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Chapter 3 Changes to the MP Post

Changes to the MP Post This chapter describes new post writing techniques appropriate for use with modern posts, and also lists changes made to recent releases.

Tool change after technique The tool change after routine is a modified NCI file reading method that reads past the tool change NCI Gcode 1000, 1001 and 1002 and into the first rapid or linear NCI Gcode before calling the standard output postblocks for a tool change. The reasons for developing the technique are: !

The rapid position on the tool change NCI Gcodes sets the values for the variables x, y and z. This would cause a modal condition and the rapid move after the tool change was skipped. Often critical data such as feed rate and contour flags were not read.

!

The post customization file had to delay the call to the tool change output postblock to handle drill and thread toolpaths.

!

5-axis toolpaths could not set the rotation angles in the tool change block because no vector data is present on the tool change NCI Gcodes.

Starting in Mastercam Version 8, all tool change NCI blocks must repeat the rapid position after the tool change NCI Gcode 1000, 1001 and 1002 line. This resolves a problem with earlier NCI forms for drill cycle and lathe threading toolpaths where no rapid appeared after the tool change NCI Gcode 1000, 1001 and 1002. These formerly were handled as special cases in the post customization file, with the rapids being generated from within the postblocks called by the drill cycle or lathe threading toolpath.

Enabling the tool change after technique Setting the post switch variable tlchng_aft to 2 for all modern posts enables this technique. When enabled, the post executable calls the postblock ptlchg1002 where the standard tool change postblocks were formerly called (NCI Gcode 1000, 1001 and 1002). At the next NCI Gcode read, the standard tool change postblock is called if it is a valid motion postblock. Otherwise, the post executable processes based on the NCI Gcode as usual. If the next NCI Gcode read is not a valid motion postblock, the process continues until a valid motion postblock is read. After the standard tool change postblock is called, the original valid motion postblock is also called if it is marked as a recall postblock; otherwise it is skipped.

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The table that follows lists the recall status of each valid motion postblock.

Postblock recall status Mill/Lathe

Recall?

Wire

pmx

no

pedm

pmx1

no

pedm1

no

pmx2

no

pedm2

no

prapid

no

pedm3

no

pzrapid

no

prapid

no

plin

no

pzrapid

no

plin1

no

plin

no

plin2

no

plin1

no

pz

no

plin2

no

pz1

no

plin3

no

pcir

no

pz

no

pcir1

no

pz1

no

pcir2

no

pcir

no

mrapid

no

pcir1

no

mlin

no

pcir2

no

mcir

no

pcir3

no

lrapid

no

pcan1

yes

llin

no

pcan2

yes

lcir

no

pcan3

yes

pg32

yes

pcan4

yes

pg76

yes

pcan5

yes

pg92

yes

pcan6

yes

pthrg32_1

yes

pcan7

yes

pthrg32_2

yes

pcan8

yes

pthrg32_3

yes

pthrg32_4

yes

pthrg92_1

yes

pthrg92_2

yes

pthrg92_3

yes

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Mill/Lathe

Recall?

pthrg92_4

yes

pthdface

yes

pdrill3

yes

pdrill5

yes

pdrill

yes

ppeck

yes

pchpbrk

yes

ptap

yes

pbore1

yes

pbore2

yes

pmisc1

yes

pmisc2

yes

mdrill

yes

mpeck

yes

mchpbrk

yes

mtap

yes

mbore1

yes

mbore2

yes

mmisc1

yes

mmisc2

yes

ldrill

yes

lpeck

yes

lchpbrk

yes

ltap

yes

lbore1

yes

lbore2

yes

lmisc1

yes

lmisc2

yes

Wire

Recall?

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If the postblock valid motion postblock is skipped, it is assumed that you are generating the NC output from the tool change postblock. Don’t forget to do this with the null tool change postblock call. Caution: Do not add this feature to an older post that was not written or modified for the “tool change after” technique. In addition, if the rpd_typ_v7 numeric variable is set to 1 in the post customization file, the technique should not be enabled until the post customization file logic to call back to tool changes and output positions for rapid with drill and thread has been modified to work with tlchng_aft set to 2 and rpd_typ_v7 set to 0. See rpd_typ_v7 in Volume 3, Numeric Variables. Note: It is generally easier to modify a modern post than to alter an existing post processor.

Do not use the rapid position variables (xr, yr, zr) Use of the output line variables xr, yr, zr in a modern post is not recommended. These same values are used with x, y, z output line variable at the tool change postblock call. Using them causes modality problems with x, y, z. In any version post customization file, they should never be used as rapid motion output in the postblocks prapid and pzrapid. The values are only assigned at the tool change when the NCI file is read. The best practice is to use the x, y, z variables as the source for rapid and linear feed motion.

Absolute / incremental support In many of the modern released post processors, support for absolute and incremental output as been added. We recommend doing the incremental calculation internally in the post customization file. Use of Format Statements (fs with the incremental option active) for incremental output support is not recommended. In modern post customization files, separate user-defined output variables have been created (xabs, xinc, etc.) for both the absolute output and the incremental output. This allows the post writer to keep the absolute values intact while calculating the incremental values. Incremental values can be calculated by subtracting the current value from the previous value. This is done in a modern post by first copying the formatted absolute value for each X, Y, Z position into a new user-defined variable (xia, yia, zia). Next, using the vector math function vsub, the previous X, Y and Z are subtracted from the current X, Y, Z . In MPFAN, there is a start calculations and an end calculations postblock. This allows you to make a start and end call for incremental calculations from different locations in the post customization file. The postblocks used in MPFAN are shown below. #Incremental calculations ps_inc_calc # Incremental calculations, start xia = fmtrnd(xabs) yia = fmtrnd(yabs) zia = fmtrnd(zabs) xinc = vsub (xia, prv_xia) ps_cinc_calc

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ps_cinc_calc # Incremental calculations, start rotary cia = fmtrnd(cabs) cinc = cia - prv_cia pe_inc_calc # Incremental calculations, end prvcabs = fmtrnd(cabs) #Avoid updating until called explicitly !xia, !yia, !zia, !cia !x, !y, !z

To allow the Mastercam user to select between absolute and incremental programming, a miscellaneous integer is used. The miscellaneous integer is stored in the pre-defined variable absinc. The absinc variable is now pre-defined and set automatically during subprograms, based on the absolute/incremental setting. However, the absinc variable must be set for all output other than subprograms, which is why the miscellaneous integer continues to be used.

X, Y and Z output In a modern post, the method for outputting of the X, Y and Z values has changed. We no longer use the x, y and z pre-defined variables for output. Modern posts create a common set of output variables, which allows us to simplify the output routines, calculations, and helps with modality issues. In MPFAN, the user-defined variables xabs, yabs and zabs are used for absolute output. The userdefined variables xinc, yinc and zinc are used for incremental output. All motion output is done from the pxout, pyout and pzout postblocks. This allows a common call to a set of postblocks for X, Y and Z motion output for all output lines. In these postblocks the motion output will occur based on the absinc setting. Samples of these postblocks are shown below. pxout # X output if absinc = zero, xabs, !xinc else, xinc, !xabs pyout # Y output if absinc = zero, yabs, !yinc else, yinc, !yabs

Forcing output When you use this method, you must force output at a specific time. To do this you would normally add the asterisk forced output character (*) to the variable, causing output to occur regardless of modality. With the postblock method above, this would force output every time the pxout postblock was called. To prevent this, a new set of output postblocks forces output when called, leaving the original modal postblocks intact. Samples of these postblocks are shown below. pfxout # Force X axis output if absinc = zero, *xabs, !xinc # Output absolute X else, *xinc, !xabs # Output incremental X pfyout # Force Y axis output if absinc = zero, *yabs, !yinc # Output absolute Y else, *yinc, !yabs # Output incremental Y

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When making calls to the motion output postblocks, the pfxout postblock forces output and the pxout postblock outputs based on modality. For example, you may want to force out the X, Y and Z rapid position from a tool change while allowing modality to control output during the toolpath motion. In the tool change postblocks, you can force output of X, Y and Z by calling the pfxout, pfyout and pfzout postblocks as shown below. pcan1, pbld, n, *sgcode, *sgabsinc, pwcs, pfxout, pfyout, pfcout, *speed, *spindle, pgear, strcantext, e pbld, n, "G43", *tlngno, pfzout, scoolant, next_tool, e

In the toolpath motion postblocks, you can allow modality to control output by calling the pxout, pyout and pzout postblocks as shown below in plinout. plinout #Output to NC of linear movement - feed pcan1, pbld, n, sgfeed, sgplane, `sgcode, sgabsinc, pccdia, pxout, pyout, pzout, pcout, feed, strcantext, scoolant, e

The use of Whatno The use of whatno and whatline is not recommended in modern posts. In older posts, Whatno and whatline allowed the use of the post customization file’s internal counter to access different linear and circular motion postblocks.

Posts transition from Version 7 to Version 8 A new Mastercam version often creates problems for the post supporting the new features added to the product and changes made to the NCI format. Every attempt is made to support posts from the previous version. However, posts from prior Mastercam versions cannot support new system functionality without adding code to the post file. This requires writing code in the post file and is a chargeable item. Contact your dealer for cost and additional information. An existing post will support those features that were written into it. To provide a transition from a Mastercam Version 7 to Mastercam Version 8, the following items were implemented.

NCI Header Gcode 1050 NCI Header Gcode 1050 was added to the NCI file to indicate that Mastercam Version 8 produced it. The first parameter holds the major version number vers_no. It is used by the post executable to select internal procedures while processing. If vers_no is 8, the following occurs: ! 5-axis motion (Mill) Gcode 11 – The next contour flag variable nextcflg is taken from the new contour flag (parameter 9). ! Drill NCI line processing follows Version 8 standards where the drill data is converted to absolute and calls are generated to emulate those used when processing the Mastercam Version 7 NCI files. The new long output drill cycle are generated. See Working with Drill Cycles. ! Read additional contour flags (Mill). ! Read additional contour flags (Lathe). 3-6 Mastercam Version 9 MP Post Processor Reference Guide

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Read additional contour flags (Wire). Read maximum spindle speed in Lathe from Stock Parameters Gcode 1020.

Updating posts for Version 9 (UPDATEPST9) All posts from prior Mastercam versions should be upgraded using the C-Hook UPDATEPST9. UPDATEPST9 does more than update the text file. It also adds numbered questions to your post file and, if it is an MP style post, adds variables that control posting behavior in the MP executable. For step by step instructions on updating your post processors for use with Mastercam v9 using the UPDATPST9 utility, see UpDatePST9.pdf Variables added and/of manipulated during post update are: strtool_v7 The strtool_v7 variable was introduced in Mastercam Version 7 when the tool name in Mill became generic based on the tool type, and the tool definition index became the tool identifier. To allow the tool description to appear as in Mastercam Version 6, this variable was added to capture the description from the tool definition. The description is captured from the Tool Parameters Gcode 20001. get_1004 Also introduced in Mastercam Version 7, get_1004 is required in older MP posts that used the Cancel Cutter Compensation to indicate the end of a toolpath before the introduction of the ptoolend postblock. The ptoolend postblock that exists in these posts is called by the internal function and the post code testing for the nextop of 1004. This produces two calls where a single call is desired. rpd_typ_v7 rpd_typ_v7 is a new variable for Version 8 that controls the following actions when it is set to 1 and

processing a Version 8 NCI file: ! 5-axis motion (Mill) Gcode 11 – The next contour flag variable nextcflg is taken from the old contour flag (parameter 8). ! Contour flags (Mill) – the rev5 is NOT read. ! Contour Flags (Lathe) for rpd_typ are converted to Version 7 settings shown below. This is important to add to a V7 Lathe post that used the lathe canned turning cycles generated in the post file. rpd_typ value

!

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Meaning

50000 to –20000 Entry/exit. 40000 to –10000 Rapid between points. 60000 Mark end and start of lathe rough in turning cycles; new flag has no conversion. The variable for the next drill cycle with 5-axis drilling is increased by 100. In Mastercam V7, 5axis drill cycles were in the range of 100 to 107. Mastercam V8 sets the drillcycle parameter the same for all drilling toolpaths.

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Note: drillcyc has 100 added internally with 5-axis drilling so it always appears in the 100s range. !

!

In Mastercam V7 drilling, there was no move after the tool change. Mastercam V8 NCI specifications require a rapid move after all tool changes. Some posts do not expect the rapid motion and rpd_typ_v7 skips the rapid move. rpd_typ_v7 skips the enhanced long code drilling calls if rotaxtyp is less than 6.

Version 8 canned text In Mastercam Version 8, canned text changed to allow multiple events on a single move. MP posts from prior versions must be modified to take advantage of this new feature. When selecting canned text and processing with an older MP style post, the first canned text entry from the canned text Gcode 1025 line is placed in the variable cantext and is processed as in prior versions. All other entries are ignored.

V8 Lathe canned turning cycles Mastercam Version 8-style Lathe canned turning cycles are only supported in posts that are written for them. Mastercam V7 posts do not support this feature. The documentation provided at the head of these posts describes the way to produce the cycles as you did in Version 7, as well as in later versions of Mastercam. Do not enable the menu selections unless your post can support the new features.

V9 changes For information on changes specific to Version 9, pleased see Post Processors - What's New in v9.pdf

Troubleshooting upgrading If you have trouble running a post from a prior Mastercam version: 1) Run the C-Hook UPDATEPST9 to update the post file flags. 2) Use the C-Hook RUNOLD, which allows you to produce an NCI file compatible with the Mastercam version the post was written for. Use this C-Hook if you have a third party product that is using the NCI file and was written prior to Mastercam V8. This can be made to appear seamless by creating the surrogate post in the C-Hook RUNOLD.

Common problems !

When you attempt to run MP, if you get the error saying that the DLL could not be found, the DLL named MPPARAM.DLL is missing or is not in the directory with the Mastercam executable. Mastercam V8 and V9 produce an external operation file (.OPS). MPPARAM.DLL must be present for MP to execute. Be aware that the 10000 series parameter information in the NCI file is being phased out.

!

String select errors in an MP post are almost always generated because of added options to the selector variable. The post must be modified to accommodate the new functionality. Contact your dealer for cost and additional information.

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Changes to the MP post executable This section lists changes made to the post executables in recent versions. Note: The version listed is post executable (.DLL) version and NOT the Mastercam version.

V8.10r ! ! ! ! !

Break smcname (1050) into components smcname (MC8 name), smcext (MC8 Extension), smcpath (MC8 path) Modified for fatal error reporting. Better error reporting. Added option for sub_level = -2 to ignore all subprogram NCI data. Added up_st_vecx, up_st_vecy, up_st_vecz and up_st_mode variables to Wire. See Volume 3, Numeric Variables for more information. Updated for alternating thread.

V8.20r ! ! ! !

Modified for fatal error reporting. Modifications for network HASP (SIM module) Fixed bug: When bug2 was negative, NC output was written to the debug section. Allow the use of a suffix with a format statement (for example, fmt P 1 var1 S where P is prefix, S is suffix).

V8.21 !

Fixed problem with next_tool being 0.

!

Added DLL versions for initial V9.0 release CD. Added error_msg variable for new .ERR file (error logging). This is documented in the Post Processors - What's New in v9.pdf and Volume 3, Numeric Variables

V9.00r !

V9.02 !

Added err_file variable to control when .ERR file is kept after processing. This is documented in the Post Processors - What's New in v9.pdf and Volume 3, Numeric Variables

!

A very important fix in this version DLL files corrects arc outputs in the XZ and YZ planes. When posting toolpaths with arcs in the XZ and YZ planes that were created by the filter, some of these arcs in rare cases would output as a straight line move.

V9.03

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Changes to released posts This section lists any changes, modifications or additions to released post processors found on the installation media from version to version.

V8.0 Mill Post MPFAN MP_EZ MPHAAS MPFADAL2 MPMAZAK MPMELDAS MPVICKRS MPOKUMA MPHEID_I

Description of modifications

4-axis generic Fanuc post. Rewritten for V8 to support functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, etc.). 3-axis simplified Fanuc post. Rewritten for V8. No subprogram support. 4-axis generic Haas post. Rewritten for V8 to support functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, etc.). 4-axis Fadal post. New for version 8. Supports functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, etc.). 4-axis Mazak post. Rewritten for V8 to support functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, etc.). 4-axis Mitsubishi Meldas post. Rewritten for V8 to support functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, etc.). 4-axis Cincinnati Acramatic / Vickers post. New for version 8. Supports functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, etc.). 4-axis Okuma post. Rewritten for V8 to support functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, etc.). 4-axis Heidenhain ISO post. New for V8. Supports functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, etc.).

Lathe Post

Description of modifications

MPLFAN

Generic Fanuc Mill/Turn post. Rewritten for V8 to support functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, canned turning cycles, etc.). MPL_GEN Generic 2 axis Fanuc post. Rewritten for V8 to support functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, canned turning cycles, etc.). No milling support. MPL_EZ Generic 2 Axis Simplified Fanuc post. Rewritten for V8. No subprogram support. No canned turning cycles support. Note: All other posts on installation media were updated for V8 to support V8 canned text and other miscellaneous issues.

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V8.1 All posts were updated for V8.1 based on changes made to Mastercam and MP.

V8.1.1 Mill Post

Description of modifications

MP_EZ

Modifications made to fix incremental calculations and to force Gcode after G80. MPA2100E 4 axis Cincinnati 2100 E post. New for V8.1 Supports functions added in V8 (canned text, subprograms, etc.). MPEZTRAK Major changes and additions. MPOSP Rewritten for V8.1.

Lathe Post

Description of modifications

MPL_EZ

Fixed problem with usecandrill variables not being set. MPL_GEN Fixed problem with usecandrill variables not being set. MPLHT42R Hardinge Conquest T42 w/ Ram Turret (Fanuc 18). New post added for V8.1.1 MPLHT42SP Hardinge T42 w Sub Spindle (Fanuc 0T-c). New post added for V8.1.1. Wire Post

Description of modifications

MPWAGIE

Correct post added to installation. This post overrides V8 post. MPWAGEVO Added support for MODEL to Tech. MPWSDMK30 New post added for Sodick Mark 30.

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V9.0 Mill Post MPFAN

Description of Modifications

Set usecandrill , usecanpeck, and force_wcs settings to YES. Now forces output of I,J,K arc centers (arcoutput :0 setting).

MPAN112X

Correct circular output in G18 plane.

MPAN113X

Correct circular output in G18 plane.

MPBOSS9

Added fmt assignment for variable I (arc center in X axis).

MPDECKH

Correct missing N sequence number in ptlchg0.

MILL.SET MILLM.SET

New .SET style setup sheet generator. New .SET style setup sheet generator (metric).

Lathe Post MPLFAN

Description of Modifications

Added example skeleton code for Lathe MiscOps functions.

Wire Post MPWFANUC

MPW-FA10

Description of modifications

Add plin_end, pcir_end to reset brk_cc_pos to –1 for logic in pcntr. Altered logic on end of contour (cend) flag checks. Added rapid_off option switch (yes/no) to force linear lead-off move to be G0 rapid motions. Added flast_UV option switch (yes/no) to force both U and V to output on final position on 4-axis paths. Added new post for Mitsubishi Wire EDMs.

Note: Not all Version 9 updated/new posts listed here are on the Version 9 installation CD. Your Mastercam dealer can obtain copies for you.

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