Mach3 post processors

Post by **wcarrothers** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 9:14 pm

can some one tell me the difference between the mach3 post processors and when to choose one over another

I relize that the ATC ones are the ones that insert tool change commands but what is the difference between
the Mach2_3_Arcs_inch.pp

and non Arcs versions Mach2_3_ATC_inch.pp
Mach2_3_ATC_Arcs_inch.pp

Thanks

b.

Post by **Tony Mac** » Tue Jan 23, 2007 9:59 pm

Hi b.

Good question.

All 3 postp's are essentially the same and will work with Mach3.

As we released newer versions of the software the postp's were updated
to initially include ATC commands followed by the G2 & G3 Arc output. To
play safe we left the older versions in the software - just in case any
problems surfaced when the software was released for customer use.

We are pretty confident that the ATC and Arc commands work for Mach3
so the older versions will be removed in the next release of the software.

I hope this makes sense,

Tony

Post by **wcarrothers** » Wed Jan 24, 2007 3:55 pm

so best to use the ATC arc or standard arc version rather then then ACT only one..

Wondering if the cut results using the ARC versions are better or some how there is an advantage cutting turns (ie arc's) with the commands that post uses?

I've used all 3 so far I think and don't really notice a difference other then maybe an effect in the feed speed override not working but I have not narrowed that down to being this or something else..

Guess I'm really more thinking of the mechanics of the differences which I guess isn't something I really need to know but am curious. For example why does the tool path view in mach put arc circles on it self which look like it represents the start point for a given cut. Just looks weird I guess..

b.