CAD/CAM POSTPROCESSING

Sukhbir Dhillon UM10911

Contents

Introduction What is Post-Processing? Historical Perspective How does it work? Regular Manufacturing Process Functions of a Post-Processor Why choose Post Processing? Bibliography

Introduction

In the early days of post-processing, a post-processor was considered an interface tool between computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) systems and numerically controlled (NC) machines - a mere translator, reading the manufacturing instructions issued from a CAM system and writing an appropriate rendition for a target NC machine. Today however, post-processing has evolved to include a dynamic range of code optimization tools which are responsible for outputting the most efficient and productive machine tool code possible. NC post-processing is responsible for joining two very different technologies, and it often serves to compensate for weaknesses on either end. Therein lies the crux of the issue: a post-processor can enhance technology, or it can inhibit it, depending upon its application.

What is Post Processing?

The post-processor is software responsible for translating neutral instructions from the CAM system into the specific instructions required by the NC machine. This software responds to the unique requirements and limitations of the CAM system, NC machine and manufacturing environment. Post-processing is an important part of factory automation, as is anything that lies on the critical path between the design engineer and the shipping department.

What is Post Processing?

Post processing is the bridge between the CAD/CAM system and CNC machine

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CAD/CAM System Post Processing CNC Machine

Historical Perspective

People often ask if post-processors are really needed, wondering if perhaps the whole issue has been perpetrated on the unsuspecting by unscrupulous software houses! In fact, there really isn't a conspiracy, just a lot of practicality. International standards (ISO) as well as national standards (ANSI, EIA) define both an output format for CAM systems and an input format for NC machines. These two formats, output and input, differ significantly. Why not one standard, one format? Standards are more often than not based on existing practice. They serve to define a single method from a host of possible choices, all of which are generally rooted in actual practice. Standards that go against common practice do appear from time to time, but they are hard to justify, difficult to create and slow to be accepted. They also require a lot more dedication and effort than most people are willing to volunteer. So when the proliferation of competing APT systems warranted a standard to help define and control the format of its inputs and outputs, standards were created defining the core elements required for manufacturing. Similarly, the proliferation of controllers also demanded some uniformity, and NC control language standards were created defining the core practices of industry.

How does it work?

It involves translating the tool path information into a programming information called the Gcode

From toolpath to G-Code.

Regular Manufacturing Process

CAD/CAM
PostProcessor MCD

Errors report What to modify? Which functions? User interpretation!?

Toolpath / machine Simulation

Functions of a Post-Processor

Post-processors can do many other things besides translating CLDATA to NC machine codes. For example a post-processor may summarize axes travels, feed and speed limits, job run-time and tool usage information, which enables better selection and scheduling of resources. More sophisticated post-processors may validate the program before it is run by the machine tool. There are many simple rules that a post-processor can follow, with warning messages displayed when these rules are violated. Some examples: Noting if a tool is not selected near the start of the program, warning when motions at feed rate are done with a stopped spindle, flagging long series of positioning moves, or conversely, flagging feed moves at or above the program clearance plane, or noting if diameter or length compensation switches are not changed when a tool is. Beyond simple validation comes correction. There are many situations where a post-processor can detect an error and correct it. Examples include: cycles left active during a tool change (they should be temporarily cancelled), selecting an incorrect or nonexistent spindle gear range (the post-processor should select a range that supports the speed), or specifying an unavailable coolant type (the post-processor should select the next best type).

Functions of a Post-Processor

The best post-processors maintain a global picture of the entire job at all times, using upcoming events to help make decisions about current ones. The NC programmer uses this information to optimize the job without intervention. For example: pre-selecting the next tool as soon as physically possible, segmenting a tape at a tool change if the entire upcoming tool path will not fit on the current reel, selecting a spindle gear that best fits the current and subsequent speed requirements, or switching intelligently between parallel axes (Z and W) based on the types of upcoming operations and available travel limits. Post-processors can also work around limitations and bugs in the CAM system or in the machine tool. It is generally far easier to change the post-processor than it is to get a new revision of the CAM system, or a new executive revision for the NC controller.

Why choose Post Processing?

Effective production tool and efficient post- processors interface your different CAD-CAM-PLM systems to all your CNC machines

optimizes tool paths reduces iterations before production Reduces risk of damaging your machine Save your CNC machine tool investment

Bibliography

http://www.icam.com/html/products/whatis/wha t_is_post.php http://www.directindustry.com/prod/icamtechnologiesoration-canada/post-processingand-visualization-software-53410-355761.html http://www.aii.com/products&services/customp ost/all_about_post_processors.htm