5 axis post processor for mach3 and some Powermill vs Fusion 360 questions

[Anonymous]

Hello guys,
I have a self-assembling 5 axis machine, which is TATC type. And my controller is using Mach 3. I have tried using the Powermill to output my nccode ,but can't find a powermill's  post processor for Mach3 anywhere. I have seen someone try to use the Fanuc's PP(post processor) on Mach3, but im wondering if 5axis can  work as well.   Then i try switching to Fusion 360 and notice they do have a Mach3 generic PP, but the 5axis machining function seems limited (etc parallel surfacing  )  

so my questions are:
1. Is there a 5 axis PP for Powermill to Mach3?
2. What is Powermill biggest advantage against Fusion, i mean whats their exact difference except Fusion has a integrated working system?
3. Can i input Powermill's toolpath to Fusion 360 and let Fusion 360 do the post processing?  
4. What's the difference between the PPs for Fancu and Mach3? Can i use Fancu PP's output nccode on Mach 3? If not, how can i refine it?  

[jonathan.artiss · Accepted solution]

Hi @Anonymous

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hello guys,
I have a self-assembling 5 axis machine, which is TATC type. And my controller is using Mach 3. I have tried using the Powermill to output my nccode ,but can't find a powermill's  post processor for Mach3 anywhere. I have seen someone try to use the Fanuc's PP(post processor) on Mach3, but im wondering if 5axis can  work as well.   Then i try switching to Fusion 360 and notice they do have a Mach3 generic PP, but the 5axis machining function seems limited (etc parallel surfacing  )  

so my questions are:
1. Is there a 5 axis PP for Powermill to Mach3?
2. What is Powermill biggest advantage against Fusion, i mean whats their exact difference except Fusion has a integrated working system?
3. Can i input Powermill's toolpath to Fusion 360 and let Fusion 360 do the post processing?  
4. What's the difference between the PPs for Fancu and Mach3? Can i use Fancu PP's output nccode on Mach 3? If not, how can i refine it?  

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These are all really generic questions and a bit difficult to answer without writing a novel, 

First of all, If you are in need of a 5-axis post, you should be speaking with your account manager to discuss your options. This can either be done by calling them or emailing them direct. Or you could create a technical support case through your Autodesk account to start the process. 

The difference between the post processors could be minute but could also be huge. This should not be the question though, the questions should be, what type of code does your machine controller accept. This is what the post team will ask you when you request a post from them. 

I do not believe that you can transfer (Ream) output toolpath into Fusion 360, however, this isn't a product I am familiar with. 

The difference between them, I cannot comment on this. This all depends on what you are trying to do with it. 

If you need help with finding your account manager or how to create a case, please let me know.

Cheers,