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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 2003 features a wizard, which allow users to easily create a post from templates or from previously created posts.

Post Library

      IntelliPost 2003 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 2003 should look for its output and input files.

Command Line Support

      IntelliPost 2003 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 2003 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.

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