Using Mach3 as a post processor

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jbrunot01
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Joined: Thu Aug 18, 2016 9:30 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Pilot Pro

Using Mach3 as a post processor

Post by jbrunot01 »

Does anybody know what the difference is between:

M2/3 ATC and M2/3 (no ATC) ??

Getting ready to test my trial version of VC Pro 8.5...

Not sure if I should send the paths to the M3 Post Processor labeled with the "ATC" or not...

Thanks,

Jeff Brunot
Marietta Georgia

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dwilli9013
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Re: Using Mach3 as a post processor

Post by dwilli9013 »

ATC just denotes Automatic Tool Changer Just pick whichever pertains to your set-up.
D-Dub
Dwayne
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jbrunot01
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Joined: Thu Aug 18, 2016 9:30 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Pilot Pro

Re: Using Mach3 as a post processor

Post by jbrunot01 »

Automatic Tool Changer -

Never-mind... I've discovered what that means now...

I don't have an Automatic Tool Changer, so I wont be selecting that option for my M3 Post Processor.

Thanks fellas

Jeff Brunot

ger21
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Re: Using Mach3 as a post processor

Post by ger21 »

You don't need an automatic tool changer to use the atc post.
The difference is that the atc post processor adds an M6 tool change command when your g-code uses multiple tools.
Many people have Mach3 stop on the M6 to manually change tools.
Gerry - http://www.thecncwoodworker.com

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martin54
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Re: Using Mach3 as a post processor

Post by martin54 »

As ger21 says you don't need to have an automatic tool changer to use that post processor, it means you can save your toolpaths all to one file & then load them into mach3 as one job rather than each toolpath for each different tool individually.
I don't actually have mach3 set up that way myself but know quite a few people who have. Just one of those things that is on my list of things to do & I never seem to get round to.... one day though.... :lol: :lol:

jbrunot01
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Joined: Thu Aug 18, 2016 9:30 pm
Model of CNC Machine: Pilot Pro

Re: Using Mach3 as a post processor

Post by jbrunot01 »

Thanks guys. Using M6 to stop the machine while I change the tool seems good.

Jeff

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