Post Processors - What's New in v9

Post Processors – What’s new for Mastercam v9 This document contains details on changes to the MP post language, changes to the Numbered Questions in Posts and NCI file changes in Mastercam v9 For complete documentation on Mastercam Post Processors, please contact your dealer about obtaining the Post Processor Docs CD.

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• NEW Post files on the Mastercam v9 CD • Post Variables • Post Blocks (Lathe Misc Ops functions) • NCI information • Post changes for FULL ARCS and HELIX ARCS capability in v9 • 'TOOL_ZERO' command variable • ‘FORCE’ function • ‘ERROR_MSG’ command variable • Long Filenames for Post Processors • *SPECIAL NOTE* on Mastercam Wire v9 wire libraries

• What the UPDATEPST9 post update utility does. • Post Variables (added or altered in PST file) • Post Numbered Questions (added or altered in PST file) • Language translation capabilities

New pre-defined MP variables for v9

Variable Product

add_thdzclr L arc_pitch L/M breakarcs L/M/W brk_cutpos2 L/M clmp_op L clmp_spindle L contour_pos W contour_typ W do_full_arc L/M/W drl_rot_vecx L/M drl_rot_vecy L/M drl_rot_vecz L/M error_msg L/M/W full_arc_flg L/M/W helix_arc L/M landheight W miscops_mi1 – mi10 L miscops_mr1 – mr10 L mrg_subfile L/M/W post_version L/M/W pst_rpd_fr L/M/W sprogname L/M/W stck_adv_fr L stck_appr_fr L stck_chuk_end_dx L stck_chuk_end_dz L stck_chuk_end_x L stck_chuk_end_z L

stck_chuk_st_dx L stck_chuk_st_dz L stck_chuk_st_x L stck_chuk_st_z L stck_clear L stck_final_z L stck_grip L stck_init_z L stck_op L stck_spindle L stck_tool_x L sub_org_chn_no L/M/W sub_org_grp_id L/M/W sub_org_inc L/M/W sub_org_m1 – m9 L/M/W sub_org_mny_t L/M/W sub_org_nst_flg L/M/W sub_org_nxt_h L/M/W sub_org_nxt_t L/M/W sub_org_nxt_tid L/M/W sub_org_op_id L/M/W sub_org_ref_id L/M/W sub_org_sec_no L/M/W sub_org_totl_no L/M/W sub_org_trnmthd L/M/W sub_org_trns_id L/M/W sub_org_trnstyp L/M/W sub_org_trnsx L/M/W sub_org_trnsy L/M/W sub_org_trnsz L/M/W sub_rd_level L/M/W

sub_seq_typ L/M/W subfile L/M/W t_orgin_x, y, z L/M t_wcs_m1 – m9 L/M tlstck_on L tool_zero L/M/W wfull_arc_flg W

L add_thdzclr Variable Type Post switch variable

Category Thread

Description add_thdzclr adds the value thdzclr to thdz2 and zeroes thdzlcr. This happens before pthread0 so the old post calculations work out correctly.

Values Value

0 Off

1 On

Code Example None

Notes See Lathe Threading Cycles.pdf for more information.

M/L arc_pitch Variable Type Calculated variable

Category Motion, Arc

Description The linear axis pitch distance of the helix motion currently being processed. This is the distance the linear axis would move in 360deg. sweep of the circular motion of the helix.

Values signed value

Code Example None

Notes See helix_arc for related information

breakarcs Variable Type Post switch variable

Category Post switch, Arc

Description Break arcs at the circle quadrants. Break arcs to limit sweep angle to 180 degrees (added in v9)

Values

0 Arcs remain as they are read from the NCI file.

1 Arcs are broken at quadrants.

2 Arcs are broken so no segment is greater than 180 degrees of sweep. (New in v9)

Code Example breakarcs : 1 # Break arcs into quadrants

Notes do_full_arc : 1 setting OVERRIDES the breakarcs setting. See do_full_arc for related information.

brk_cutpos2 Variable Type Calculated variable

Category Break

Description Provide the current value of cutpos2 flag during break up of move .

Values See for cutpos2 values

Code Example None

Notes See Break Up of Motion.pdf for more information.

L clmp_op

Variable Type NCI variable

Category Lathe Misc Ops - Chuck function information

Description The selected Operation mode:

Values Integer

0 Clamp 1 Un-clamp 2 Re-position

Code Example None

Notes

L clmp_spindle Variable Type NCI variable

Category Lathe Misc Ops functions information

Description Active spindle for clamp/unclamp

Values Integer

0 Left Spindle 1 Right Spindle Height

Code Example None

Notes Lathe chuck clamp/unclamp operation

W contour_pos Variable Type NCI variable

Category

Description Chain height button selected on the Contour parameters page

Values Value

0 XY Height 1 Land Height 2 UV Height

Code Example None

Notes

W contour_typ Variable Type NCI variable

Category

Description Contour type button selected on the Contour parameters page

Values 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 (left right)

Code Example None

Notes

do_full_arc Variable Type Post switch variable


Description Allow full circle (360 degree sweep) arc motion output. (Only valid for toolpaths created in v9 or above)

Values

0 Full 360 degree arcs will be broken into two 180 degree moves.

1 Any full 360 degree arcs will passed to the post processor.

Code Example do_full_arc : 1 #Allow full arc output data to post processor (PST)

Notes See Break Up of Motion.pdf for more information. do_full_arc : 1 setting OVERRIDES the breakarcs setting. See breakarcs for related information.

M/L drl_rot_vecx, drl_rot_vecy, drl_rot_vecz Variable Type Future development

Category Drill

Description

Values Value

Code Example

Notes Reserved for right angle head support.

error_msg Variable Type Post switch variable

Category Post switch, Process modification

Description Controls the display of error messages during post processing.

Values

0 send all error messages to an error log file (default setting)

1 send all error messages encountered to screen (No log file)

2 send only one error message of each type encountered to screen (an error log file is also created with this setting)

Code Example error_msg : 1 # Display error each error message only once

Notes With a setting of ‘0’ or ‘2’, if errors are encountered during posting an error log file is created and the user is prompted OK or CANCEL. If OK is selected the error log file will be displayed in the default text editor that is defined in the Mastercam configuration (CFG) file. Note: If error_msg is not defined in the PST, the default behavior is the ‘0’ setting.

The error log file will be placed in the NC file destination folder with he same filename as the NC file, but with a .ERR filename extension.

full_arc_flg

Variable Type Calculated variable

Category Motion, Arc motion

Description Flags if current arc is a full circle (360 deg. sweep) in a single NC block. (new in v9)

Values Integer

0 No, this is not a full arc

1 Yes, this is a full arc

Code Example None

Notes See related do_full_arc and breakarcs.

M/L helix_arc Variable Type Post switch variable


Description Controls output of arcs when doing helix motion. (added in v9)

Values Integer

0 Do not output arcs on helix motion. (linearize the motion)

1 Allow arc output on helix motion in all planes.

2 Allow arc output on helix motion in XY plane only.

Code Example helix_arc : 1 #Support helix output, 1=all planes, 2=XY plane only.

Notes See arc_pitch for related information.

W landheight Variable Type NCI variable

Category

Description Landheight value from Contour parameters page

Values

Code Example None

Notes

L miscops_mi1 - miscops_mi10 Variable Type NCI variable

Category Lathe Misc Ops information, Misc integers

Description Miscellaneous integers entered in Custom Parameters values dialog box. from within a Misc Ops function.

Values Integer value

Code Example None

Notes The miscellaneous integers are provided to allow custom support in the post customization file. These may have specific meanings based on how the post was written. Always open the post customization file in an editor and read the comments on how the post is using the miscellaneous integers.

L miscops_mr1 - miscops_mr10 Variable Type NCI variable

Category Lathe Misc Ops information, Misc reals

Description Miscellaneous reals entered in Custom Parameters values dialog box. from within a Misc Ops function.

Values Decimal value

Code Example None

Notes The miscellaneous reals are provided to allow custom support in the post customization file. These may have specific meanings based on how the post was written. Always open the post customization file in an editor and read the comments on how the post is using the miscellaneous reals.

mrg_subfile Variable Type Command variable

Category Command, Sub file

Description Merge contents of all the subprogram output streams.

Code Example None

Notes ‘subout’ is automatically set to zero (merge to NC output). See File Manipulation.pdf for more information.

post_version Variable Type Post data variable

Category

Description Post version tag information Values The value comes from the Post Numbered Question:

1999. Product major version number that post supports? 9

Code Example None

Notes If the value entered in the post numbered question 1999 is less than the current product version, MP.DLL will issue a warning that the post should be updated.

pst_rap_fr Variable Type Post data variable

Category Feedrate

Description Rapid Feedrate setting.

Values Set from the Post Numbered Questions: 38. Rapid feedrate? 300.0 1538. Rapid feedrate (metric)? 10000.0

Code Example None

Notes Which value read is based on the active Mastercam configuration (CFG) setting, English or Metric

sprogname Variable Type File name variable

Category NC file

Description The NC file name. This string variable outputs the program name (NC file name) as typed or upper case depending on the value set to progname.

Values String

Code Example pheader #NC header information sprogname

Notes See Numeric Variables.pdf for more information. This variable is intended to replace the command variable

progname. The variable initialization setting of progname : 1 tells the post to output the text string data in sprogname in UPPERCASE letters.

L stck_adv_fr Variable Type NCI variable


Description Stock advance feedrate for stock push/pull operation

Values

Code Example None

Notes See stck_appr_fr. Used with Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull) function (NCI 902).

L stck_appr_fr Variable Type NCI variable


Description Stock approach feedrate for stock push/pull operation

Values

Code Example None

Notes See stck_adv_fr. Used with Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull) function (NCI 902).

L stck_chuk_end_dx Variable Type NCI variable


Description Destination chuck X axis reference position after transfer

Values

Code Example None

Notes Used with Lathe Stock Transfer function (NCI 900)

L stck_chuk_end_dz Variable Type NCI variable


Description Destination chuck Z axis reference position after transfer

Values

Code Example None


L stck_chuk_end_x Variable Type NCI variable


Description Final X axis Chuck Position

Values

Code Example None

Notes Used with Lathe Stock Transfer function (NCI 900), Lathe Stock Flip function (NCI 901), Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull) function (NCI 902) and Lathe Chuck function (NCI 903).

L stck_chuk_end_z Variable Type NCI variable


Description Final Z axis Chuck Position

Values

Code Example None


L stck_chuk_st_dx Variable Type NCI variable


Description Destination chuck X axis reference position before transfer

Values

Code Example None


L stck_chuk_st_dz Variable Type NCI variable


Description Destination chuck Z axis reference position before transfer

Values

Code Example None


L stck_chuk_st_x Variable Type NCI variable


Description Initial X axis Chuck Position

Values

Code Example None


L stck_chuk_st_z Variable Type NCI variable


Description Initial Z axis Chuck Position

Values

Code Example None


L stck_clear Variable Type NCI variable


Description Stock clearance value for stock pull operation

Values

Code Example None

Notes See stck_op. Used with Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull) function (NCI 902).

L stck_final_z Variable Type NCI variable


Description Final Z position of the stock (Stock Transfer, Stock Flip, Stock Advance), Tailstock or SteadyRest depending on Misc Ops function.

Values

Code Example None

Notes Used with Lathe Stock Transfer function (NCI 900), Lathe Stock Flip function (NCI 901), Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull) function (NCI 902), Lathe Tailstock function (NCI 904) and Lathe SteadyRest function (NCI 905).

L stck_grip Variable Type NCI variable


Description Grip length value for stock pull operation

Values

Code Example None

Notes See stck_op. Used with Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull) function (NCI 902).

L stck_init_z

Variable Type NCI variable


Description Initial Z position of the stock (Stock Transfer, Stock Flip, Stock Advance), Tailstock or SteadyRest depending on Misc Ops function.

Values

Code Example None

Notes Used with Lathe Stock Transfer function (NCI 900), Lathe Stock Flip function (NCI 901), Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull) function (NCI 902), Lathe Tailstock function (NCI 904) and Lathe SteadyRest function (NCI 905).

L stck_op Variable Type NCI variable


Description Stock advance operation method

Values Integer

0 Push stock 1 Push stock with Use Tool Stop option 2 Pull stock

Code Example None

Notes See stck_clear and stck_grip. Used with Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull) function (NCI 902).

L stck_spindle Variable Type NCI variable


Description Active spindle with stock to transfer

Values Integer

0 Left spindle 1 Right Spindle

Code Example None

Notes Used with Lathe Stock Transfer function (NCI 900), Lathe Stock Flip function (NCI 901) and Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull) function (NCI 902).

L stck_tool_x Variable Type NCI variable


Description Tool X axis position for bar stop / puller.

Values

Code Example None

Notes Used with Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull) function (NCI 902).

sub_org_op_id Variable Type NCI variable

Category Subprogram, V9 subprogram

Description Non-transform: subprogram # Transform: subprogram #

Values Integer

Code Example None

Notes The first subprogram information read at the current nested level. See How Subprograms Work.pdf for more information.

sub_org_grp_id Variable Type NCI variable


Description Operation ID as seen in operation manager (The transform operation ID when a Transform subprogram).

Values Integer

Code Example None


sub_org_trns_id Variable Type NCI variable


Description Non-transform: Not used. Transform: Not used.

Values Integer

Code Example None


sub_org_sec_no Variable Type NCI variable


Description Non-transform: output sub = 1 iterate from base 1, valid > 0, negative if copy in a transform. Transform: output sub = 0 iterate from base 0, valid >=0.

Values Integer

Code Example None


sub_org_totl_no Variable Type NCI variable


Description Non-transform: Total number of instances, 1 based. Transform: Total number of instances, 1 based.

Values Integer

Code Example None


sub_org_ref_id Variable Type NCI variable


Description Non-transform: Reference, 0 = non-transform <0 = non-transform being referenced by a transform somewhere else. Transform: Reference, greater than 0 is a transform.

Values Integer

Code Example None


sub_org_chn_no Variable Type NCI variable


Description Non-transform: Unique number for new chain/chain shift Transform: iteration of transform, base 1

Values Integer

Code Example None


sub_org_inc Variable Type NCI variable


Description Subprogram absolute or incremental flag.

Values Integer

0 Absolute

1 Incremental

Code Example None


sub_org_trnstyp Variable Type NCI variable


Description Transform subprogram transform type.

Values Integer

0 Mirror

1 Rotate

2 Scale (Not used)

3 Translate

Code Example None


sub_org_trnmthd Variable Type NCI variable


Description Transform subprogram transform method.

Values On sub_trnstyp:

0 Mirror - 0=X axis, 1=Y axis, 2=ent. not par., 3=X and Y

1 Rotate - 0=tplane, 1=tplane origin only, 2-coordinates

2 Scale (Not used)

3 Translate - 0=tplane, 1=tplane origin only, 2-coordinates

Code Example None


sub_org_m1 – sub_org_m9 Variable Type NCI variable


Description Transform subprogram transform toolplane matrix.

Values Value

Code Example None


sub_org_trnsx, sub_org_trnsy, sub_org_trnsz Variable Type NCI variable


Description Transform subprogram transform method.

Values On ‘sub_trnstyp’:

0 Mirror - sub_trnsx: Y mirror, X intersection sub_trnsy: X mirror, Y intersection sub_trnsz: not used

1 Rotate - sub_trnsx: X center rotation sub_trnsy: Y center rotation sub_trnsz: Z center rotation

2 Scale (Not used)

3 Translate - sub_trnsx: X trans. relative origin sub_trnsy: Y trans. relative origin sub_trnsz: Z trans. relative origin

Code Example None


sub_org_nxt_t Variable Type NCI variable


Description Subprogram first tool in the transform group.

Values Integer

Code Example None


sub_org_nxt_h Variable Type NCI variable


Description Subprogram first head number in the transform group.

Values Integer

Code Example None


sub_org_nxt_tid Variable Type NCI variable


Description Subprogram first tool ID in the transform group.

Values Integer

Code Example None


sub_org_mny_t Variable Type NCI variable


Description Transform subprogram contains more than one tool.

Values Integer

0 Single tool in subprogram.

1 Multiple tools in subprogram.

Code Example None


sub_org_nst_flg Variable Type NCI variable


Description Flag indicates conditions on nested subprogram levels that do not require a coordinate shift.

Values Integer

0 Shift should be applied to this subprogram call

1 Original copied source in nested chain

2 Source path in nested chain to new pattern

10 Single level nested call depth

100 All nested subprograms consist of separate subs

1000 All nested subprograms consist of incremental subs

Code Example None


sub_seq_typ Variable Type NCI variable


Description Subprogram sequence number control

Values Integer

0 No sequence numbering control

1 Resets the sequence number to seqno at the start of each subprogram

Code Example None

Notes See How Subprograms Work.pdf for more information.

sub_rd_level Variable Type Calculated variable


Description Current internal subprogram nested level

Values Integer

-1 Non-transform subprogram 0 The main output level (NC)

Greater than 0 Current internal nested subprogram level (output is buffered at toolchanges, use sub_level to get the current output level).

Code Example None

Notes See How Subprograms Work.pdf for more information.

subfile Variable Type Post switch variable

Category Sub files

Description Control use/creation of nested subprogram files.

Values Integer

0 Disabled

1 Open the file removing all contents.

2 Open the file and append to contents.

Code Example

Notes See File Manipulation.pdf and How Subprograms Work.pdf for more information.

L tlstck_on Variable Type NCI variable


Description Retract or engage the tailstock

Values Integer

0 Retract tailstock operation

1 Engage tailstock operation

Code Example

Notes Used with Lathe Tailstock function (NCI 904).

tool_zero Variable Type Post switch variable

Category Post switch, Process modification

Description Enable calling the “Tool Zero” type postblocks: psof0, peof0, lsof0, leof0, msof0, meof0.

Values

0 Do NOT call “Tool Zero” type postblocks

1 Call “Tool Zero” type postblocks (if Tool # = 0)

Code Example tool_zero : 1 # Do call “Tool Zero” type postblocks

Notes The “Tool Zero” type postblocks are rarely used. They are NOT required to be in a v9 PST file. If you wish to use these postblocks, you must have them defined, and tool_zero : 1 in the PST, so those postblocks will be called (If current Tool# = 0).

t_origin_x, t_origin_y, t_origin_z Variable Type NCI variable

Category Global post variable

Description Working Coordinate System origin.

Values

Code Example None

Notes See t_wcs_m1 - t_wcs_m9

t_wcs_m1 - t_wcs_m9 Variable Type NCI variable

Category NCI, Working Coordinate System plane

Description Working Coordinate System matrix.

Values

Code Example None

Notes

The tool plane matrix is defined relative to the world coordinate system t_wcs_m1 through t_wcs_m3 represent the X vector (X, X through X, Z). t_wcs_m4 through t_wcs_m6 represent the Y vector (Y, X through Y, Z). t_wcs_m7 through t_wcs_m9 represent the Z vector (Z, X through Z, Z). See t_origin_x, t_origin_y, t_origin_z

W wfull_arc_flg Variable Type Post variable

Category Motion, Arc motion

Description Flags if current arc in the UV plane is a full circle (360 deg. sweep) in a single NC block. (new in v9)

Values

0 No, this is not a full arc

1 Yes, this is a full arc move

Code Example None

Notes See related do_full_arc and breakarcs and full_arc_flg.

New postblocks for v9 (Lathe Misc Ops functions)

New postblocks have been added to support the Lathe Misc Ops functions in v9.

Also see Misc Ops NCI sample

calls pstck_trans NCI code = 900 calls pstck_flip NCI code = 901 calls pstck_bar_fd NCI code = 902 calls pchuck NCI code = 903 calls ptailstock NCI code = 904 calls psteadyrest NCI code = 905

L pstck_trans Postblock Type Standard postblock

NCI Gcode 900

Category Lathe Misc. Ops function

Description Lathe Stock Transfer

Dependencies None

Assigned or Calculated

Variables

stck_spindle, stck_init_z, stck_final_z, stck_chuk_st_z, stck_chuk_st_x, stck_chuk_end_z, stck_chuk_end_x, stck_chuk_st_dz, stck_chuk_st_dx, stck_chuk_end_dz, stck_chuk_end_dx

miscops_mi1, miscops_mi2, miscops_mi3, miscops_mi4, miscops_mi5, miscops_mi6, miscops_mi7, miscops_mi8, miscops_mi9, miscops_mi10 miscops_mr1, miscops_mr2, miscops_mr3, miscops_mr4, miscops_mr5, miscops_mr6, miscops_mr7, miscops_mr8, miscops_mr9, miscops_mr10

Recommended Variables

Code Example Post dependent

Notes

L pstck_flip Postblock Type Standard postblock

NCI Gcode 901


Description Lathe Stock Flip

Dependencies None


Variables

stck_spindle, stck_init_z, stck_final_z, stck_chuk_st_z, stck_chuk_st_x, stck_chuk_end_z, stck_chuk_end_x




Notes

L pstck_bar_fd Postblock Type Standard postblock

NCI Gcode 902


Description Lathe Stock Advance (Bar-Feed/Pull)

Dependencies None


Variables

stck_spindle, stck_op, stck_clear, stck_grip, stck_init_z, stck_final_z, stck_chuk_st_z, stck_chuk_st_x, stck_chuk_end_z, stck_chuk_end_x




Notes

L pchuck Postblock Type Standard postblock

NCI Gcode 903


Description Lathe Chuck

Dependencies None


Variables

clmp_spindle, clmp_op, stck_chuk_st_z, stck_chuk_st_x, stck_chuk_end_z, stck_chuk_end_x




Notes

L ptailstock Postblock Type Standard postblock

NCI Gcode 904


Description Lathe Tailstock

Dependencies None


Variables

tlstck_on, stck_init_z, stck_final_z




Notes

L psteadyrest Postblock Type Standard postblock

NCI Gcode 905


Description Lathe SteadyRest

Dependencies None


Variables

stck_init_z, stck_final_z




Notes

Lathe Misc Ops NCI sample 1025

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Canned Text

1020 4. 3.2 3.2 -2. 0. 0. 0 0. 0. 0. 0. 0 5000 NONE

Stock Parameters

9110. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0. 0.

Misc Ops - Misc. Reals

9120 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Misc Ops - Misc. Integers

900 0 -4. 2. 8. 1. -2. 0. 8. 1. -1.5 1.

Lathe Stock Transfer (pstck_trans)

The NCI 1025 , NCI 1020, NCI 911 and NCI 912 are always included with the Misc Ops NCI 900, 901, 902, 903, 904, 905 data. Note that the Lathe Stock Advance operation is the only Misc Ops function that also generates Toolchange NCI information in the NCI data.

What’s new in the NCI file for v9 This section contains definitions of NCI data types that have been added or altered in Mastercam v9. Altered information on NCI types that existed prior to v9 are highlighted in yellow.

L 2 or 3 (Arc Move)

M 2 or 3 (Arc Move)

W 2, 3, 22, or 23 (Arc Move)

L 900 (Stock Transfer – Misc Ops function)

L 901 (Stock Flip – Misc Ops function)

L 902 (Stock Advance – Misc Ops function)

L 903 (Chuck – Misc Ops function)

L 904 (TailStock – Misc Ops function)

L 905 (SteadyRest – Misc Ops function)

L 911 (Misc Ops custom parameters - Reals)

L 912 (Misc Ops custom parameters - Integers)

W 1016 (Additional Miscellaneous Parameters)

L/ M/ W 1027 (Working Coordinate System)

L 2 or 3 (Arc Move) g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

g 2 Arc move clockwise

gcode

3 Arc move counterclockwise

gcode

1 Plane position plane (Not used) 2 Cutter compensation cc,

ccomp 0 Cutter compensation modal

40 Cancel cutter compensation in the control

41 Cutter compensation in the control = left

42 Cutter compensation in the control = right

140 Cancel cutter compensation last move in the contour

3 Z position znci, z 4 X position xnci, x 5 Absolute Z axis arc

center zc (relative to plane)

6 Absolute X axis arc center

xc (relative to plane)

7 (Not used) 8 Feed rate fr Positive Feed rate in units per minute Negative Feed rate in units per revolution 9 Control flags cur_cflg 10 Full arc flag full_arc_flg 0 NOT a full arc move 1 Full arc move (360 deg. sweep)

M 2 or 3 (Arc Move) g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9


gcode


gcode

1 Plane position plane 0 XY plane 1 YZ plane 2 XZ plane 2 Cutter compensation cc,

ccomp 0 Cutter compensation modal

(no change) 40 Cancel cutter compensation in the

control 41 Cutter compensation in the control

= left 42 Cutter compensation in the control

= right 140 Cancel cutter compensation last

move in the contour 3 X position xnci, x 4 Y position ynci, y 5 Absolute X axis arc

center xc (relative to plane)

6 Absolute Y axis arc center

yc (relative to plane)

7 Z position znci, z 8 Feed rate fr Positive Feedrate per minute Negative Feedrate per revolution -1 Unchanged -2 Rapid 9 Control flags cur_cflg 10 Full arc flag full_arc_flg 0 NOT a full arc move 1 Full arc move (360 deg. sweep)

W 2, 3, 22, or 23 (Arc Move) g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4


gcode


gcode

22 Direct 4-axis lower guide – arc move clockwise

gcode

23 Direct 4-axis lower guide – arc move counterclockwise

gcode

1 (Not used) 2 Wire compensation cc,

ccomp 0 Wire compensation modal

(no change) 40 Cancel wire compensation in the

control 41 Wire compensation in the control

= left 42 Wire compensation in the control

= right 140 Cancel wire compensation last

move in the contour 3 X position xnci, x 4 Y position ynci, y 5 Absolute X axis arc

center xc (relative to plane)

6 Absolute y axis arc center

yc (relative to plane)

7 Z position znci, z 8 Feed rate fr Positive Feedrate per minute -1 Unchanged 9 Wire taper wt 10 Corner type wc 0 Conical 1 Sharp 2 Constant 3 Other 4 Fixed 5 Fishtail 11 Control flags cur_cflg 12 Corner type radius wc_rad 13 Arc type warc_ctyp 0 Conical 1 Sharp 2 Constant 3 Other 4 Fixed 5 Fish Tail 14 Arc type radius wcor_rad 15 Full arc flag full_arc_flg 0 NOT a full arc move

1 Full arc move (360 deg. sweep)

L 900 (Stock Transfer – Misc Ops function) g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1

g 900 gcode

1 Active spindle for stock to transfer

stck_spindle 0 main

1 sub 2 stck_init_z Z coordinate on stock to be

transferred 3 stck_final_z Z coordinate on transferred stock 4 stck_chuk_st_z Source chuck Z axis reference

position before transfer 5 stck_chuk_st_x Source chuck X axis reference

position before transfer 6 stck_chuk_end_z Source chuck Z axis reference

position after transfer 7 stck_chuk_end_x Source chuck X axis reference

position after transfer 8 stck_chuk_st_dz Destination chuck Z axis reference

position before transfer 9 stck_chuk_st_dx Destination chuck X axis reference

position before transfer 10 stck_chuk_end_dz Destination chuck Z axis reference

position after transfer 11 stck_chuk_end_dx

Destination chuck X axis reference position after transfer

See postblock pstk_trans

L 901 (Stock Flip – Misc Ops function) g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7

g 901 gcode


stck_spindle 0 main

1 sub 2 stck_init_z Z coordinate on stock before flip 3 stck_final_z Z coordinate on stock after flip 4 stck_chuk_st_z Chuck Z axis position before flip 5 stck_chuk_st_x Chuck X axis position before flip 6 stck_chuk_end_z Chuck Z axis position after flip 7 stck_chuk_end_x Chuck x axis position after flip

See postblock pstck_flip

L 902 (Stock Advance – Misc Ops function) g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2

g 902 gcode


stck_spindle 0 main

1 sub 2 stck_op 0 Push stock 1 Push stock with Use Tool Stop

option 2 Pull stock 3 stck_clear Stock clearance (pull stock method) 4 stck_grip Grip length (pull stock method) 5 stck_tool_x Tool X axis position for bar stop /

puller 6 stck_init_z Z coordinate of stock before advance 7 stck_final_z Z coordinate of stock after advance 8 stck_appr_fr feed rate that the bar puller uses

while moving into position 9 stck_adv_fr feed rate that the stock

advances at 10 stck_chuk_st_z Chuck Z axis position before

advance 11 stck_chuk_st_x Chuck X axis position before

advance 12 stck_chuk_end_z Chuck Z axis position after advance 13 stck_chuk_end_x Chuck x axis position after advance

See postblock pstck_bar_fd

L 903 (Chuck – Misc Ops function) g 1 2 3 4 5 6

g 903 gcode

1 clmp_spindle Active spindle for clamp/unclamp 2 clmp_op 0 Operation: Clamp 1 Operation: Un-clamp 2 Operation: Re-position 3 stck_chuk_st_z Original Z axis Chuck Position 4 stck_chuk_st_x Original X axis Chuck Position 5 stck_chuk_end_z Final Z axis Chuck Position 6 stck_chuk_end_x Final X axis Chuck Position

See postblock pchuck

L 904 (TailStock – Misc Ops function) g 1 2 3

g 904 gcode

1 tlstck_on 0 Retract tailstock operation 1 Engage tailstock operation 2 stck_init_z Initial Z position of tailstock 3 stck_final_x Final Z position of tailstock

See postblock ptailstock

L 905 (SteadyRest – Misc Ops function) g 1 2

g 905 gcode

1 stck_init_z Initial steady rest position 2 stck_final_z Final steady rest position

See postblock psteadyrest

L 911 (Misc Ops custom parameters - Reals) g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0

g 911 gcode 1 Miscellaneous real 1 miscops_mr1 2 Miscellaneous real 2 miscops_mr2 3 Miscellaneous real 3 miscops_mr3 4 Miscellaneous real 4 miscops_mr4 5 Miscellaneous real 5 miscops_mr5 6 Miscellaneous real 6 miscops_mr6 7 Miscellaneous real 7 miscops_mr7 8 Miscellaneous real 8 miscops_mr8 9 Miscellaneous real 9 miscops_mr9 10 Miscellaneous real 10 miscops_mr10

L 912 (Misc Ops custom parameters - Integers) g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0

g 912 gcode 1 Miscellaneous integer 1 miscops_mi1 2 Miscellaneous integer 2 miscops_mi2 3 Miscellaneous integer 3 miscops_mi3 4 Miscellaneous integer 4 miscops_mi4 5 Miscellaneous integer 5 miscops_mi5 6 Miscellaneous integer 6 miscops_mi6 7 Miscellaneous integer 7 miscops_mi7 8 Miscellaneous integer 8 miscops_mi8 9 Miscellaneous integer 9 miscops_mi9 10 Miscellaneous integer 10 miscops_mi10

W 1016 (Additional Miscellaneous Parameters)

g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2 1 3 1 4 1 5 1 6 1 7

g 1016 gcode 1 Operation id op_id 2 Finish spawned

from NoCore nocore_fin

3 Internal toolpath opcode

tool_op 74 Contour

75 Canned 76 No Core 77 Manual Entry 78 Point 79 4-axis 80 Transform 4 Construction

view number cplnno

5 X coordinate of construction plane origin

corgx (relative to view)

6 Y coordinate of construction plane origin

corgy (relative to view)

7 X coordinate of construction plane origin

corgz (relative to view)

8 Cutter compensation in computer

cc_computer

9 Work offset number

workofs

10 Metric is used met_tool 11 Punch, Die, Open

flag pdo_type

0 Punch 1 Die 2 Open 12 spindle_no 13 rpd_hght 14 landheight 15 Contour type

button selected contour_typ 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 (left right)

16 Chain height button selected

contour_pos 0 1 2

XY Height Land Height UV Height

L/ M/ W 1027 (Working Coordinate System) g 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 0 1 1 1 2

g 1027 gcode 1 X vector X in WCS t_wcs_m1 2 X vector Y in WCS t_wcs_m2 3 X vector Z in WCS t_wcs_m3 4 Y vector X in WCS t_wcs_m4 5 Y vector Y in WCS t_wcs_m5 6 Y vector Z in WCS t_wcs_m6 7 Z vector X in WCS t_wcs_m7 8 Z vector Y in WCS t_wcs_m8 9 Z vector Z in WCS t_wcs_m9 10 X axis origin t_origin_x 11 Y axis origin t_origin_y 12 Z axis origin t_origin_z

What the UPDATEPST9 post update utility does… Every MP-style PST from a version of Mastercam prior to v9 should be updated using the post update utility UPDATEPST9.DLL This can be run as a C-Hook or from the NC Utils Post Proc Update PST menu selection. This utility adds new variables and numbered questions to the PST (post processor) file. In addition it adds default text prompts to the TXT file associated to that PST. ( eg. MPFAN.PST would have an associated TXT file named MPFAN.TXT ) See Using the post text file.pdf

Post Variables (added to PST file by UPDATEPST9) UPDATEPST9 Adds these new variable definitions (helix_arc is NOT added to Wire posts)

do_full_arc : 0 #Allow full circle output? 0=no, 1=yes helix_arc : 0 #Support helix arc output, 0=no, 1=all planes, 2=XY plane only IMPORTANT information regarding do_full_arc and helix_arc

Post Numbered Questions (added or altered in PST file) The Post Numbered Questions used by each product are also listed in the product specific \POSTS directory in MILL9.PNQ, LATHE9.PNQ and WIRE9.PNQ

Numbered Questions added to ALL posts (Mill, Lathe and Wire) 1538. Rapid feedrate (metric)? 10000.0 1999. Product major version number that post supports? 9 # METRIC misc reals entry fields 1601. Default miscellaneous real variable 1 (mr1) (metric)? 0.0 1602. Default miscellaneous real variable 2 (mr2) (metric)? 0.0 1603. Default miscellaneous real variable 3 (mr3) (metric)? 0.0 1604. Default miscellaneous real variable 4 (mr4) (metric)? 0.0 1605. Default miscellaneous real variable 5 (mr5) (metric)? 0.0 1606. Default miscellaneous real variable 6 (mr6) (metric)? 0.0 1607. Default miscellaneous real variable 7 (mr7) (metric)? 0.0 1608. Default miscellaneous real variable 8 (mr8) (metric)? 0.0 1609. Default miscellaneous real variable 9 (mr9) (metric)? 0.0 1610. Default miscellaneous real variable 10 (mr10) (metric)? 0.0

# Enable misc reals entry fields

1611. Enable miscellaneous real variable 1? y 1612. Enable miscellaneous real variable 2? y 1613. Enable miscellaneous real variable 3? y 1614. Enable miscellaneous real variable 4? y 1615. Enable miscellaneous real variable 5? y 1616. Enable miscellaneous real variable 6? y 1617. Enable miscellaneous real variable 7? y 1618. Enable miscellaneous real variable 8? y 1619. Enable miscellaneous real variable 9? y 1620. Enable miscellaneous real variable 10? y

# Enable misc integers entry fields

1621. Enable miscellaneous integer variable 1? y 1622. Enable miscellaneous integer variable 2? y 1623. Enable miscellaneous integer variable 3? y 1624. Enable miscellaneous integer variable 4? y 1625. Enable miscellaneous integer variable 5? y 1626. Enable miscellaneous integer variable 6? y 1627. Enable miscellaneous integer variable 7? y 1628. Enable miscellaneous integer variable 8? y 1629. Enable miscellaneous integer variable 9? y 1630. Enable miscellaneous integer variable 10? y

Numbered Questions added to Lathe and Mill/Turn posts…

# Enable LATHE misc integers entry fields

1631. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 1? y 1632. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 2? y 1633. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 3? y 1634. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 4? y 1635. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 5? y 1636. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 6? y 1637. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 7? y 1638. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 8? y 1639. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 9? y 1640. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 10? y

# Enable LATHE misc reals entry fields

1641. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 1? y 1642. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 2? y 1643. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 3? y 1644. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 4? y 1645. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 5? y 1646. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 6? y 1647. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 7? y 1648. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 8? y 1649. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 9? y 1650. Enable lathe miscellaneous real variable 10? y # MINIMUM feedrate allowed when using ‘Surface Finish’ type feed

3010. Minimum inch/revolution feedrate? .002 3011. Minimum mm/revolution feedrate? .05 # LATHE misc reals (METRIC)

3601. Default miscellaneous real variable 1 (mr1) (metric)? 0.0 3602. Default miscellaneous real variable 2 (mr2) (metric)? 0.0 3603. Default miscellaneous real variable 3 (mr3) (metric)? 0.0 3604. Default miscellaneous real variable 4 (mr4) (metric)? 0.0 3605. Default miscellaneous real variable 5 (mr5) (metric)? 0.0 3606. Default miscellaneous real variable 6 (mr6) (metric)? 0.0 3607. Default miscellaneous real variable 7 (mr7) (metric)? 0.0 3608. Default miscellaneous real variable 8 (mr8) (metric)? 0.0 3609. Default miscellaneous real variable 9 (mr9) (metric)? 0.0 3610. Default miscellaneous real variable 10 (mr10) (metric)? 0.0

Numbered Questions added to WIRE posts…

(**Version 8.1 and greater, N = None is no longer an option**)

The post update utility alters the optional text to remove the obsolete ‘N’ option, and if the setting was ‘N’, it will be changed to ‘L’.

1023. Auto entry(L=line, Y=line+arc, A=2lines+arc)? L 1024. Auto exit(L=line, R=arc, Y=line+arc, A=2lines+arc)? L # Added METRIC settings to WIRE posts for version 9.0 4065. Maximum step size for 4 axis wirepaths (metric)? 10000.0 4068. Maximum UV axis distance from XY (metric)? 500.0 4074. Minimum arc length (metric)? 0.005 4195. Tool motion step_size (metric)? 5.0

Language translation using UPDATEPST9 Many new Post Numbered Questions are added to the PST file when updated. You can alter the text that UPDATEPST9.DLL inserts. All the post numbered questions are contained in the UPDATEPST9.PNQ file. This file can be found in the CHOOKS directory of the Mastercam installation. The text is the information between the decimal point and the question mark. You can also change the answer to the question. 1611. Enable miscellaneous real variable 1? y

Note that post numbered questions that already exist in a PST will not be changed, even if that question’s text was altered in the PNQ file. Only numbered questions that would be new in the PST being updated are effected. Header type comments are also inserted for the new numbered question sections. You can translate these section comments by altering the text found at the end of the UPDATEPST9.TXT file under the [pst_comments] section marker. (Lines numbered 5001. – 5016.) # -------------------------------------------------------------------------- # Enable/Disable Miscellaneous Real Variable switches in UPDATEPST9.TXT # -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1611. Enable miscellaneous real variable 1? y in UPDATEPST9.PNQ

Using do_full_arc and helix_arc functionality. The UPDATEPST9 post update utility adds these new variable definitions to the PST file (helix_arc is not added to Wire posts)

do_full_arc : 0 #Allow full circle output? 0=no, 1=yes helix_arc : 0 #Support helix arc output, 0=no, 1=all planes, 2=XY plane only Since both variables are initialized to ‘0’, NO changes will occur in the NC output from the post. If you wish to enable either of these functions ADDITIONAL changes to the PST will be required to almost every post processor!

These changes are not always complex. The code segment below shows the changes required in the std. MPFAN.PST to output correct NC code when doing full arcs (do_full_arc = 1) or helix_arcs (helix_arc = 1 or helix_arc = 2)

parc #Select the arc output format

if arcoutput = zero | full_arc_flg | arc_pitch, i, j, k #Arc output for IJK else, [ #Arc output for R if abs(sweep) <= 180 | arcoutput=one, result = nwadrs(srad, arcrad) else, result = nwadrs(srminus, arcrad) *arcrad ]

The post logic now checks to see if the full_arc_flg is true or if arc_pitch is true (non-zero). If so, the post will output the arc motion using the I,J,K arc center format. Note that the do_full_arc : 1 setting OVERRIDES the breakarcs setting. See breakarcs for important related information.

Force function

New function force() has been added. This function allows forcing the variable to output on the next output call and then modality is reapplied from the format statement.

Output calls that reset this flag are: normal output, forced output(*), dependent output(`).

This function takes two arguments so a range of variables can be forced to output. Argument one is the lower index position in the variable database and argument two is the higher index in the variable database.

EX. result = force(x,z)

Forces out x, y, z on the next output call.

EX. result = force(x,x)

Forces out only x on next output call.

The selector variable of a string select table can be set to force and the string output is then forced on the next output.

EX. result = force(gcode,gcode)

sgcode, e

(Note: Strings can't be directly forced with this function.)

Tool_Zero command variable. Version 9 by default no longer calls the “tool zero” postblocks: psof0, peof0, lsof0, leof0, msof0, meof0 These “Tool Zero” type postblocks are rarely used. They are NOT required to be in a v9 PST file. If you wish to use these postblocks, you must have them defined, and tool_zero : 1 in the PST, so those postblocks will be called (If current Tool# = 0). See: Tool_Zero for more information.

Long filenames for Post Processors. Long filenames are now supported by MP.DLL, MPL.DLL and MPWIRE.DLL . The dialog text boxes in Mastercam Mill, Lathe and Wire have been expanded to properly display these long filenames. Note that the useful size limit on the post processor filenames that will be displayed in these areas of the system is 35 characters.

Attention! Mastercam Wire EDM users updating to Version 9 Do not use Version 8 Mitsubishi wire power settings libraries with Version 9. Version 8 Mitsubishi libraries will create incorrect wirepath offsets if used with Mastercam Wire Version 9.

Background

During Version 9 development, CNC Software changed the Mitsubishi power settings libraries to display both wire radius and wire diameter values. The Version 9 Mitsubishi post processor will use the radius value (TLRAD) instead of the diameter value (TLDIA) to accurately represent the wire offset for each skim pass.

To update existing post processors

Post processor changes will be required if your post uses the TLDIA variable!

To alter existing wire post processors to work properly with the new wire library format in v9, you will need to replace occurrences of the variable TLDIA with TLRAD in your PST file. As always – be sure to have a backup of the original PST file! You will also want to test the revised post processor to ensure proper output of these wire offset values.

To convert existing Mitsubishi libraries

Use the “Mits8to9.dll” to convert Version 8 Mitsubishi libraries. This C-Hook will use values in the Version 8 libraries to create libraries suitable for use with Version 9.

New Post Files on the Mastercam v9 CD Mill:

MPGEN5X.PST Configurable 5-axis Mill Post MPGEN5X.PSB Binary file REQUIRED by MPGEN5X.PST MPGEN5X.TXT Post Text file for above post processor

Search for this line in the MPGEN5X.PST for the list of configuration variables used

#These switches need to be set for this 5 axis post:

MPMILLPWR.PST MILLPWR II - 3 AXIS Mill Post MPMILLPWR.TXT Post Text file for above post processor

MILL2.SET An alternate 'stripped down' output Setup Sheet format

Note that MILL.SET has also been altered to provide additional time and feedrate details. Output of these details is controlled by variable settings in the SET file.

MILL9.PNQ List of Post Numbered Questions used by Mill v9

Lathe: HITACHI HITEC-TURN.PST HITACHI SEIKI HT20RIII Lathe Post HITACHI HITEC-TURN.TXT Post Text file for above post processor

MPLOKUMA.PST OSP7000 (OSP-U100L) 2 AXIS OKUMA with LAP3 CYCLES Lathe Post

MPLOKUMA.TXT Post Text file for above post processor

MPLHT42SP.PST HARDINGE CONQUEST T42SP Lathe Post MPLHT42SP.TXT Post Text file for above post processor

LATHE2.SET An alternate 'stripped down' output Setup Sheet format

Note that LATHE.SET has also been altered to provide additional time and feedrate details. Output of these details is controlled by variable settings in the SET file.

LATHE9.PNQ List of Post Numbered Questions used by Lathe v9

Wire:

MPWDSMK30.PST SODICK MARK30 Wire Post MPWDSMK30.PST Post Text file for above post processor

WIRE9.PNQ List of Post Numbered Questions used by Wire v9

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Post Processors - What's New in v9

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