[jevs]

Anyone have a proper Mach 4 post processor?

I can only find Mach 3 and I have read there are some differences and possibly some things Mach 4 might not like from a Mach 3 post.

Or, that a Mach3 post may lose some capability that Mach4 can do.

[machinehop5]

...I assume you have been here https://bobcad.com/support/post-processors/

[jevs]

...I assume you have been here https://bobcad.com/support/post-processors/

Yes. I requested a Mach 4 post. We will see. However there is not one to download.

[The Engine Guy]

@jevs

Try the attached PP, as Mach3/4 is a Fanuc based control software this is a slightly modified "3x_Fanuc Generic" Post Processor that I did and works here, it may need some "tweaking" to suit your actual machine, for example if you have a Router/Mill that has no Homing switches then the G53 commands will need removing.



Anyway, give it a go and post back how it runs for you

P.S. Apologies, forgot to attach the PP

Regards
Rob

[jevs]

Thanks!
I do have homing and limit switches. I also run soft limits.
I also have a 7 tool changer, 3D probe, and tool height setter.
Anything else you recommend looking at with this before I use it?
I have not edited a post processor before, so I would have to do some research and reading to mod it properly myself.
I have also not used BobCAM in a long time (or any CAM), and I only made a couple parts back then. So I need a total refresher....

[The Engine Guy]

@jevs

Sounds like a reasonable setup, the probing and tool setting is as you will already know is built into Mach4, just a case of learning them. I personally don`t run Soft Limits if I am running with Homing and Limit switches but each to their own.
Here is a link to an Artsoft video that may help you as a "refresher"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aRifYB70Mc

The tool changing bit is a lot more involved depending on the type of Automatic Tool Changer you have on the machine, what type is it ?
If your tool changer has all the required switches/solenoids/motor etc, etc then you can have a go at creating an m6atc macro that will do it all automatically and even touch off and set your tool length offsets as well, here is a link to a very good thread on the Artsoft Forum that is specifically aimed at Mach4.
https://www.machsupport.com/forum/in...?topic=25198.0

If you want a system where the macro will just move your machine to a preset position where you can manually change the tool and then the macro will do a tool length offset and then automatically carry on running G code and cutting the next operation with the new tool. Here is a link to an Artsoft Video on You tube that shows you exactly how to do it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-4JkDv9AgM

Have fun and good luck

Regards
Rob

[jevs]

Oh, I already have the Mach 4 stuff all done. I spent a ton of time learning LUA stuff......was pretty painful and required some forum help, but it seems like you can really do a lot with Mach4. I also had to do a some electronic mods to go from Mach3. The pokeys that was in my Machmotion controller would not work with Mach 4. I also integrated new computer parts into the cabinet etc. I am basically ready to start working the machine now, I just have to get up to speed on the CAM.

[The Engine Guy]

@jevs

Sounds like you are "good to go", the CAM is just another learning curve

Regards
Rob