This article will explain what post-processing is, and what you should think about when exporting designs from your CAD/CAM software into job files.
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What does post-processing do?
Post-processing reads the toolpaths you have generated in your CAD/CAM software, and saves them into job files which SmartBench can understand.
Before post-processing, you should check that your toolpath parameters are within the bounds of what SmartBench can do (click here to check these now).
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Your CAD/CAM software will ask which post-processor to use when saving the file.
For your SmartBench, always choose: Grbl (metric).
Or even better our own Yeti Tool post-processor if using Vectric or Fusion
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Post-processing converts the toolpaths into G-code, which is readable by SmartBench.
Click here to learn more about this.
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When does post-processing happen?
Let us look at the whole CNC cycle, so that we can see how post-processing fits in to the end of the CAD/CAM workflow:
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Pen and paper: all the best ideas are sketched out on a piece of paper first 🙂
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CAD environment: the part design is drawn up in the computer.
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CAM environment: the machining operations are then defined, which then allows the software to automatically generate the toolpaths.
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Post-processor: these toolpaths are converted into a job file, using SmartBench’s specifications, which we can then send to SmartBench.
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Depending on your software, your CAM files may be converted into multiple job files by your post-processor.
This might happen if your job requires a tool change to manufacture the part.
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CAD stands for Computer-Aided Design.
CAM stands for Computer-Aided Manufacture.
CNC stands for Computerised Numerical Control.
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Toolpath parameters for SmartBench
Before post-processing your toolpaths for SmartBench, you need to make sure the parameters are with the specified range.
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Programming feed rate or spindle speed too high or low might not work with your machine, or may cause it to run in a way you do not expect.
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Loading a job size bigger than the machine bed will halt the machining operation.
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Number of axes
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3-axis
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Spindle orientation
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Vertical
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Max sheet cut size (mm)
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2500 x 1250
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Max depth of material (mm)
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152
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Spindle speed range (rpm)
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5,000 - 25,000 rpm
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Max feed rate range in X,Y axis (mm/min)
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6000
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Max feed rate range in Z axis (mm/min)
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2000
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Post-processor type
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Grbl (metric)
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Different post-processors are needed for different CNC machines
Different CNC machines use different real-time processors to coordinate movement, and each of these will expect G-code instructions to be in a particular format.
This is why you need to select the right post-processor for your CNC machine when you save the toolpaths to a job file.
Using a job file that has been made for a different machine may cause your job to be carried out in a way you don’t expect, and could potentially damage your workpiece.
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Your CAD/CAM software will ask which post-processor to use when saving the file.
For your SmartBench, always choose: Grbl (metric) or Yeti SmartBench (*.gcode)
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