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Reference Manual
Post Processing for Milling, Turning & Wire EDM
By Delcam plc
Release Issue 1
Disclaimer
Delcam plc has no control over the use made of the software described in
this manual and cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage
howsoever caused as a result of using the software. Users are advised that
all the results from the software should be checked by a competent
person, in accordance with good quality control procedures.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice
and does not represent a commitment by Delcam plc. The software
described in this manual is furnished under licence agreement and may be
used or copied in accordance with the terms of such licence. No part of
this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording,
for any purpose without the express permission of Delcam plc.
Copyright 1995-2008 Delcam plc. All rights reserved
Acknowledgements
This documentation references a number of registered trademarks and
these are the property of their respective owners. For example, Microsoft
and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of
Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
Restricted Rights Legend
The Program and Program Materials are provided with Restricted
RIGHTS. Use, duplication, or disclosure by the United States
Government is subject to restrictions as set forth in subparagraph
(c)(1)(ii) of the Rights in Technical Data and Computer Software Clause
at DFARS 252.227-7013, Manufacturer is the Licensor: Delcam plc.
Permission to Copy for Licensed Users
Delcam plc grants permission for licensed users to print copies of this
manual or portions of this manual for personal use only. Schools that are
licensed to use FeatureCAM may make copies of this manual or portions
of this manual for students currently registered for classes where
FeatureCAM is used.
Xbuild overview 1
Post processing in FeatureCAM ....................................................................1
Template concept...................................................................................1
Posting file types....................................................................................2
Types of post processors........................................................................3
File menu .......................................................................................................4
Compare CNC .......................................................................................5
Edit in Text Editor .................................................................................6
Sim-Info menu ...............................................................................................7
Reserved words..............................................................................................7
Numeric .................................................................................................7
String......................................................................................................8
Reserved words in conditional statements ............................................8
Configuring reserved words ..................................................................9
Formats menu...............................................................................................11
Formats editor ..............................................................................................12
File menu .............................................................................................12
Edit menu.............................................................................................15
Using expressions in formats.......................................................................15
Printing square brackets.......................................................................17
Numeric operators ...............................................................................18
Logical operators .................................................................................20
String operators....................................................................................22
Assignment ..........................................................................................23
Formatting expressions........................................................................23
Suppressing printing of an expression.................................................24
Modality delimiters......................................................................................25
Control characters in formats.......................................................................26
Changing post units .....................................................................................26
Mill posts 28
CNC-Info menu ...........................................................................................28
CNC-Info - General .............................................................................29
CNC-Info - NC Codes .........................................................................33
Turn posts 95
CNC-Info menu ...........................................................................................95
CNC-Info menu - General ...................................................................96
CNC-Info menu - NC Codes ...............................................................98
CNC-Info menu - Turrets ................................................................. 100
CNC-Info menu - Spindles ............................................................... 102
CNC-Info menu - Feeds and Speeds ................................................ 103
CNC-Info menu - Cycles .................................................................. 104
Tutorials 183
Understanding milling formats ................................................................. 183
Understanding drilling formats................................................................. 185
Creating program formats ......................................................................... 187
Converting a post to 5-axis simultaneous................................................. 189
Index 191
Template concept
The CNC data file created in Xbuild is used by Post as a 'template' to
format the part program data file created in FeatureCAM.
The template consists of program formats (for example, Linear Move,
Rapid Move) that determine the structure of a part program for a
specific CNC. Each format uses address characters (for example X, Y...)
and reserved words (for example <X-COORD>, <Z-COORD> ...) to
indicate the sequence of data in program blocks.
Program formats are sequentially filled. This means that reserved words
are substituted by their corresponding values, G and M codes (machine
tool codes) when the part program data file is post processed.
Post extracts the coordinate data from the FeatureCAM part program data
file, as well as the line format from the Xbuild CNC information file.
Then, the appropriate values are substituted to generate the line of code.
Letter addresses N, Z, X and F are typed as literals, and appear in the
output CNC file as they appear in the format block. The reserved words,
such as <SEQ>, <MOTION> and so on, identify placement of
corresponding values (or strings) in the block.
Codes (or control characters) can be embedded in a program format.
To enter them, type the decimal value equivalent of the ASCII code,
delimited by angular brackets < >.
To open the dialog, select CNC-Info - General from the Menu bar.
Compare CNC
You can compare CNC posts using File > Compare CNC:
Compare CNC allows a CNC author to compare the currently open post
to another post on the disk. If the second CNC is from a newer version, an
error is displayed. You must install DiffMerge (or other merge program
capable of command prompt input) on your computer and add the path of
the executable to the 'XBUILDDIFF' environment variable.
To add an environment variable in Windows XP:
1. Go to Start > Control Panel > System.
The System Properties dialog opens.
2. On the Advanced tab, click the Environment Variables
button.
The Environment Variables dialog opens.
3. In the User variables... section, click the New button.
The New User Variable dialog opens,
4. For the Variable name, enter XBUILDDIFF.
When you click Edit In Text Editor in the menu, a text editor opens
with a text file containing all the formats, which you can modify. After
saving the file and closing the text editor, XBUILD resumes control. The
default editor is Windows Notepad, however you can use a different
editor by adding the path of the executable to the XBUILDEXTEDIT
environment variable.
To add an environment variable in Windows XP:
1. Go to Start > Control Panel > System.
The System Properties dialog opens.
2. On the Advanced tab, click the Environment Variables
button.
The Environment Variables dialog opens.
3. In the User variables... section, click the New button.
The New User Variable dialog opens,
4. For the Variable name, enter XBUILDEXTEDIT.
For the Variable value, enter the path to the executable. For example,
the path to Notepad++ executable can be C:\Program
Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe.
Reserved words
Reserved words are specific words that are used in writing the post in
Xbuild. These words are 'reserved' because they have a special meaning
in FeatureCAM, and cannot be used for anything else. They are place
holders that will later be replaced with values provided by FeatureCAM
when it generates the NC code.
Reserved words are referenced in formats (see page 11) by enclosing
each word with angular brackets < >. Additional ASCII characters (for
example X, Z and F) are used to specify the letter for each word address.
In Xbuild, the reserved words can be viewed from:
the CNC-Info - Words-N menu.
the File - WordList menu in the Formats editor.
In Xbuild, there are four types of reserved words:
Numeric (see page 7).
String (see page 8).
Logical and System (see page 8).
Numeric
Numeric reserved words are replaced by their numeric values when Post
is executed. For example, the numeric reserved word <X-COORD> is
replaced by the current X axis coordinate position. The output format of
numeric reserved words is configured via the Words Info dialog (CNC-
Info - Words option).
String
String reserved words provide a set of characters that were previously
defined in the NC Codes dialog (to open it, select CNC-Info - NC
codes from the Menu bar).
For example, G01, G02, or M03 could be strings that were previously
defined as <MOTION> and <SPINDLE>.
All of the words in the table that apply to the NC machine must be
configured.
LD_ZR - Leading Zeros are output if this option is toggled On. Zeros
are output in all leading positions of the value, excluding significant digit
locations (for example, 1" with a 3.4 format would output two leading
zeros: 001).
TRL_ZR - Trailing Zeros are output when this option is set to On.
Zeros are output in all trailing positions of each value output for the
designated reserved word, excluding significant digit locations (for
example, 10" with a 3.4 format would be output with four trailing zeros
as 100000).
DEC_PT - is used to turn the Decimal Point Character On/Off (for
example, when DEC_PT is toggled ON, 100" is output as 100.0).
Formats menu
The Xbuild Formats menu enters specific program formats for the
various blocks which can appear in a part program. Each format is made
up of combinations of reserved words, literals, comments, and user-
defined variables.
The Formats menu lists a number of general groups of formats:
Program - formats that are used in almost every part program,
and include commonly used formats (for example Program
Start, Tool Change , Segment Start, Program End).
Move - formats include the rapid and feed moves which make up
the largest portion of any part program (for example Rapid,
Linear, Circular). These program formats must be carefully
defined.
Macro - formats include Open Macro, Close Macro, Macro
Call, In-Macro Linear, and In-Macro Circular.
Formats editor
When a format is selected from the Formats menu, the Xbuild program
opens the Formats editor with the selected format on the screen.
The Formats editor has two menus (File and Edit), which are used in
editing the selected format; however, these menus do not change from
one format to another. All formats are edited in the same manner.
File menu
The File menu contains commands related to reserved words and
formats:
WordList - displays a list of the reserved words (see page 13).
Save Format - saves changes made to current format.
Previous Format - moves to format preceding the current format. The
Ctrl + P keys may be used as a shortcut to move backwards through the
various formats.
The test insertion bar is a blinking vertical bar which shows where
text will be entered. If it is not visible, move the mouse to the format
window and click the mouse.
To place reserved words inside modality brackets, select the Modal
Delimiters check box:
Edit menu
This menu contains five commands found in most Windows programs.
These are briefly described here.
Undo - can be used to undo the last action. For example, if a
reserved word was placed incorrectly, the Undo command
removes it.
Cut - removes the selected text, and places it on the clipboard
where it can be recalled with the Paste command.
Copy - places the selected text on the clipboard in the same way
as the Cut command does, except that the selected text is not
removed from its selected location.
Paste - places the contents of the clipboard at the text insertion
point.
Delete - removes the selected text without copying it to the
clipboard.
For more details, refer to the "Using the Clipboard" section in the
Windows User's Manual.
[# Calc (x + 3)*2]
[(<X-COORD>+3)*2]<EOB>
[# Format -x as LTDUP|2.2|2]
[LTDUP|2.2|2:-<X-COORD>]<EOB>
[# Is x != 0 and y != 0?]
<IF>[and(not(apxeq(<X-COORD>,0)),
not(apxeq(<Y-COORD>,0)))]<THEN>
Yes<EOB>
<ENDIF>
[# Calc a + 5]
[a+5]<EOB>
Example
Let's say b = 12
The following line
[:a=b%10]
will result in a = 2
Logical operators
Operator Function Example Explanation
eq Equal [eq(<TOOL>, 0)] True if <TOOL>
0
Also works for
strings.
neq Not Equal [neq(<TOOL>, 0)] True if <TOOL>
0
Also works for
strings.
String operators
Operator Function Example Explanation
uppercase Convert string [uppercase("ab Prints ABC.
to all upper-case c")]
characters
+ If used with two ["abc" + "def"] Prints abcdef.
strings, the
strings are
concatenated.
+ If used with a ["0.5" +0.0] Prints 0.5. This is a
string and a shortcut for converting
number the a string into a number.
number is
converted to a
string and then
they are added.
Examples
To increase the current value of the reserved word <Z-COORD>
by 10:
[<Z-COORD> = <Z-COORD> + 10]
To set the variable XVAR to the current value of <X-COORD>,
and then double XVAR:
[x_var = <X-COORD>]
[x_var = x_var * 2]
Formatting expressions
The format for an expression can be customized by preceding the
expression with an optional format specification. The format specification
is separated from the expression by a colon :.
Examples
Expression Result
[D|3.4|1.0:10] 10.0
[D|5.4|1.0:10] 10.0
[LD|3.4|1.0:10] 010.0
[LP|3.0|1.0:10] +010
[PT|3.1|1.0:10] +100
When no format specification is given and there is no colon specified,
Xbuild automatically uses the format of the numeric reserved word within
the square brackets. For example, [<X-COORD>+1] is printed in the
default format for the <X-COORD> reserved word as configured in the
Words Info dialog. If there aren't any reserved words, such as in the
expression [1+2], the default format for the <Z-COORD> reserved word
is used.
Modality delimiters
In some cases, the CNC machine can use the concept of modality to
avoid redundant data and reduce the length of the program. When using
modality, repeated coordinates or commands are 'stripped' from the part
program.
String and Numeric reserved words may be surrounded by modality
delimiters { }, to signify to Post to remove redundant data. The modality
delimiter prevents a repetitive occurrence of a reserved word as long as
its value remains the same as the previous occurrence of it.
For example, when modality delimiters are used in {<SEQ>}, you have
an option of 'stripping' all sequence numbers from the program during
post processing. This is done by specifying 0 for the start and sequence
step numbers in Post. This forces the sequence numbering to remain the
same.
Modality brackets may be used on expressions containing reserved
words, for example: {X[<ABS-DEPTH>*2]}.
To place reserved words inside modality brackets, select the Modal
Delimiters check box:
3. Click OK.
4. Choose Words-1 from the CNC-Info menu.
6. Your post type may contain several pages of the numeric words.
Click Next to display the next set of Words Info. Repeat steps 4
through 5 to change all the linear positional words for your post
type.
7. When you have finished, click OK to close the dialog.
8. Select Formats - Program - Program Start to check for any
preparatory code denoting units (G20/G21, G70/G71).
Fanuc style controls may use G20 for inch and G21 for metric
units. If this code is present, remove it.
Heidenhain controls must have the units set in the first line of
the program:
<SEQ> BEGIN PGM [uppercase (<PROG-NAME>)]
INCH<EOB>
Edit the code so the units here match the units chosen in Step 2.
9. Save the format.
This section describes how to use Xbuild for writing mill posts.
CNC-Info menu
The CNC Info options are used to set up the basic parameters for a CNC
program:
General - specifies the output program format.
NC Codes - defines the exact character string for different NC
commands.
Feeds & Speeds - changes the minimum and maximum spindle
speeds and feed rates in a CNC program.
Fixture ID - this is a list with valid fixture IDs.
Words-N - configures the format of numeric reserved words.
Five-Axis - selects the five-axis machine type, and configures its
dimensions.
These values are default values when no CNC data file has been
loaded into the Xbuild program. When a file is loaded, several or all
of these values may change.
You can set the following parameters:
Machine type - classifies the type of post.
The choices are:
Milling - use this type of post for 2.5D or 3D milling.
We recommended that you use the default characters, that is, <13>
(carriage return) and <10> (line feed).
Decimal point - defines the decimal point character.
This character is usually a period '.' for United States controls, and
a comma ',' for European controls.
Max. macros - specifies the maximum number of macros (sub-
programs) available on the control.
If macros are not available, set this value to zero, and select Not
Available in the Macro Type parameter.
Macro type - specifies how macros are formatted when the part program
requires them.
Choose from the following options:
Local - places macro definitions within the main NC part
program.
The character strings entered in the dialog must match the required
strings specified for the NC control. This information is usually
found in the programmer's manual for the NC control.
You can set the following parameters:
Motions - the options in this frame describe motion types required by
the NC machine. All of these codes must be specified.
For example, Linear is generally defined as G1, but may be changed to
G01, or any other string (up to 11 characters). All motion commands are
passed to Post via the string reserved word <MOTION>.
The following options are available:
Rapid - rapid move.
Linear - feed move.
Circ. CW - circular interpolation, clockwise.
Circ. CCW - circular interpolation, counter-clockwise.
CNC-Info - Fixture ID
Records the various G codes that are valid fixture ID's. The Fixture ID
dialog opens. You can type the appropriate IDs directly into the list, and
click OK.
Machine dimensions
Table on table machines
The Rotary Center Offset values are contained in the post
processor files.
The first rotary axis for this configuration is the B axis and it is aligned
with the Y axis.
The second rotary axis is the A axis and it is aligned with the X axis.
The first rotary axis carries the second rotary axis. In other words, when
the first rotary axis is moved, the second rotary axis moves with it. If the
second rotary axis (A) is moved, the first rotary axis (B) does not
necessarily move.
The spindle centreline is the axis that passes through the center of the
spindle. The gauge face is the gauge line or face of the spindle taper.
We will step through each field and describe what distance each field
should contain:
Formats menu
The Xbuild Formats menu enters specific program formats for the
various blocks which can appear in a part program. Each format is made
up of combinations of reserved words, literals, comments, and user-
defined variables.
The Formats menu lists a number of general groups of formats:
Program - formats that are used in almost every part program,
and include commonly used formats (for example Program
Start, Tool Change , Segment Start, Program End).
Move - formats include the rapid and feed moves which make up
the largest portion of any part program (for example Rapid,
Linear, Circular). These program formats must be carefully
defined.
Macro - formats include Open Macro, Close Macro, Macro
Call, In-Macro Linear, and In-Macro Circular.
Rules
General rules
The reserved words <X-COORD> and <Y-COORD> are the
assigned values of the first path point, and must appear in all
program formats to provide the first positioning move to the start
of the path.
It is mandatory that the reserved word <Z-COORD> be used for
the Segment Start program format. It is calculated as the largest
Z Rapid value of the current and previous segments, thereby
allowing for the tool to be retracted from the part to a safe plane.
Use of the <Z-COORD> reserved word is optional for the
Program Start and Tool Change program formats. It is
calculated in the following manner:
<Z-COORD> = TL CHG (Z)
These are the rules for building post processors for controls that
only support incremental input.
Each occurrence of the following reserved words must be in the
specified form in the program formats.
Program formats
As Post reads each segment from the part data file, it determines if it's the
first segment of the program, a tool change, or a non-tool changing
segment. Based upon this information, Post outputs the appropriate block
(that is, Program Start, Tool Change, or Segment Start) prior to
executing segment data. Only one of these three program formats is used
at the beginning of any one segment.
Each definition can include multiple lines, and each line must end
with <EOB>.
Tool change
A Tool Change block is output between segments that require a
tool change.
This block is only output if the Tool # specification (FeatureCAM)
differs from the previous one.
Functions such as <SPEED>, <SPINDLE> and <COOLANT>
status can be passed to the Post output with the first positioning
move via the <X-COORD> and <Y-COORD> reserved words.
If the target machine tool uses fixture offsets (G54, G55/E1, E2),
the reserved word <FIXTURE> should be positioned before the
<MOTION> <X COORD> and <YCOORD> words.
Segment start
Segment Start is only output between non-tool changing
segments. This typically occurs when there is a change in fixture
offset or spindle speed.
Segment Start should contain any commands that may change
between segments, for example <SPEED>, <COOLANT>, and so
on.
The reserved words <X-COORD>, <Y-COORD> and <Z-
COORD> must be included in Segment Start.
File end
File End specifies the format of the line(s) to be placed at the end of a
file. This is generally used with the End of Prog specification (selected
in the Macro Type field in the General Information dialog).
Move formats
Depending on the control, one of two cases is true for these program
formats.
If the CNC requires X, Y and Z axes motion to be programmed in
the same rapid line, then all three reserved words (X, Y and Z)
must be included in the X,Y Rapid Move program format. The Z
Rapid Move format must remain empty.
If the CNC does not allow for X, Y and Z axes motion to be
programmed in the same rapid line, then use both formats (the X,Y
Rapid Move and Z Rapid Move).
The order in which moves are generated depends upon whether the
current Z position is greater, or less than the previous Z position.
Rapid move
The Rapid Move format defines the output format for rapid positioning
moves.
Generally, modality delimiters { } are placed around the <X-COORD>
and <Y-COORD> reserved words. This allows the post processor to
'strip' X, or Y from the line when a coordinate is redundant. If the first
case is true (see two preceding cases in Move formats (see page 53)), then
the <Z-COORD> reserved word must be included.
Linear move
The Linear Move format defines the output format for linear moves.
The following reserved words must be defined in this block:
<X-COORD>;
<Y-COORD>;
<Z-COORD>;
<FEED>;
<MOTION>.
Cutter diameter compensation can be turned ON/OFF in this format line
via the <COMP-START> reserved word.
Some CNC machines may require the use of the vector reserved words
<X-VECTOR> and <Y-VECTOR>.
Circular move
The method of specifying arc definition is defined in a Circular Move
block.
The following reserved words are provided as arc modifiers for I, K, or R
values:
<ARC-X>;
<ARC-Y>;
<RADIUS>;
<S-RAD>;
<X-CEN>;
<Z-CEN>.
Spindle
This format is not currently used.
UDF text
Returns code/comment from a user-defined feature (UDF). <UDF-
TEXT> and <UDF-COMMENT> are reserved words that receive text
passed from the UDF.
Cycle formats
Format Description
Drill cycle This program format specifies the header block for a
drilling cycle.
Spot face cycle The header block for a spot face cycle is specified
via this format.
Deep hole cycle A deep hole cycle header block is determined with
this format.
Tap cycle This format specifies the header block for a tapping
cycle.
Bore (F-F) cycle The header block for a boring (feed-in, feed-out)
cycle is specified with this format.
Chip break cycle This format specifies the header block for a chip
break cycle.
Bore (F-D-F) cycle A boring (feed-in, dwell, feed-out) cycle header
block is specified via this format.
Bore (F-S-R) cycle A boring (feed-in, stop spindle, rapid) cycle is
specified with this format.
Bore (No Drag) This format specifies a boring (feed-in, stop spindle,
cycle move to side, retract) cycle.
Cycle cancel This format specifies the cycle cancel block for any
of the canned cycles.
Canned move This format specifies the format of canned cycles,
following their initial definition.
Format Description
In-Macro Linear This format is similar to the Linear Move format,
but it is only used within a macro definition
(without the <Z-COORD> reserved word).
In_Macro Move program formats can be set to
generate absolute, or incremental output. For
incremental output, Post does not duplicate path
data for translations. Post positions to the translated
location and 'calls' the original incremental macro.
Also refer to Incremental Programming Rules (see
page 50).
In-Macro Circular This format is similar to the Circular Move
format, but it is only used within a macro definition
(without the <Z-COORD> reserved word).
In_Macro Move program formats can be set to
generate absolute, or incremental output. For
incremental output, Post does not duplicate path
data for translations. Post positions to the translated
location and 'calls' the original incremental macro.
Also refer to Incremental Programming Rules (see
page 50).
Open Macro This format specifies the format of the lines
preceding the macro definition (start delimiter).
The <MACRO#> reserved word must be used. A
preparatory function code (for example,
incremental for defining incremental macros) can
also be used.
Close Macro This format specifies the format of the lines
following a macro (end delimiter) definition. A
preparatory function code may be used to redefine
the absolute specification (that is, if the main
program starts in the absolute mode).
Macro Call This format specifies the format of a line for
'calling' a macro. The reserved word <MACRO#>
must be used to identify the macro.
Also refer to Include first canned cycle move in macro (see page 29).
Input dimension
If the units of your part and the post processor are different, a conversion
factor is automatically applied to them at the time the program is posted.
Cycle types
The operations in FeatureCAM are mapped to the following canned cycle
formats:
Z data
Xbuild has a reserved word for each Z parameter in FeatureCAM. Xbuild
also provides words that signal Post to perform arithmetic operations to
accommodate the different ways that machines handle the Z axis.
The following manufacturing attributes in FeatureCAM contain
corresponding reserved words in Xbuild:
Case 1
The most common configuration is to turn compensation On in the first
X-Y feed move of the cutter path, and turn compensation Off in the last
X-Y feed move. If the aforementioned configuration is utilized, then
define the Linear Move program format as follows:
{N<SEQ>}{<COMP-STAT>}{<MOTION>}
{X<X-COORD>}{Y<Y-COORD>}
{Z<Z-COORD>}{F<FEED>}<EOB>
Case 2
Other configurations may require the X and Y coordinates to be repeated
as compensation is turned On. In that case, establish a conditional
statement so that these repeated coordinates do not appear in every
linear move of the cutter path. A conditional statement for a Linear
Move program format is as follows:
<IF><COMP-ON><THEN>
{N<SEQ>}<COMP-STAT>X<$X-COORD>
Y<$Y-COORD><EOB>
<ENDIF>
{N<SEQ>}{<COMP-STAT>}{<MOTION>}
{X<X-COORD>}{Y<Y-COORD>}
{Z<Z-COORD>}{F<FEED>}<EOB>
The $ symbol is a reserved words' modifier to generate the previous
values of X and Y (to represent the current position of the tool). The <X-
COORD> and <Y-COORD> reserved words always represent the next
point in the cutter path.
two steps
The NC code specifies two depths. The first step pecks at the first
depth and all the subsequent steps peck at the second depth. The
Bridgeport Machines Boss9I control deep hole cycle is an example
.{N<SEQ>}<CYCLE>Z<INC-DEPTH>
Z<INC-STEP1>Z<STEP2>F<FEED><EOB>
{N<SEQ>X<X-COORD><EOB>
value reduction
factor reduction
The NC code specifies the first depth, a reducing factor and a
minimum depth. The first step pecks at the first depth. Each
subsequent step is reduced by the reducing factor until the
minimum depth is reached. To use the FeatureCAM attributes
consistently with the other pecking methods, it is recommended
that the reducing value be calculated with the expression
[<STEP2>/<STEP1>] as shown in the deep hole drilling cycle
for the GE2000 control below:
{N<SEQ>}<CYCLE>Z<ABS-DEPTH>
R<ABS-ZCLEAR>D<TOOL>F<FEED> P1=<INC-STEP1>
P2=[<STEP2>/<STEP1>]P5=<MIN-STEP>F<FEED><EOB>
{N<SEQ>} X<X-COORD>Y
<Y-COORD><EOB>
Handling 3D arcs
3-axis techniques that produce toolpaths in the principle planes can
approximate them with 3D lines and arcs.
A Post that supports milling macros must have the Post supports
local coordinate or the Post supports incremental macros
check boxes selected in the General Information dialog.
Setting up a post processor to handle milling macros is not a matter of
specifying a single format, rather this logic affects many program
formats.
Rotation styles
FeatureCAM supports four different styles of specifying rotation angles.
These styles along with their reserved words are shown below:
ANSI/EIA RS-274-D
In this style, the value of the angle specifies the angular position
measured from zero in the positive direction. The sign of the angle
indicates the direction of rotation. For example:
Mathematical
In this style, the value of the angle specifies the angular position
measured from zero and the sign indicates the direction of measurement.
The sign of the angle also indicates the direction of rotation. For example:
This section describes how to use Xbuild for writing turn posts.
CNC-Info menu
The CNC Info options are used to set up the basic parameters for a CNC
program:
General - specifies the output program format.
NC Codes - defines the exact character string for different NC
commands.
Feeds & Speeds - changes the minimum and maximum spindle
speeds and feed rates in a CNC program.
Fixture ID - this is a list with valid fixture IDs.
Words-N - configures the format of numeric reserved words.
Turrets - describes all of the turrets on a lathe.
Spindles - contains the M codes for selecting the spindles.
Cycles - specifies the manner in which drilling, threading and
grooving cycles are handled.
These values are default values when no CNC data file has been
loaded into the Xbuild program. When a file is loaded, several or all
of these values may change.
You can set the following parameters:
Machine type - classifies the type of post.
The choices are:
Milling - use this type of post for 2.5D or 3D milling.
Turning - use this classification for 2-axis turned parts.
Turn/Mill - use this type of post for lathe with powered rotary
tools.
Wire EDM - use this type of post for Wire EDM machines.
This distinction controls type of reserved words and program formats that
are available in the post.
Dimension - toggles between Inch and Metric output.
We recommended that you use the default characters, that is, <13>
(carriage return) and <10> (line feed).
Decimal point - defines the decimal point character.
This character is usually a period '.' for United States controls, and
a comma ',' for European controls.
Dogleg rapid moves - affects simulation only.
If this option is selected, then during a rapid move from point A to point
B both simulated axes will move at the maximum rate until one of the
axes moves is completed, and then the machine will proceed to B with
only the other axis continuing in a straight line.
If this option is not selected, then the simulation shows all rapid moves
from point A to point B as straight lines. In general, rapid moves on
machines are not straight lines.
Tool Line Comp - allows for the compensation of tool length by
subtracting the tool's X and Z length from the coordinate data at post
processing time.
Using Tool Ln Comp allows the user to shift or compensate for
different tool lengths without presetting the origin for each tool. For
Japanese machines such as FANUC, this selection should be turned Off.
If the output is to be incremental, Tool Ln Comp must be turned On.
Seq max - this is the maximum value for sequence numbers.
The character strings entered in the dialog must match the required
strings specified for the NC control. This information is usually
found in the programmer's manual for the NC control.
You can set the following parameters:
Motions - the options in this frame describe motion types required by
the NC machine. All of these codes must be specified.
For example, Linear is generally defined as G1, but may be changed to
G01, or any other string (up to 11 characters). All motion commands are
passed to Post via the string reserved word <MOTION>.
The following options are available:
Rapid - rapid move.
Linear - feed move.
Circ. CW - circular interpolation, clockwise.
Circ. CCW - circular interpolation, counter-clockwise.
Formats menu
The Xbuild Formats menu enters specific program formats for the
various blocks which can appear in a part program. Each format is made
up of combinations of reserved words, literals, comments, and user-
defined variables.
The Formats menu lists a number of general groups of formats:
Program - formats that are used in almost every part program,
and include commonly used formats (for example Program
Start, Tool Change , Segment Start, Program End).
Rules
The reserved words <Z-COORD> and <X-COORD> are the assigned
values of the first path point, and must appear in all program formats to
provide the first positioning move to the start of the path.
Each definition can include multiple lines, and each line must end
with <EOB>.
Program start
Post outputs lines that are defined in the Program Start format at the
beginning of a program. In the Program Start format, general
preparatory codes (for example absolute, incremental, and so on) are
placed to define the dimension system. The first tool change must also
be defined. Functions such as <SPEED>, <SPINDLE> and
<COOLANT> status, as well as the first positioning move can be passed
to the Post output via <Z-COORD> and <X-COORD> reserved words.
Spindle change
Used when operation switches from one spindle to another.
Tool change
A Tool Change block is output between segments that require a
tool change.
This block is only output if the Tool # specification, or Turret
selection in FeatureTURN differs from the previous one.
The tool should be positioned to a safe location (index position),
before indexing tools.
Functions such as <SPEED>, <SPINDLE> and <COOLANT>
status can be passed to the Post output with the first positioning
move via the <Z-COORD> and <X-COORD> reserved words.
Segment start
Segment Start is only output between non-tool changing
segments. This typically occurs when there is a change in fixture
offset or spindle speed.
Program end
This block can be used to:
turn the Coolant Off;
position the tool to an endpoint;
rewind the part program.
The Program End format uses the reserved words <X-RETURN> and
<Z-RETURN> to calculate the return to the first index position.
Move formats
Rapid move
The Rapid Move format defines the output format for rapid positioning
moves.
Generally, modality delimiters { } are placed around the <X-COORD>
and <Z-COORD> reserved words. This allows the post processor to
'strip' X, or Z from the line when a coordinate is redundant. In motion
blocks (rapid, linear and circular), the reserved word <MOTION>
receives the path definition parameter from FeatureTURN (Rapid,
Linear, Arc CW, Arc CCW, or the Thread command).
Linear move
The Linear Move format defines the output format for linear moves.
The following reserved words must be defined in this block:
<MOTION>;
<X-COORD>;
<Z-COORD>;
<FEED>.
Tool tip compensation must be turned ON in this format line via the
<COMP-STAT> reserved word.
Circular move
The method of specifying arc definition is defined in a Circular Move
block.
The following reserved words are provided as arc modifiers for I, K, or R
values:
<ARC-X>;
<ARC-Z>;
<RADIUS>;
<S-RAD>;
<X-CEN>;
<Z-CEN>.
Spindle
This format gets called when you turn off the spindle or change spindle
directions.
Dwell
Format for dwell code output, that is G04U<DWELL><EOB>.
Bar feed
This block contains the necessary codes for opening and closing the
spindle and also the bar feed code.
Catcher in
This block would contain the M-code for retracting the parts catcher.
Catcher out
This block contains the M-code for extending the parts catcher.
Spindle open
This format contains commands for opening the current spindle.
It should contain logic for opening the main and subspindle.
The logical variable <MAIN-SPCMD> is used to determine which
spindle is current.
Spindle close
This format contains commands for closing the current spindle.
It should contain logic for closing the main and subspindle.
The logical variable <MAIN-SPCMD> is used to determine which
spindle is current.
Spindle position
This format positions the subspindle with a rapid move.
The reserved word <SPINDLE-POS> contains the position of the
subspindle.
When the sub-spindle is positioned using both a rapid and a feed
move, the Spindle Position and Spindle Position Feed
formats are called in succession.
Spindle orient
This format is used to orient the spindle.
It should contain logic for orienting the main spindle and subspindle. This
format is used for setting the angle of a spindle. It can be used before or
after grabbing the part.
Spindle start/stop
The Spindle Start/Stop format starts or stops the spindle. The reserved
word <SPINDLE> contains the M-code to perform these functions.
UDF text
Returns code/comment from a user-defined feature (UDF). <UDF-
TEXT> and <UDF-COMMENT> are reserved words that receive text
passed from the UDF.
Turret home
This format is called by the system or user to command the turret home.
Cycle formats
Drill cycle
This block contains the canned cycle for twist drill operations including
the support of peck drilling.
For drilling, the following reserved words have the following values:
<DEPTH> - the calculated depth of the drilling operation
including compensation for tool tip.
<STEP1> - pecking depth. This value is calculated by dividing
<DEPTH> by the Number of Pecks.
This is an example drilling cycle format:
{N<SEQ>}G83X0Z<DEPTH>Q<STEP1>F<FEED><EOB>
Refer to the Numeric drilling and threading type cycle words (see page
120) table for applicable reserved words.
Thread cycle
When one of these options is chosen, the desired format may be entered
for the threading program block.
Refer to the Numeric drilling and threading type cycle words (see page
120) table for applicable reserved words.
Groove cycle
There are three turning groove canned cycle formats available in Xbuild,
and they apply in two different situations.
There are two kinds of grooving canned cycle: simple canned cycle
and path canned cycle. If you choose not to use any canned cycles,
then you'll be using longhand code referred to as computed.
Groove simple/computed
You need to fill in the Groove Simple/Computed format whenever
you specify the Use simple canned cycle or computed cycle
option on the Strategy tab of the Turning Groove feature.
To generate the signed distance from the arc's center to the arc's
start position, locate the <ARC-Z> and <ARC-X> reserved words
in the Words Info dialog (see page 9), and change their FACTOR
values to -1. To generate the unsigned distance from the arc's
start position to the center of an arc, select the UNS_V check boxes
for these reserved words in the Words Info dialog.
Start/end points
If start or endpoints have been defined in FeatureTURN, they become
part of the path's definition. Post generates a rapid move from a start point
to the first part of the machining operation, and a rapid move from the last
move of the operation to the endpoint is also generated.
This section describes how to use Xbuild for writing turn/mill posts.
CNC-Info menu
The CNC Info options are used to set up the basic parameters for a CNC
program:
General - specifies the output program format.
NC Codes - defines the exact character string for different NC
commands.
Feeds & Speeds - changes the minimum and maximum spindle
speeds and feed rates in a CNC program.
Fixture ID - this is a list with valid fixture IDs.
Words-N - configures the format of numeric reserved words.
Turrets - describes all of the turrets on a lathe.
Spindles - contains the M codes for selecting the spindles.
Cycles - specifies the manner in which drilling, threading and
grooving cycles are handled.
These values are default values when no CNC data file has been
loaded into the Xbuild program. When a file is loaded, several or all
of these values may change.
You can set the following parameters:
Machine type - classifies the type of post.
The choices are:
Milling - use this type of post for 2.5D or 3D milling.
We recommended that you use the default characters, that is, <13>
(carriage return) and <10> (line feed).
Decimal point - defines the decimal point character.
This character is usually a period '.' for United States controls, and
a comma ',' for European controls.
Dogleg rapid moves - affects simulation only.
If this option is selected, then during a rapid move from point A to point
B both simulated axes will move at the maximum rate until one of the
axes moves is completed, and then the machine will proceed to B with
only the other axis continuing in a straight line.
If this option is not selected, then the simulation shows all rapid moves
from point A to point B as straight lines. In general, rapid moves on
machines are not straight lines.
B Axis Support - select this check box for those machines which have
a B axis that allows tools to engage part at various angles.
If macros are not available, set this value to zero, and select Not
Available in the Macro Type parameter.
Macro type - specifies how macros are formatted when the part program
requires them.
Choose from the following options:
Local - places macro definitions within the main NC part
program.
End of Prog. - places macro definitions at the end of the main
part program (for example, Heidenhain controls). The PROGRAM
END program format should be specified for output at the end of
the main program and the FILE END program format should be
specified for output at the end of these macro definitions.
Not Available - signals Post that macros are not available.
Indiv. Files - places macro definition in a separate file (for
example, FANUC and GE MC 2000 controls). The name of each
macro file consists of the assigned name that was specified in Post
and the system-assigned macro number The internal sub-program
name is automatically added to the main program name as the
external file name.
One File - places all macro definitions in one file. Post generates
two files, the main part program and a file containing all macros.
This option can output to Bridgeport controls via the EZ-Utils
module, CNCCOMMUNICATION option (Heidenhain DNC
utility).
The name of the macro file consists of the assigned name specified in
Post, MA (representing the macro specification) and the .TXT file
extension. For example, SAMPLEMA.TXT (macro file) and
SAMPLE.TXT.
Call local macro after it is defined - automatically executes macro
when it's defined.
CNC-Info - NC Codes
Specifies the exact character strings for different NC commands. The NC
Codes dialog appears.
The character strings entered in the dialog must match the required
strings specified for the NC control. This information is usually
found in the programmer's manual for the NC control.
You can set the following parameters:
Motions - the options in this frame describe motion types required by
the NC machine. All of these codes must be specified.
General structure
For Program Start, Tool Change, Rapid and Z Rapid formats the
general logical flow is to handle turning and milling in separate sections.
For milling, use the <ROTARYX> reserved word to distinguish between
face milling and OD milling.
<IF><TURNING><THEN>
[* Do turning tasks]
<ENDIF>
<IF><MILLING><THEN>
<IF><ROTARYX><THEN>
[* Do OD milling tasks]
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><ROTARYX><THEN>
[* Do Face milling tasks]
<ENDIF>
<ENDIF>
Rapid move
Rapid moves should include the C axis move as shown below:
{N<SEQ>}{<MOTION> }{X<X-COORD>}
{Z<Z-COORD>}
<IF><MILLING><THEN>
{C<ROT1-WIND>}
<ENDIF>
For posts where the machine tool is performing the polar interpolation,
the post will still have to perform the polar interpolation for positioning.
In the example below, the C and X coordinates are calculated using the
anglexy and radiusxy functions.
<IF><MILLING><THEN>
<IFNOT><ROTARYX><THEN>
{<MOTION>}C[anglexy(<X-COORD>,<Y-COORD>)]
X[radiusxy(<X-COORD>, <Y-COORD>)*2]
{Z<Z-COORD>}<EOB>
<ENDIF>
Also refer to Fourth and fifth axis support (see page 88).
Linear move
For machines in which FeatureCAM is doing the interpolation the
formats must be conditional on whether it is a turning or milling move.
Case 1
In the milling case, the C-axis rotation and the angular feedrate must be
output. The following is an example from the Acramatic 850TC:
<IF><TURNING><THEN>
{X<X-COORD>}{Z<Z-COORD>}F<FEED><EOB>
<ENDIF>From Subject Received Size
<IF><MILLING><THEN>
{X<X-COORD>}{Z<Z-COORD> }{C<ROT1-WIND>}
{F<ANG-FPM>}<EOB>
<ENDIF>
Case 2
For machines in which the controller performs the interpolation, make
sure to select the Polar interpolation done by machine tool check
box in the General Information dialog. This changes the toolpaths as
they are output from FeatureCAM into the post. Here is an example for a
Fanuc 16, 18 or 21:
<IF><TURNING><THEN>
{X<X-COORD>}{Z<Z-COORD>}F<FEED><EOB>
<ENDIF>
<IF><MILLING><THEN>
{X<X-COORD>}{C<Y-Coord>}{Z<Z-COORD>}
{F<FEED>}<EOB>
<ENDIF>
This section describes how to use Xbuild for writing multi-turret turning
posts.
3. Open the Program Start format in the Formats editor, and add
the following sync code lines:
{M<SYNC-NUM1>}<EOB>
{M<SYNC-NUM2>}<EOB>
{M<SYNC-NUM3>}<EOB>
{M<SYNC-NUM4>}<EOB>
{M<SYNC-NUM5>}<EOB>
This section describes how to use Xbuild for writing wire EDM posts.
CNC-Info menu
The CNC Info options are used to set up the basic parameters for a CNC
program:
General - specifies the output program format.
NC Codes - defines the exact character string for different NC
commands.
Machine Constants - configures the machine constants in a
CNC program.
Words-N - configures the format of numeric reserved words.
These values are default values when no CNC data file has been
loaded into the Xbuild program. When a file is loaded, several or all
of these values may change.
You can set the following parameters:
Machine type - classifies the type of post.
The choices are:
Milling - use this type of post for 2.5D or 3D milling.
Turning - use this classification for 2-axis turned parts.
We recommended that you use the default characters, that is, <13>
(carriage return) and <10> (line feed).
Decimal point - defines the decimal point character.
This character is usually a period '.' for United States controls, and
a comma ',' for European controls.
ISO Taper Arc - controls the output of arcs for tapered corners in the
ISO-style.
The options are:
Omit arc - in this case, line of G-code for the arc is left out.
Instead a modifier is added to the end of the linear move indicating
that a fillet should be added. This is primarily used for Sodick
machines.
Keep arc - this is the normal case where G-code is output for the
arc move.
Max. macros - specifies the maximum number of macros (sub-
programs) available on the control.
The character strings entered in the dialog must match the required
strings specified for the NC control. This information is usually
found in the programmer's manual for the NC control.
You can set the following parameters:
Motions - the options in this frame describe motion types required by
the NC machine. All of these codes must be specified.
For example, Linear is generally defined as G1, but may be changed to
G01, or any other string (up to 11 characters). All motion commands are
passed to Post via the string reserved word <MOTION>.
The following options are available:
Rapid - rapid move.
Linear - feed move.
Circ. CW - circular interpolation, clockwise.
Circ. CCW - circular interpolation, counter-clockwise.
XY, UV - refers to Wire EDM 4-axis movements using an upper
and a lower curve. Typically, XY represents the curve at the
bottom of the part, and UV represents the curve at the top of the
part.
Program formats
As Post reads each segment from the part data file, it determines if it's the
first segment of the program, a tool change, or a non-tool changing
segment. Based upon this information, Post outputs the appropriate block
(that is, Program Start, Tool Change, or Segment Start) prior to
executing segment data. Only one of these three program formats is used
at the beginning of any one segment.
Each definition can include multiple lines, and each line must end
with <EOB>.
Program start
Post outputs the lines defined in the Program Start format at the
beginning of the program. In Program Start, general preparatory
functions are placed to define the dimensional system, absolute, or
incremental modes, and so on. In this block X and Y start locations(G92)
must also be preset. Other functions, such as machine constants can be
passed to the Post output as well as the first positioning move using the
<X-COORD> and <Y-COORD> reserved words.
Segment start
A Segment Start is output between segments. Segment Start should
contain any commands that may change between segments such as
UPPER ARM POS, AD TABLE HT, and parameters P1 through P9,
for example:
N<SEQ>{E<ARM-POS>Z01}<EOB>
Program end
This block is normally used to output the rewind command and to reset
the control to some standard settings after program completion.
File end
File End specifies the format of the line(s) to be placed at the end of a
file. This is generally used with the End of Prog specification (selected
in the Macro Type field in the General Information dialog).
Move formats
Rapid move
The Rapid Move format defines the output format for rapid positioning
moves.
Linear move
The Linear Move format defines the output format for linear moves.
The following reserved words must be defined in this block:
<MOTION>;
<X-COORD>;
<Z-COORD>;
Wire diameter compensation can be turned On/Off in this format line
with the reserved word <COMP-STAT>. Also other commands like
<TAP-STAT> for taper cutting, <TAP-ANG> as taper angle, Wire
thread and cut, Register settings, and so on maybe used here.
Circular move
The Circular Move defines the output format for arc moves. The
following reserved words are provided as arc modifiers for I, J, or R
values:
<ARC-X>;
<ARC-Y>;
<RADIUS>;
<S-RAD>;
<X-CEN>;
<Y-CEN>.
XY UV move
The XY,UV Move defines the linear output format for a four axis moves.
The reserved words <MOTION>, <X-COORD>,and <Y-COORD>
must be defined together with the third U and fourth V axis commands
<U-RELATIV> , <V-RELATIV> , <U-COORD> , <V-COORD>.
Wire diameter compensation can be turned On/Off in this format line
with the reserved word <COMP-STAT>. Also other commands like
Wire thread and cut, Register settings, and so on maybe used here.
XY UV end move
This section is output after the last XY,UV move and normally used to
deactivate or reset special machine settings which may have been
necessary for the control to machine a four axis part.
UDF text
Returns code/comment from a user-defined feature (UDF). <UDF-
TEXT> and <UDF-COMMENT> are reserved words that receive text
passed from the UDF.
Macro formats
Format Description
In-Macro Linear This format is similar to the Linear Move format,
but it is only used within a macro definition
(without the <Z-COORD> reserved word).
In_Macro Move program formats can be set to
generate absolute, or incremental output. For
incremental output, Post does not duplicate path
data for translations. Post positions to the translated
location and 'calls' the original incremental macro.
Also refer to Incremental Programming Rules (see
page 50).
Input dimension
The coordinate data dimension system is defined during an FeatureWIRE
programming session (View menu - Setup dialog). The Inch or Metric
dimension system is saved as a 'flag' in the CNC data file.
Path definition
Motion commands in Xbuild are used to define appropriate command
strings, for example G0, G1, G2, G3. Each type of motion block is
formatted in program formats using the <MOTION> reserved word.
Coordinate data is formatted using the following reserved words:
<X-COORD>;
<Y-COORD>;
<Z-COORD>;
<ARC-X>;
<ARC-Y>;
<X-CEN>;
<Y-CEN>.
Arc specifications are established in the Circular Move program format.
Handling macros
Macros (sub-programs) that were previously defined inside, or outside of
the main program can be 'called' to reproduce a set of operations. Calling
these macros saves CNC memory when duplicated, or repeated.
There are that many options and user requests, that it's simply not
possible to ship a standard post for macro support. In most of the
cases some customizing and testing is needed before using macro
support.
Handling tapers
Taper is handled by Xbuild and can be configured several ways,
depending upon the CNC control's requirements.
The reserved words <FIRST-ANG> , <TAP-ANG>, and <TAP VAL>
are available to represent the various possible taper settings that might be
used by the controls.
Use:
<FIRST-ANG> - to represent the taper angle at the beginning of
the move;
<TAP-ANG> - to represent the taper angle at the end of the move.
<TAP-VAL> - to output a taper register.
All these words are defined in the Curves Contour manager, or in case
of a continuous taper on the Toolpath Options page in the Segment
Data dialog.
The following example of a linear move block is used for Fanuc controls:
{N<SEQ>} {T<FIRST-ANG >}<EOB>
{N<SEQ>} {<COMP-STAT>} {<MOTION>}
{X<X-COORD>} {Y<Y-COORD>} {T<TAP-ANG>}
<EOB>
Handling XY UV
The XYUV selection in FeatureWIRE is used to define part programs for
independent XYUV cutting. The two curves, defined for upper and lower
contour in FeatureWIRE, are translated into XY and UV moves, which
are output using the corresponding EPOST sections. In Xbuild, the G
code for XYUV cutting is specified using the XY, UV option in the NC
Codes dialog.
The following formats control the XYUV ouput :
XY UV start move (see page 170);
Cycle type
POST calculates the wire path based on the type of cycle. These
calculations are accomplished by applying the offset and other cycle data
parameters appropriate to the current cycle.
Specific Instructions
1. Open 001.fm from the training CD.
2. Generate toolpaths, and single step through the program. You will
notice that this simple program rapids performs the following
moves:
Rapids from the tool change position to the Z Rapid Plane
above the slot.
Rapids in Z to the Plunge Clearance Plane.
Feeds down in Z into the slot.
Feeds across in X.
Rapids to the Z Rapid Plane.
Rapids to the tool change position.
3. Select the text.CNC post processor from the training CD. This is a
post processor that simply outputs the name of each program
format that is called. This shows you the order in which the
program formats are called for this program.
4. Click the NC Code tab. The following code is displayed:
Format Description
Rapid Move A rapid move in X and Y. If there is no change in the
tool, fixture ID or speed rate, this format is called to
move between cutting locations.
Tool Change If the tool changes this format is called.
Segment Start If only the speed or fixture ID changes this format is
called.
Specific Instructions
1. Open the 001.fm file in FeatureCAM.
2. In Xbuild open the text.CNC file.
3. Click the Formats menu, select the Move option, and choose
Linear.
4. The Formats editor is launched, and the contents of the Linear
program format is displayed.
At this point the format only has the literal Linear_Move. This
means that every time this program format is called, the string
Linear_Move is output to the NC file.
Our goal is to create the following line:
{N<SEQ>}{<MOTION>}{X<X-COORD>}
{Y<Y-COORD>}{Z<Z-COORD>}{F<FEED>}<EOB>
5. Select all of the text in the format and hit the BACKSPACE key to
remove it.
6. Now let's create the collection of reserved words and then add the
literals.
7. Select File - WordList from the Menu bar. The list of
FeatureCAM reserved words is displayed.
8. Click the Modal Delimiters check box so that all of the reserved
words will be surrounded by brackets { }.
Macro formats 56
B Move formats 53
Program formats 51
Bar feed 109 Rules 50
Multi-turret posts
C Making a multi-turret post 158
Pinch and follow turning 158
Catcher in 109
Syncronizing spindle speed 157
Catcher out 109
Turn posts
Changing post units 26
Cycle formats 111
Circular move 54, 109
Move formats 108
Computer tapping cycles 131
Program formats 107
Conditional statements 8
Rules 106
Configuring reserved words 9
Turn/mill posts
Control characters 26
General structure 147
Converting post 189
Linear move 148
Creating program formats 187
Program start and tool change
Custom format See Formats menu
formats 147
Cycle formats
Rapid move 148
Milling cycle formats 55
Wire EDM posts
Turning cycle formats 111
Macro formats 56
Drill cycle 111
Move formats 168
Groove cycle 112
Program formats 107
Tapped canned cycle 112
Dialogs
Thread cycle 112
Cycles 104
Feeds and Speeds 36, 103
D Five-Axis 37, 146
Defining formats Fixture ID 36, 105
Mill posts General 29, 96, 133, 162
Cycle formats 55 Machine Constants 166
Z
Z-rapid move 54