will be doing some more serious editing and making "new" stuff. If you cannot find it, it's attached.
The Post Processor manual might give you the idea that you have to make your own post if you want changes, well of course not!!!
Almost everybody runs on edited generic versions, customized to their liking/needs.
And if you still have questions feel free to ask the users and post development team here on the forum, but as with everything have a little patience(The post team and other users have different tasks as well ;)). One advise I can give is the more clear you are in what your problem is and the more effort you put in yourself the bigger the chance you will receive a response quickly.
PS. Will update this post later.
Laurens Wijnschenk
3DTechDraw
AutoDesk CAM user & Post editor.
René for Legend.
