How to: Post G-Code

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How to: Post G-Code

VisualCAM installs with over 300 pre-defined post-processors for the most popular CNC machine controllers.

1.Create and adjust the toolpath operations that you want to post G-Code for.

2.Make sure the toolpaths have generated cleanly.  Each toolpath when generated is listed under a Setup in the Machining Job.  If the operation is flagged it means that it needs to be regenerated.  

Note: MILL Module shown, Similar for MILL-TURN, TURN and Profile-NEST

Note: MILL Module shown, Similar for MILL-TURN, TURN and Profile-NEST

3.Set Post-Processor Options From the Program tab, select Post to display the dialog.

Note: MILL Module shown, Similar for MILL-TURN, TURN and Profile-NEST

Note: MILL Module shown, Similar for MILL-TURN, TURN and Profile-NEST

Dialog Box: Set Post-Processor Options

Dialog Box: Set Post-Processor Options

4.Select a Post from the Current Post Processor selection menu.  See How to Define the Post-Processor for more information.

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5.Make sure you have simulated each toolpath and are satisfied with each toolpath operation.  See How to Simulate a Toolpath for more information.

6.Select the operation that you want to post.  You can select multiple operations by pressing the <Ctrl> key while selecting.  You can also select an entire Setup or the entire Machining Job.

Note: MILL Module shown, Similar for MILL-TURN, TURN and Profile-NEST

Note: MILL Module shown, Similar for MILL-TURN, TURN and Profile-NEST

7.Right-click on the selected operation(s) and select Post to display the dialog.

Note: MILL Module shown, Similar for MILL-TURN, TURN and Profile-NEST

Note: MILL Module shown, Similar for MILL-TURN, TURN and Profile-NEST

8.Your Current Post is listed at the bottom of the dialog.  You can change it here if desired.

how-to-post-g-code-3

9.Navigate to the folder where you want the posted G-Code file to be saved.

10.Adjust the name of the G-Code file if desired.

11.Make sure the file extension (example: .nc) of the G-Code file is correct and that your CNC machine controller will read this file extension.  Refer to your controller manual for this information.

12.Select the Post button and the G-Code file is calculated and displayed.  

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13.G-Code files are ASCII Text Files and by default, are displayed in notepad, a windows generic text editor.

14.You can review the G-Code and make any manual edits if needed and save the file from notepad.

15.If you use a different text and G-Code editor program, you can tell VisualCAM to display your G-Code files in this program.  To do this select Post from the Program tab to display the dialog.

16....-button  In the section of the dialog were it says Program to send posted file to select the ... button to the right to display the File Open dialog.

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17.Locate the .exe program that you use to edit your G-Code files with and then press Open.

18.Then pick OK to close the Set Post-Processor Options dialog.