CAM Post
|
|
| Menu location |
|---|
| Path → Project Setup → Post Process |
| Workbenches |
| Path |
| Default shortcut |
| P,P |
| Introduced in version |
| - |
| See also |
| None |
Description
This command exports the selected Job to a G-code file.
Each CNC Controller speaks a specific G-Code dialect, requiring a Dialect-correct Postprocessor to translate the final output from the agnostic internal FreeCAD G-Code dialect. Several Postprocessors are provided, allowing direct use, or as templates for modification. Postprocessors contain configuration flags and are designed to be tuned by adding G-Codes and M-Codes to provided definitions for:
- Machine initialization
- Job finalization
- Tool-Changes
- Cooling on /off
- Etc...
The Postprocessors use the [Path Job Operations FreeCAD G-Code dialect ], in conjunction with the Postprocessor configuration definitions, to generate Dialect-Correct G-Code for target machines. This allows the Path workbench to generate correct G-Code to target various CNC machine controllers by invoking different Postprocessors.
CNC Machine Controller types:
- CNC mill
- CNC lathe
- 3D Printer
- DragKnife Cutter
- Laser Cutter
- Engraver
- Plasma Torch Cutter
- Etc...
Theoretically, a single 3D Model could be used as the Base object for Jobs targeting any combination of CNC machines--requiring anywhere from a single Postprocessor, to one per machine, depending on how many machines share a common Postprocessor.
Usage
- Select the Job you wish to export
- Press the
PostProcess button - Confirm the Output File name and directory
Options
Output file and Postprocessor properties can be set in the Job, at any time, prior to invoking the Postprocessor.
Do not use the File->Export menu for export to G-code, it will produce damaged G-code!