POSTFORM Structure
You can configure the post processor for the desired NC code output format. This output format is directed by the POSTFORM file used. These formats can be configured for machine control types, output style, or variations of usage.
To create or modify machine code formats, edit the contents of the POSTFORM file with a text editor. This can be accomplished using the SURFCAM editor.
When the POSTFORM file is edited for each machine format, the post processor should generate the proper NC code. In addition to EIA / ISO formats, the post processor can also create programs using a columnar or conversational format.
The following sections cover the general Post Processor structure for Mill, Lathe, and Wire EDM machines. The machine type sections cover the specific structure for the individual machine types.
NC Code Format
The post expects to find the NC code formats in the POSTFORM file written in a particular way. File modifications must be made according to the rules outlined in this document. Following is the structure the post expects to find in the POSTFORM file:
1. A command word, such as Name, followed by a semicolon (;).
2. A single space separating the word from the instructions.
3. A strictly formatted series of characters or lines instructing the post how to process the command.
The POSTFORM file requires that each numerical designation be enclosed with the Greater Than and Less Than signs, for example G0. You must bracket numerical values because the post accepts not only numerical values, but also variables. You can direct the post to a particular and significant numerical value assigned to a particular address, but it is a value that changes. The brackets delimit the numbers or variables that are in the POSTFORM file and are not output in the resultant NC code.
Comments
If there are two or more adjacent spaces on a line, the post will consider anything following to be a comment. Put comments in the file in either of two ways:
1. Move the cursor three or more spaces past the end of a command line, then type the comment.
2. Type any comment on its own line. Be sure that the line has two or more leading spaces.
Note Be careful not to accidentally “comment out” part of the actual formatting information by entering two spaces instead of one.
Name
Multiple machine formats can be stored in the POSTFORM file. The Name line indicates the name of the next machine or controller that will appear in the menu when the post is run. The text following the word Name will appear on the screen as a menu choice. The name line indicates the beginning of the format section for that particular machine. The lines following the Name line describe the configuration of the post until the next Name line appears. The examples below indicate a variety of names that can be used. These names are listed when the Post is executed.
name Fanuc
name Fanuc Incremental
name Fanuc Metric
name Heidenhein Conversational
Case Sensitivity
The case sensitivity of the entries made in the POSTFORM file is dependent upon the data entered. The only entries that must be in upper case characters are those that are required by the machine tool to be upper case. These are typically the Word Address characters. Commands, sequences, and variables can be entered as either upper or lower case characters.
Note When lower case character output is desired, the entire POST file should be in lower case characters. When a single letter code is required to be in lower case characters, all entries for that letter code should be in lower case characters.
This manual uses upper case characters for the first letter of each word of the commands and sequences. All variable entries are in lower case characters.
Entry Types
The POSTFORM file consists of four separate entry types. These include the following:
Word Address Formats
Commands
Sequences
Variables
Each of these types can be placed in different sections of the POSTFORM file. This section describes each type in alphabetical order for ease of reference. The right margin of the entry indicates the valid Post processor type for that entry. This is indicated by the letter M for MPOSTWIN.EXE, L for LPOSTWIN.EXE, and E for EPOSTWIN.EXE post processors.