Inventor Cam Post Processor for Multicam 3000

[engFQCML]

Recently my company acquired a Multicam 3000. Currently we are using JobServer to send g-code created by a modified "Multicam ISO" PP available through Inventor CAM. The issue we are having is that the Z-axis seems to be stationary, however both X and Y-axis work correctly. Additionally, the code that was modified changed the machine to work in metric. How might I go about modifying the post to correct the Z-axis issue and convert back to imperial? Thanks!

[andrea.amilo]

Hi @engFQCML ,

I found in postprocessor a forced code to always use coordinates in mm.

I think it is G71 written in onOpen function at line 199 :

  writeBlock(gAbsIncModal.format(90)); // absolute coordinates
  writeBlock(gFormat.format(71)); //Metric Mode
  writeBlock(gFormat.format(75));

and I've seen that in original Multicam postprocessor this function is not present.

I think you could try to add the capability to write Metric/Imperial option as programmed.

I can help you to modify the code if you will write what is the proper G-code for Imperial mode.

Z-axis seems to work properly or, to say better, Z-axis is written with different values in different lines of nc-code.

What do you mean writing that 'Z-axis seems to be stationary' ?

Please let me know.

Thanks.

[engFQCML]

Is that something that should be changed back to what was provided in the generic Mutlicam ISO? I updated the file with the code removed. Added is a file (Test) that works and cuts just fine using a Bobcad post processor if this will be helpful. 

And the Z-axis appears to be stationary. However, that may be due to it operating in millimetres opposed to inches.

Thank you for your help!

[andrea.amilo]

Hi @engFQCML ,

I've tried to use your postprocessor with an example part of Inventor.

To be sure I forced 'Unit output' as inches. As you could see it seems we have an nc file in inches :

Same as in your test file, in 2D toolpaths Z-axis is written only when the cutting plane changes.

Please let me know your thoughts.

[engFQCML]

It is working in inches, however I am still having issues with the z-axis. Attached is code from the post processor. The bit immediately drops to 1" below the spoil board to travel across the table to its starting point. It seems to do this before and after each action. Any ideas of what may cause this?

Edit:

I found this line of code set at 0, changed to -2 and will test soon

retractZlevel: -2, // safe retract Z-level. 0 means disabled. 

[andrea.amilo · Accepted solution]

Hi @engFQCML ,

I don't think this issue is related to retractZlevel property.

Please note that in your postprocessor Z-axis in defined to work in the opposite direction, maybe because some Multicam machines mill in this way.

At line 74 you will find  :

var zFormat = createFormat({decimals:(unit == MM ? 3 : 4), forceDecimal:true, scale:-1});

If your machine works with standard Z-axis direction, you could modify it in this way :

var zFormat = createFormat({decimals:(unit == MM ? 3 : 4), forceDecimal:true});

Please check carefully Z-axis direction on your machine and define zFormat properly.

Test it carefully and let me know.

[engFQCML]

I will test today and get back with you on the results. Thank you for the help!

[andrea.amilo]

Hi @engFQCML ,

have you tested your Multicam 3000 postprocessor on machine ? Is it working properly ?

If my post answers your question, please click the "Accept Solution" button.
This helps everyone find answers more quickly.

Thanks.

[engFQCML]

Yes! Thank you, it is working great.