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Postprocessor Development System

Software Magic, Inc. (SMI) produces and markets a product called IntelliPost. IntelliPost is a generalized postprocessor system offering its users freedom from concerns over computer platforms or cutter location (CL) file compatibility. Supporting multi-axis milling up to 5 axes, 2 to 4 axis turning, mill/turn equipment, machining centers, EDM, punch presses, flame cutters, grinders, etc., IntelliPost generates customized postprocessor output without the need for specialized software. IntelliPost provides for complete portability between platforms as well as CL file types by generating a simple ASCII transfer file that contains all of the data concerning a specific machine's requirements. This is called a data file. A postprocessor data file created for one CL format and platform can be used on any other computer type.

Some of the CL files supported include: ANVIL, APT140,APT/AC, Auto-Trol, BCL, CADAM, CATIA, Calma, CimPoint UCC-APT, Cisigraph, ComputerVision, Graftek/UNISYS, Intergraph, Matra Datavision, Pro Manufacturing, RWT WOP, Spatial Technology, SurfCAM, UniAPT and standard ASCII. IntelliPost operates on all Windows 2000/XP computers; Digital Equipment VAX and MicroVAX computers under operating under VMS and ULTRIX; Hewlett Packard workstations operating under UNIX; and Sun MicroSystems, and Silicon Graphics workstations operating under UNIX. 

Figure 1 IntelliPost Structure

An IntelliPost system can be up to three modules selected from the following (see Figure 1):
(a) the configuration utility;
(b) milling up to 3 axes interpolated motion;
(c) milling up to 5 axes interpolated motion, thus superseding {b};
(d) turning with 2 axes interpolated motion;
(e) turning up to 4 axes interpolated motion, thus superseding {d}.
Modules are designed to interact thus supporting special and/or combination machine tools with any number of interpolated or non-interpolated axes.

The configuration utility (a) creates data files (postprocessors) that are interpreted at run-time by the remainIng modules (b,c, d & e). Data files are considered user information and may be created without licenses fees. When the configuration utility is licensed to an end-user to develop postprocessors for their own use and combined with one or more run-time licenses (b, c,d & e), no further royalties are due to SMI. This is considered a full system license.

The configuration utility postprocessor data files control numerical control machine tool output in several ways. Standard machine and control functions are selected by simple menu selections. IntelliPost has over 600 such standard functions that are menu selectable. Each selection carefully establishes the format and output requirements of the machine control data (MCD).

Menu selections within the configuration utility are hierarchical in nature thus each selection sorts out only those selections that are appropriate for your application. When a postprocessor or machine function is not found in the standard menu selections, a macro function provides full control over the MCD format. Through this feature any special machine or control capability can be supported.

After a data file (postprocessor) has been created, it is saved as simple ASCII information. This information is interpreted at run-time. The IntelliPost configuration utility simplifies machine tool axes configuration by preselecting mathematical algorithms that are best suited for each specific machine tool configuration. The algorithms are well proven in industry by the most discriminating of manufacturing companies. As a result, there is no machine tool or control today that cannot be fully supported and at the highest quality levels through IntelliPost.

Additionally, the configuration utility has been developed by SMI and standards maintained using text mode input. While this may appear to some as old fashioned in today's modern world of windows, the text mode allows SMI to provide full character-for-character compatibility across every CAD system and computer platform. Many of our distributors have found it quite advantageous to conduct end-user training, engineering postprocessor development or customer support of postprocessors without any concern for the hardware platform. Additionally, continuing changes to the CAD or CAM system will also not effect the operation of IntelliPost system. For example, a notebook computer can be used for development of the postprocessor data file. Once developed, the data file can simply be transferred to the end-user's computer, regardless of the brand or model. SMI distributors have found this to be a significant advantage in providing more responsive service and support to their customers.

In actual operation, the data files created with IntelliPost's configuration utility are combined with a run-time executable module (b, c, d & e). The run-time module's function is to interpret the CL file (CAD/CAM output) and to alter the APT-like commands into a specific MCD format. For additional flexibility, the run-time modules can be licensed individually, without the configuration utility. With holding the configuration utility prohibits the end-user from creating additional postprocessors or modifying existing data files (postprocessors). Run-time licenses may be purchased two ways: (a) for use with one single data file or for use with multiple data files.

If your end-users have personnel who are experienced in the development of postprocessors or the end-users have a sufficient number of machine tools to warrant the training expense, a full license for IntelliPost will be the most cost effective postprocessor solution. For end-users with just a few machine tools, the run-time option is usually more economical. With the run-time option, your own staff would develop the postprocessor data files and provide support. As an alternative service, SMI can also provide postprocessor development. This is internally called "Custom postprocessors." This is where SMI develops the data file from specifications provided by your staff. Under this option, SMI will assume the development responsibilities. However, it is most important that SMI receive clear and adequate specifications in order to maintain its standards of high quality.

IntelliPost is used by over 5,000 firms worldwide today making it the most successful and most widely used postprocessor system. SMI estimates that approximately 100,000 machine tools are supported with output created from IntelliPost. Due to the popularity of IntelliPost, an active user's group has been meeting annually since 1988. This group assists SMI in formulating the development direction to maintain IntelliPost as the most widely used postprocessor development system in the world today. Choosing IntelliPost means that you have chosen the most productive solution for obtaining MCD information from CAD/CAM systems.

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