Gibbscam Post Processor Work
Whether you are running a simple 2-axis lathe or a complex 5-axis mill-turn center, understanding how to optimize your post processors is the key to reducing setup time and eliminating manual code editing. What is a GibbsCAM Post Processor?
| Machine Type | Axes | Typical Control | Special Post Logic | |--------------|------|----------------|--------------------| | 3-Axis Mill | X,Y,Z | Fanuc, Haas, Heidenhain | Canned cycles, tool length | | 4/5-Axis Mill | X,Y,Z,A,B/C | Siemens 840D, Mazak | TCP (Tool Center Point), rotary wrap | | Mill-Turn | X,Y,Z,C + B (live tooling) | Okuma, DMG Mori | Synchronous spindles, Y-axis offset | | Lathe (2-axis) | X,Z | Fanuc OT, Fagor | G70–G76 cycles, constant surface speed | | Swiss (Sliding Headstock) | X,Y,Z,C1,C2 | Citizen, Star | Guide bushing, sub-spindle sync | | Wire EDM | X,Y,U,V | Fanuc, Sodick | Taper, corner control, thread points |
The process of creating a post with ComPost typically involves:
Custom post processors include predefined safety routines. These include safe tool change positions, explicit axis retracts before indexing tables, and proper look-ahead activation codes, protecting your expensive machinery and operators. 4. Support for Complex Kinematics gibbscam post processor
Advanced posts that manage complex rotary transformations. They handle Tool Center Point Control (TCPC) or Dynamic Work Offset (DWO), allowing the machine to adjust coordinate systems automatically as rotary axes pivot. Key Functions of a Post Processor
The initial lines of code that reset the machine's state (e.g., establishing absolute positioning via G90, cancelling tool length offsets via G49, and setting the default working plane via G17).
Sequence number formatting (e.g., N10, N20) or omitting them entirely to save control memory. Whether you are running a simple 2-axis lathe
The you are using (e.g., Haas NGC, Fanuc 31i)
Defining whether coordinates require leading/trailing zeros, specific decimal placements, or unique character addresses (such as using CR= instead of R for arcs on certain controllers). Customizing and Modifying GibbsCAM Posts
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In the GibbsCAM ecosystem, the Post Processor isn't just a file converter; it is the specific dialect of your shop floor. Here is why it is one of the most interesting, critical, and often misunderstood components of modern manufacturing.
What are you doing (e.g., 3-axis milling, multi-tasking turning)?
Modify the post logic to force radius ( R ) output or explicit arc center vectors based on controller specs.
: A "Status Record" tracks internal post-processor instructions like SetInc for incremental values.
