General Description
IntelliPost®
is a user-configurable postprocessing system that generates Machine Control
Data (MCD) for numerical control and computer numerical control ("NC/CNC")
machine tools from cutter location ("CL") files produced by a
variety of NC part programming systems. Each IntelliPost® module consists
of a General Purpose Postprocessor and a Postprocessor Configuration
Utility.
General
Purpose Postprocessor
Each
IntelliPost® module utilizes over 600 user-configurable parameters which
control all aspects of the postprocessing activity during postprocessor
execution. The postprocessor can also react to user defined macro sequences,
which alter the standard postprocessor logic to produce special effects.
Calls to these macro sequences are achieved by means of a standard
postprocessor command identified by the user. The postprocessor utilizes
input from both a CL file generated by one of the supported NC part
programming systems, and an ASCII configuration file containing machine
specific parameters created by the IntelliPost® Configuration Utility.
During execution, the postprocessor reads the CL file, and based upon the
contents of the configuration file, generates the MCD for the target
machine.
The postprocessor creates files containing MCD for the target machine tool
and an operator listing. Under programmer control, error diagnostics are
written to the terminal, imbedded in the operator listing, or written to an
auxiliary error log file. The operator listing can be directed to the
terminal or a disk file. IntelliPost® also has the ability to read and
substitute tooling data from an external tooling file referenced by a simple
tool number.
Post Wizard
IntelliPost 2000 features a
wizard, which allow users to easily create a post from templates or from
previously created posts.
Post Library
IntelliPost 2000 features
several template posts which users can use. Currently we are creating a
massive post library, which will feature several hundred pre-configured post
for a wide variety of CNC machines. Users may use these posts as starting
points for developing their own posts.
User definable file
extensions & directories
Users can define different file
extensions for different CAD/CAM systems. Users may also define where
IntelliPost 2000 should look for its output and input files.
Command Line Support
IntelliPost 2000 can be run in
full batch mode. With a few simple command line arguments users can post
process with out having to navigate through the GUI. IntelliPost then
creates a comprehensive log file, which contains the batch process
information. The example below would postprocess the MILL.ASC using the
FAUNC3X post.
C:\IP2000\IP2K.EXE
C:\CLFILES\MILL.ASC /DFAUNC3X
Configuration Utility
The
IntelliPost® Configuration Utility is an interactive, screen/menu oriented
program designed to gather information from the user concerning the MCD
required for a target NC/CNC machine tool and operator listing. The
Configuration Utility updates a Microsoft Access Database containing
overriding values for parameter defaults, and macro definitions to alter
postprocessor action.
Command Syntax
The
IntelliPost® command syntax is a superset of the ANSIX3.37 and ISO-4343
standards. It also adheres to most of the BCLRS494 standard.
Supported NC Systems and Hardware
Platforms
IntelliPost® can
be configured to support any one of the NC part programming systems running
on the supported computer hardware or operating system platforms, currently
IntelliPost 2000 runs on all Windows platforms.
Supported Machine Classes
Each
IntelliPost® system consists of a one executable which contains the
processor and the configuration utility. The configuration utility is
designed to support all MCD requirements for a specific class of machine
tools. IntelliPost supports a wide range of multi-axis and non-multi-axis
machines. IntelliPost® system supports all machine types shown below.
-
2-Axis
Mill/Drill and/or Machining Center
-
3-Axis
Mill and/or Machining Center
-
4-Axis
Machining Center with indexing (positioning only) rotary table
-
4-Axis
Tilting Wire EDM machine (merged 2D profiles method only)
-
Flat
Pattern machine (Punch Press, Flame Cutter, etc.)
-
5-Axis
Machining Center with contouring gantry-type pivoting rotary head
-
4-Axis
Machining Center with contouring rotary table
-
5-Axis
Machining Center with rotary and tilting table
-
5-Axis
Machining Center with rotary table and tilting head
-
5-Axis
Machining Center with two rotary tables, one mounted on the other
-
5-Axis
Machining Center with one non-orthogonal rotary axis
-
4-Axis
Tilting Wire EDM machine (merged 2D profiles and/or Multax methods)
-
4-Axis
control-merged or tape-merged lathes having a vertical or horizontal
spindle
-
Mill/Turn
centers, i.e. "C-Axis" lathes with a rotation all y
addressable spindle and milling attachments.
Return
| Top |