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There are many CNC Programmers that "hack" the post processor, to get the code they need "right now!". A break in this chain can spell a headache, or in some cases a disaster. You've got to know the CAM System itself (how the data is created in the "generic" format), the Post Language that is used by the post processor, and the proper syntax for the NC code that will be run on the machine. There are many honest and reliable Post Developers in the CAM business, but I'd also provide a word of caution. In reality, there is nothing wrong with using this business practice. I've seen many companies over the years that rely on their Reseller or a 3rd-Party Post Builder to obtain their posts. All CAM systems use some form of Post Processor, so make the effort to learn how they work, and how to edit them. It is a matter of "when", not "if" there will be an error introduced into your NC code. Without having a properly configured post processor, your company is playing with fire. Making hand-edits to your NC code breaks the link between the CAM program, and the code being run on the machine. This is an error-prone and dangerous process. Without a properly formatted post processor, you must resort to making hand-edits to your NC code. The Post Processor is the fundamental link between the work you do inside your CAM system, and the machine that is removing the metal. The "best" of them have one thing in common they know something about how to edit the post processor to get proper NC code for their machine.
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I've met so many different CNC Programmers over the years. Understanding how to make the post processor output the proper code for your machine is a critical part of the program creation process. But what is a Post Processor? A Post Processor is a software script that is used to convert the generic CAM program into NC code that is formatted with the proper Syntax for your machine. By far the most important skill I've picked up along the way is the ability to make edits to a Post Processor. I've been using Mastercam to program CNC Machines since 1997.
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