Mach 2/3 post processor multiple toolpaths to 1 file?

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Len-Tikular
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 415
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2010 11:27 am
Model of CNC Machine: Home made revision 3
Location: Denholm Scotland.

Mach 2/3 post processor multiple toolpaths to 1 file?

Post by Len-Tikular »

I use Aspire 10.515
My installed post processor won't allow me to save all toolpaths to one file because the PP does not allow for Tool changing.
I'm selecting Mach 2/3 Arc MM TXT
I'm running Mach4 on my router.

After all these years where have I gone wrong. I'm forgotten something somewhere. Or I'm just being daft.
Is there and update ? If so where, and how do I install it.

Many thanks
Len-Tikular (A glider pilots dream cloud)

Aspire 10.5
Mach4 Hobby
Ess Smoothstepper + C11g+C10s

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adze_cnc
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Model of CNC Machine: AXYZ 4008
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada

Re: Mach 2/3 post processor multiple toolpaths to 1 file?

Post by adze_cnc »

So many questions that need to be asked that could be prevented with a little up-front information:
  1. Do you have an automatic tool changer (ATC)? If so, post-processor is not an ATC one.
  2. Are all the tool numbers different for each tool? If so, a vanilla post-processor without ATC wouldn’t allow as you might see.
  3. Are all the tool numbers the same for each tool? If so, it is weird that you can’t save all to one file. Can you provide a screenshot of the save dialog?
  4. Some folks, like Adrian, have control software that has “macros” that can be inserted into the post processor that can initiate a manual tool change as if it were an ATC. I expect the post processor has to be told that it is an ATC type even when it’s not.

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Len-Tikular
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 415
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2010 11:27 am
Model of CNC Machine: Home made revision 3
Location: Denholm Scotland.

Re: Mach 2/3 post processor multiple toolpaths to 1 file?

Post by Len-Tikular »

Thanks for the reply, I should have selected Mach3 ATC Arcs MM. that works for me.

Cheers

George.
Len-Tikular (A glider pilots dream cloud)

Aspire 10.5
Mach4 Hobby
Ess Smoothstepper + C11g+C10s

spyderxxx
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Location: Cambridge Ontario

Re: Mach 2/3 post processor multiple toolpaths to 1 file?

Post by spyderxxx »

I use mach2/3 ATC arc in (*txt) for a post processor with no ATC. I think the only chande
I made in Mach 3 was
In config :General :Stop spindle and wait for cycle start.
This is in top left of page.
Also in Vectric when you save file there is a check box to save multiple tool paths in one file.

Hope this helps

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Len-Tikular
Vectric Wizard
Posts: 415
Joined: Sat Feb 13, 2010 11:27 am
Model of CNC Machine: Home made revision 3
Location: Denholm Scotland.

Re: Mach 2/3 post processor multiple toolpaths to 1 file?

Post by Len-Tikular »

Cheers Spyder
Len-Tikular (A glider pilots dream cloud)

Aspire 10.5
Mach4 Hobby
Ess Smoothstepper + C11g+C10s

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