outPost
An NCL postprocessor for MacOS X.  
version 12/14/03

DISCLAIMER: Though this program is designed for use with Pro/ENGINEER CL toolpaths, it is in no way derivative of any PTC functionality except where they do not adhere to standard syntax for CL toolpath files.  This program is designed to output standard, fairly generic G-Code, and both the format for G-Code and the APT CL toolpath files is common knowledge.  

While I am currently employed by PTC, this program is in no way endorsed by them, and was not constructed using any kind of inside information on Pro/ENGINEER or Intercim's GPOST.  If i did anything illegal, this program wouldn't suck so much.



Included are two sample NCL files to test with.  

What works now:
-The interface now looks correct in Panther.
-The interface has been completely redone, so that the distinction is made between editing the postprocessor definition and actually using it to post out a toolpath file.  Initially, only the postprocessor document will appear.  Use #Post #Postprocess NCL Data... to access the postprocessor run-time tool.
-It's way, way faster.  

What already worked that i didn't break:
-CIRCLE G-Codes were reversed.  
-The IJK output was completely FUBARed, partially because i forgot that computers measure angles in radians, and partially because i forgot that an arctan argument would wind up with a divide-by-zero in some cases.  It's slightly better now, but i'm not yet certain i trust it.  
-Running the postprocessor multiple times resets last XYZ locations between processings
-Preferences dialog now exists.  
-Preference for using ARCDAT instead of Pro/E CIRCLE syntax
-Duplicate coordinate output settings to suppress or enable output of coordinates that are redundant
-Configurable G-code for RAPID motion
-Generate button is default for Enter key when enabled
-Load button grays out after CL data file is loaded
-Removed entertaining comments output to logfile resulting in a speed increase
-Coolant codes for FLOOD, HIGH/LOW and THRU, HIGH/LOW
-Machining time calculation and reporting (Machining time is not terribly precise at this point, it's just an estimate, and will get better)
-Status window
-3-axis XYZ coordinate input
-PARTNO text
-Tool offsets
-Line counts
-Coolant codes
-Progress bar (sort of)
-Live preview lines
-RAPID output
-CYCLEs
-Sequence numbers
-Program numbers and comments
-Coolant/Off, Spindl/Off
-Open dialog for CL files
-Time Stamp (optional)
-GOTO output decimal place agility (if this works, it should not even be noticeable)
-GOTO output decimal place control, including steppers and previews
-Leading zero control
-Sequence number digits control
-Changed text field font to Geneva
-Absolute/Incremental code output
-Incremental motion output
-Sequence number previews are now part of output previews
-Started adding very descriptive tool tips for all the assorted fields, on the off chance that someone might ever want to use this
-End of Block Character can be configured and added
-SPINDL/OFF actually works now.
-Combined SPINDL/COOLNT M-code fields grey out and light up properly
-Inch/Metric preparatory codes
-CIRCLE output with radius output
-CIRCLE output with IJK absolute and incremental circle center location
-Save button for G-code text
-Generate and Save G-Code buttons gray out to prevent accidental hanging of program

What i broke:
-The progress bar is broken and gone.  Fortunately, things are so much faster that you just plain don't need it.
-The status window has changed somewhat.  Get used to it.
-I'm no longer sure I completely trust the Machining Time, inasmuch as I ever did.

What never worked:
-Multi-axis and rotary output
-Single-digit tool change codes without OSETNO will have an inadvertent <CR> in the output
-Other stuff too numerous to mention

Planned for the future:
-Rotary indexing
-CUTCOM
-More COOLNT codes
-Elimination of duplicate coordinates
-Preference for using ARCDAT versus CIRCLE
-Syntax highlighting in output text view
-Help documentation



Don't use this on a really real NC machine, yet or ever.  Duh.
rcolonna@mac.com