Autodesk PartMaker

User Guide
ConfigPost
Contents
Welcome to ConfigPost help 1
Basic and multi-axis postprocessors 2
Understanding Distribution and Non-Distribution
Post files 3
Getting Started with ConfigPost 4
Relevant PartMaker concepts ................................................................................5
PartMaker applications ..................................................................................6
Process Table ................................................................................................ 6
Generating NC programs...............................................................................7
Faces and machining functions .....................................................................7
Overview of synchronization modes .............................................................8
Importance of the cut-off process ..................................................................9
Material Control Processes overview ..........................................................10
Starting ConfigPost from within PartMaker..........................................................12
Starting ConfigPost as a standalone application .................................................13
Understanding the ConfigPost screen layout ......................................................14

ConfigPost Overview 15
Introduction to postprocessing .............................................................................16
What you can do with ConfigPost ........................................................................17
How does ConfigPost work? ................................................................................18

NC Program Output in PartMaker 21

Milling process output ...........................................................................................22
Drilling process output, Rotary tool ......................................................................23
Drilling process output, Fixed tool ........................................................................24
Turning process output .........................................................................................25
Handling of EDM processes in PartMaker ...........................................................26

Material Control Processes (MCPs) 27

NC Program output for MCPs ..............................................................................29
MCPs for PartMaker/Turn and Turn-Mill .............................................................. 30
MCP (Rechuck) for PartMaker/SwissCAM ..........................................................31

Autodesk PartMaker Contents • i

Reserved Words 32
Using reserved words in ConfigPost ....................................................................32
Numeric reserved words ..............................................................................32
String reserved words ..................................................................................33
Using the Prefix Characters $ and @..........................................................33
Using modality for string and numeric variables .........................................33
Logical and System Reserved Words .........................................................34

Program formats 36
Program Format Structure....................................................................................37
Rules for Process Header Formats ............................................................. 39

Menus 42
File menu ..............................................................................................................43
New ..............................................................................................................43
Open .............................................................................................................43
Save .............................................................................................................43
Save As ........................................................................................................43
Print Window ................................................................................................ 43
Import WRI File ............................................................................................ 43
Export WRI File ............................................................................................ 43
Compare Files .............................................................................................. 44
Recent Files List...........................................................................................44
Exit ................................................................................................................45
Edit menu ..............................................................................................................45
Undo .............................................................................................................45
Redo .............................................................................................................45
Cut ................................................................................................................45
Copy .............................................................................................................45
Paste ............................................................................................................46
Select All ......................................................................................................46
Find ...............................................................................................................46
Replace ........................................................................................................48
Insert .............................................................................................................49
Display Control ............................................................................................. 50
Settings menu .......................................................................................................53
Target Application ........................................................................................53
Machine Settings .........................................................................................53
User Data Names ........................................................................................53
Variables Names ..........................................................................................53
Procedure Names ........................................................................................53
Advanced Customization .............................................................................54
Sub-Spindle Info...........................................................................................55
Tools Info ......................................................................................................55
Multi Coolant Info .........................................................................................55
Faces Info.....................................................................................................55
Channels, Tool Moving in Z .........................................................................56

ii • Contents User Guide

 Channels, Tool Stationary in Z ....................................................................56
Internal Data .................................................................................................56
Configure Mill menu .............................................................................................. 57
NC File Header/Footer Formats ..................................................................57
Process Header/Footer Formats .................................................................58
Motion Formats ............................................................................................ 59
Subprograms Related Formats ...................................................................61
Canned Cycle Formats ................................................................................63
Procedure Formats ......................................................................................65
Modes, Moving Stock ..................................................................................65
Modes, Stationary Stock ..............................................................................65
General Information .....................................................................................65
Preparatory Functions .................................................................................65
Words Information ........................................................................................66
Configure Turn menu............................................................................................ 66
NC File Header/Footer Formats ..................................................................66
Process Header/Footer Formats .................................................................67
Motion Formats ............................................................................................ 69
Canned Cycles ............................................................................................. 70
Other Formats .............................................................................................. 74
Procedure Formats ......................................................................................74
Modes, Moving Stock ..................................................................................74
Modes, Stationary Stock ..............................................................................74
General Information .....................................................................................75
Preparatory Functions .................................................................................75
Words Information ........................................................................................75
Configure EDM menu ...........................................................................................75
NC File Header/Footer Formats ..................................................................75
Process Header/Footer Formats .................................................................76
Motion Formats ............................................................................................ 77
Procedure Formats ......................................................................................79
General Information .....................................................................................79
Preparatory Functions .................................................................................79
Words Information ........................................................................................79
Window menu .......................................................................................................80
Close All .......................................................................................................80
Cascade .......................................................................................................80
Tile ................................................................................................................80
Help menu .............................................................................................................81
Help Topics ..................................................................................................81
What's this? ..................................................................................................81
About ............................................................................................................85

Right-click context menus 86

Right-click context menu on the editor.................................................................86
Right-click context menu on the list of the reserved words .................................88

Dialogs 89

Autodesk PartMaker Contents • iii

 Advanced Customization dialog ...........................................................................89
Channels, Tool Moving in Z dialog.......................................................................90
Channels, Tool Stationary in Z dialog ..................................................................91
Comments dialog ..................................................................................................92
Compare Files dialog............................................................................................ 94
Multi Coolant Info dialog .......................................................................................95
Create Non-Distribution Post File ........................................................................96
Define Target Application dialog ..........................................................................97
Faces Info dialog ..................................................................................................98
General Information dialog ...................................................................................98
General Information dialog - Mill .................................................................98
General Information dialog - Turn .............................................................103
General Information dialog - WireEDM .....................................................105
Insert Word dialog...............................................................................................107
Internal Data dialog ............................................................................................108
Machine Settings dialog .....................................................................................109
Open Distribution Post File.................................................................................110
Preparatory Functions dialog .............................................................................111
Preparatory Functions dialog - Mill ............................................................111
Preparatory Functions dialog - Turn ..........................................................112
Preparatory Functions dialog - WireEDM .................................................114
Procedure Names dialog ....................................................................................116
Procedure Names dialog - Mill ..................................................................116
Procedure Names dialog - Turn ................................................................116
Procedure Names dialog - WireEDM ........................................................117
Post File Differences dialog ...............................................................................118
Tools Info dialog .................................................................................................120
User Data Names dialog ....................................................................................121
Variables Names dialog .....................................................................................123
Words Information dialog ...................................................................................124
Words Information dialog - Mill ..................................................................124
Words Information dialog - Turn ................................................................126
Words Information dialog - EDM ...............................................................127

Advanced Features 129

Assigning Values to Reserved Words ...............................................................130
Explanation Lines ...............................................................................................130
Using ConfigPost’s File Handling Features .......................................................131
Separating Lines Into Specific Files ...................................................................133
Example - How to create a Tool List using the Split/Merge feature .........133
Using variables ...................................................................................................136
Assigning names to variables ....................................................................136
Assigning values to variables ....................................................................136
Inserting variables ......................................................................................137
Using the <include> reserved word ...................................................................137
Example – Using the <include> reserved word ........................................137
Performing Math Operations ..............................................................................139
Using Mathematical Functions ..................................................................140
Using Negative Values ..............................................................................140

iv • Contents User Guide

 Using Procedures ...............................................................................................141
Assigning Names to Procedures ...............................................................141
Example - Defining Procedures .................................................................142
Calling Procedures.....................................................................................143
Using the <prompt> reserved word....................................................................144
Example 1 - Using <prompt> to output text strings ..................................144
Example 2 - Using <prompt> to perform calculations ..............................145
Using User Data - User Conditions and User Parameters................................145
Using User Data to insert tool stops at the end of a process ...................145
Import / Export WRI Files ...................................................................................148
How to Create a WRI File ..........................................................................148
How to Load WRI File ................................................................................148
Structure of a WRI File ..............................................................................148

ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM 149

Channels Overview ............................................................................................150
Error checking in PartMaker ...............................................................................151
Error checking for modes...........................................................................151
Error checking for Faces............................................................................152
Error checking for tool posts ......................................................................153
Using ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM .................................................153
How each Process is handled by ConfigPost for Turn-Mill ......................154
How each Process is handled by ConfigPost for SwissCAM ...................155
Differentiating Between Turning and Milling Processes ...........................155
Using Different Milling Face Types ...........................................................156
Programming Milling Processes with X-Oriented Tools ...........................157
Using Motion Formats with X-Oriented Tools ...........................................157
Rules for Program Start, Tool Change, and Process Start with X-Oriented
Tools ...........................................................................................................158
Main and Sub-Spindle File Handling .........................................................159
Synchronization Modes .............................................................................160
Configuring a post processor to support imported PowerMill toolpaths ...........162

PartMaker Post Configuration files 167

Post Library - Milling, Standard Table ................................................................168
Post Library - Milling, 4-axis Rotary Table .........................................................180
Post Library - Milling, 5-axis Rotary Table .........................................................182
Post Library - Milling, Tombstone ......................................................................184

Post Library - Turning 185

Post Library - WireEDM ......................................................................................187

Using Config-By-Click 188

Enabling Config-by-Click in PartMaker ..............................................................189
Creating a Non-Distribution Post file for use with Config-by-Click....................190
Using Config-by-Click to modify a Post file ........................................................191

Autodesk PartMaker Contents • v

 Automatically reloading customized Post files in PartMaker ............................194

ASCII Codes 195

Autodesk Legal Notice 196

vi • Contents User Guide

Welcome to ConfigPost
help

Welcome to the ConfigPost help. Use this document to find out how
to use ConfigPost.
If you are unfamiliar with using Windows, you can access help about
Windows by clicking Start > Help and Support in Windows.

Autodesk PartMaker Welcome to ConfigPost help • 1

Basic and multi-axis
postprocessors

Basic postprocessors are used by:

▪ PartMaker/Mill
▪ PartMaker/Turn
▪ PartMaker/WireEDM.
Multi-axis postprocessors are used by:
▪ PartMaker/Turn-Mill
▪ PartMaker/SwissCAM.

2 • Basic and multi-axis postprocessors User Guide

Understanding
Distribution and Non-
Distribution Post files

Autodesk provides two types of Post files:

▪ Distribution Post files — These files are distributed and
maintained by Autodesk for all PartMaker customers. Only
Autodesk can customize Distribution Post files.
All the Post files supplied with an initial PartMaker/SwissCAM and
PartMaker/Turn-Mill installation are Distribution Post files.
▪ Non-Distribution Post files — These files contain customer-specific
information and cannot be redistributed to other customers.
Autodesk may have created a Non-Distribution Post file
specifically for your organization or you may be able to save a
Distribution Post file as a Non-Distribution Post file, which you
can then customize.
When you have created a Non-Distribution Post file, you can modify
it as often as you wish using PartMaker's ConfigPost program.

Autodesk PartMaker Understanding Distribution and Non-Distribution Post files • 3

Getting Started with
ConfigPost

This section describes how to get started using ConfigPost. It

contains details about:
▪ relevant PartMaker concepts (see page 4).
▪ launching ConfigPost from within PartMaker (see page 11).
▪ starting ConfigPost as a standalone application (see page 12).

4 • Getting Started with ConfigPost User Guide

 Relevant PartMaker concepts
This section describes the PartMaker concepts that are important
when using ConfigPost:
▪ PartMaker Applications (see page 5)
▪ Process Table (see page 6)
▪ NC Program Generation (see page 6)
▪ Faces and Machining Functions (see page 7)
▪ Synchronization Modes Overview (see page 8)
▪ Importance of the Cut-off Process (see page 8)
▪ Material Control Processes Overview (see page 9)

Autodesk PartMaker Getting Started with ConfigPost • 5

 PartMaker applications
There are five PartMaker applications:
▪ PartMaker/Mill
▪ PartMaker/Turn
▪ PartMaker/WireEDM
▪ PartMaker/Turn-Mill
▪ PartMaker/SwissCAM

Process Table
To generate a Process Table in PartMaker, select Job Optimizer >
Generate Process Table after you have created groups of part
features. The Process Table enables you to view all the processes
that are required to machine your part.
The following image shows a Process Table for PartMaker/Turn.

6 • Getting Started with ConfigPost User Guide

 Generating NC programs
To generate an NC program in PartMaker, select Job Optimizer >
Generate NC Program.
PartMaker converts the Process Table into CNC machine code,
process by process. The process of generating CNC machine code is
often called post processing.

Faces and machining functions

All PartMaker applications use the concept of Multiple Faces
Programming (MFP).
PartMaker/Mill (with the 4-axis and 5-axis option), PartMaker/Turn-
Mill, and PartMaker/SwissCAM assign a Machining Function to every
face as shown below.

The choice of Machining Function significantly affects a Post file's

structure, as discussed in Using different milling face types (see
page 156).

Autodesk PartMaker Getting Started with ConfigPost • 7

 Overview of synchronization modes
The following image shows a Process Table for
PartMaker/SwissCAM, which contains synchronization modes.

Synchronization modes are supported only by multi-axis

postprocessors.
Using synchronization modes is the most critical aspect of
developing postprocessors for PartMaker/Turn-Mill and
PartMaker/SwissCAM. To learn how to use synchronization modes
correctly, see Synchronization Modes (see page 160).

8 • Getting Started with ConfigPost User Guide

 Importance of the cut-off process
The following information applies only to multi-axis
postprocessors for PartMaker/SwissCAM and PartMaker/Turn-
Mill.
The cut-off process and the tool used by this process, called the
cut-off tool, play a special role during postprocessing for machines
equipped with a sub-spindle.
The G and M codes used during the cut-off process for the
orientation and transfer of the part vary significantly from one
machine to another.
Additionally, in PartMaker/SwissCAM the parameters of the cut-off
tool are used in the Collet Re-Chuck format (see page 66) that is
called prior to machining.
The following example shows how a cut-off process (Process 06) is
displayed in the Process Table for PartMaker/SwissCAM.

Autodesk PartMaker Getting Started with ConfigPost • 9

 Material Control Processes overview
Material Control Processes (MCPs) are used by PartMaker/Turn,
PartMaker/Turn-Mill, and PartMaker/SwissCAM.

10 • Getting Started with ConfigPost User Guide

 This following image shows an example of a Material Control
Process for PartMaker/Turn called Pull with Front Gripper (Process
P10):

This following image shows an example of a Material Control

Process for PartMaker/SwissCAM called Rechuck (Process P13):

Autodesk PartMaker Getting Started with ConfigPost • 11

 Starting ConfigPost from within
PartMaker
To start ConfigPost from within PartMaker, select Job Optimizer >
Configure Post Processor.
If you choose Configure Post Processor from within:
▪ PartMaker/Mill, ConfigPost opens with the Target Application set
to PartMaker/Mill.
▪ PartMaker/Turn, ConfigPost opens with the Target Application set
to PartMaker/Turn.
▪ PartMaker/WireEDM, ConfigPost opens with Target Application set
to PartMaker/WireEDM.
▪ PartMaker/Turn-Mill, ConfigPost opens with the Target Application
set to PartMaker/Turn-Mill.
▪ PartMaker/SwissCAM, ConfigPost opens with the Target
Application set to PartMaker/SwissCAM.

12 • Getting Started with ConfigPost User Guide

 Starting ConfigPost as a standalone
application
If you start ConfigPost as standalone application outside of
PartMaker, then the default Target Application (see page 53) is set
according to the name of the ConfigPost application as it appears in
the \exec subfolder of your PartMaker installation folder.
For example:
conf-m.exe sets the target application to PartMaker/Mill
conf-t.exe sets the target application to PartMaker/Turn
conf-e.exe sets the target application to PartMaker/WireEDM
conf-tm.exe sets the target application to PartMaker/Turn-Mill
conf-sw.exe sets the target application to PartMaker/SwissCAM
If the ConfigPost filename is changed and does not match any of the
above names, then the Target Application is set to
PartMaker/SwissCAM.

Autodesk PartMaker Getting Started with ConfigPost • 13

 Understanding the ConfigPost screen
layout
The following image shows the different areas of the screen you use
to edit or create a Post file:

ConfigPost menus (see page 42).

ConfigPost toolbar buttons, which gives quick access to
commonly used menu options (see page 42).
List of reserved words (see page 32).
Tabs to display different types of reserved words (see page 32).
Program Format (see page 36) area.

14 • Getting Started with ConfigPost User Guide

ConfigPost Overview

This section provides an overview of ConfigPost:

▪ Introduction to post processing (see page 15)
▪ What you can do with ConfigPost (see page 16)
▪ How does ConfigPost work? (see page 18)

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost Overview • 15

 Introduction to postprocessing
The process of generating an NC Program for a specific CNC
machine is called postprocessing.
Many CAM systems generate what is known as a CL file (Cutter
Location file). Such CAM systems convert this CL file into a G-code
program for a selected CNC machine by running a collection of
computer programs called postprocessors.
PartMaker bypasses the intermediate step of generating CL-Data; it
generates CNC programs when the you select Generate NC Program
from PartMaker’s Job Optimizer menu. Since formats of CNC
programs vary from machine to machine PartMaker needs to know
the program format structure for every specific machine.
The CNC machine-specific program structure is described using the
ConfigPost application and its description is stored in a file that the
ConfigPost application produces. This file is called Post Processor
Configuration File, usually abbreviated as Post Config file, Post
Processor, or most commonly, to Post File.

16 • ConfigPost Overview User Guide

 What you can do with ConfigPost
ConfigPost enables you to create and save custom post processor
configuration files for the CNC machine you select to machine a
part. This process is often referred to as configuring a
postprocessor.
Machine tool manufacturers use a variety of CNC program
standards, but ConfigPost gives you the freedom to configure a
postprocessor for virtually any CNC.
Postprocessor configuration files commonly use .PST as a file
extension. For example, FANUC.PST is a postprocessor
configuration file for a machine equipped with a Fanuc control.

CNC Lathes equipped with a sub-spindle require two Post

files: one with the extension .PST and one with the extension
.SUB, for example, T42.PST and T42.SUB. When working with
ConfigPost you open either a .PST file or a .SUB file. When you
are working with PartMaker and select Post Config File from
PartMaker’s Job Optimizer menu, both files are opened at
once.

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost Overview • 17

 How does ConfigPost work?
After customizing a Post file for your CNC, you can generate a part
program to machine any part using the Generate NC Program
command in PartMaker’s Job Optimizer menu. The data in the
Process Table you create in PartMaker is converted into an NC
program according to the format information in the Post file.
This image shows how a Post file you create in ConfigPost and a
Process Table you create in PartMaker are used together to create a
final part program for your CNC machine.

A Post file created in ConfigPost is used by PartMaker as a template

to format the Process Table you create in PartMaker. This template
consists of program formats (see page 36), such as Program Start,
Linear Move, and Tool Change, which determine the appearance of a
part program for a specific CNC.
Each program format uses letter address characters such as X and Y
and reserved words (see page 32) such as <x-coord> and <y-
coord> to indicate the sequence of data in each program format
block. These letter address characters and reserved words
determine how a Process Table is converted into a CNC part
program.

18 • ConfigPost Overview User Guide

 Program formats (see page 36) are filled when PartMaker generates
an NC program. Reserved words in the Post file are substituted by
their corresponding values and machine tool codes (called G and M
codes) from the Process Table. The resulting part program is a text
file that you can send to your CNC machine to machine a part.
Look at this sample data of a tool that will make two moves:
Linear Move to X=2.5 in Y=1.5 in Z=-0.5 in Feedrate=10
in/min
Linear Move to X=3.5 in Y=1.5 in Z=-0.5 in Feedrate=10
in/min
The final part program for these two moves would look like this:
N25G1X2.5Y1.5Z-0.5F10.0
N30G1X3.5Y1.5Z-0.5F10.0
Most CNC machines use a concept of modality to avoid redundant
data in a part program. The same coordinates and/or commands do
not need to be repeated in the part program. For such machines,
redundant moves as in the previous example can be reduced to the
following:
N25G1X2.5Y1.5Z-0.5F10
N30X3.5
In order to facilitate the output shown in the previous example, the
Linear Move Format (see page 60) you specify in ConfigPost would
look like:
{N <seq>}{<motion>}{X <x-coord>} {Y <y-coord>} {Z <z-
coord>} {F <feed-upm>} <eob>
The table below shows how PartMaker extracts all coordinate data
from the Process Table and the format of the line from the Post file,
then the corresponding values are substituted to generate each line
in the resulting part program.
{N {<motio {X <x- {Y <y- {Z <z- {F <feed- <eob>
<seq>} n>} coord> coord>} coord>} upm>}
}
N 25 G1 X 2.5 Y 1.5 Z -0.5 F 10.0 <CR>

As shown in the table, you enter letter address characters N, X, Y,

and Z as literals in each program format block of a Post file; they
appear in the final part program file exactly as they appear in the
program format block. Reserved words such as <seq> and <motion>
identify the placement of corresponding values or strings in each
program format block.

Each program format definition can include multiple lines, but

each line must end with <eob>.

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost Overview • 19

 Program formats determine the structure of a part program for a
specific CNC machine as shown in the previous illustration, the
example of a linear move format. For each process in a Process
Table PartMaker converts program formats into lines of text by
replacing reserved words with their corresponding values from the
Process Table.
▪ In the table, <x-coord>, <y-coord>, and <z-coord> are
numeric reserved words that represent X, Y, and Z axis
coordinates.
▪ <motion> is a string reserved word representing a type of
motion (Rapid or Linear for example).
▪ <feed-upm> is a numeric reserved word representing the feed
rate value in Units Per Revolution (UPM) for the line of code in
the part program.
▪ <eob> is a string reserved word representing the end of a
block (line) of code in a part program.
▪ The brackets { } are used as modality delimiters in program
formats.
Using modality reduces the overall length of a part program -
repeated coordinates and/or commands are automatically stripped
from the final part program to prevent repetition of a reserved word
whose value is the same as the previous occurrence of that word.

When modality delimiters are used with the {<seq>} reserved

word, PartMaker will strip all sequence numbers from the part
program during program generation. This is accomplished by
specifying 0 for the "Block Increment" number in PartMaker’s
Post Options dialog for PartMaker/Mill, PartMaker/Turn and
PartMaker/WireEDM.

20 • ConfigPost Overview User Guide

NC Program Output in
PartMaker

The following diagram shows the steps taken by the NC Program:

Autodesk PartMaker NC Program Output in PartMaker • 21

Milling process output
These steps explain how PartMaker outputs an NC program for a
milling process.
The first step is to output a Process Header Format (see page 39) as
the following:
The Program Start Format is output if a given process is the first
process in the Process Table, otherwise, if a tool used in a given
process needs to be activated and brought into position to begin
cutting, the Tool Change Format is output, otherwise the Process
Start Format is output.

Milling Process Output Steps:

1 Process Header Format:
Program Start Format or
Tool Change Format or
Process Start Format
Process Header Formats contain tool and spindle related
information such as Tool Number, Spindle Speed, Work Offset.
2 Rapid Move Format (Tool moves to the Clearance plane)
In PartMaker/Turn-Mill and PartMaker/SwissCAM this Rapid Move
Format will be output for the following faces: Mill XY Plane, Mill
ZY Plane, Mill End Index, Mill Diameter Index, Mill End Polar, Mill
Cylinder. It will not be output for Mill ZX Plane, Mill Diam Polar,
Mill Polygon.
3 Motion Formats:
Linear Move Formats and/or
Circular Move Formats and/or
Rapid Move Formats
Motion Formats are used to output the toolpath information into
NC Program File.

Motion Formats will be replaced by a Subprogram Call

Format if subprograms are enabled in PartMaker/Mill.
4 Rapid Move Format (Tool moves to the Clearance plane)
In PartMaker/Turn-Mill and PartMaker/SwissCAM this Rapid Move
Format will be output for the following faces: Mill XY Plane, Mill
ZY Plane, Mill End Index, Mill Diameter Index, Mill End Polar, Mill
Cylinder. It will not be output for Mill ZX Plane, Mill Diam Polar,
Mill Polygon.

22 • NC Program Output in PartMaker User Guide

 5 Process End Format.

Drilling process output, Rotary tool

These steps explain how PartMaker outputs an NC program for a
drilling process (as well as for any other hole making process such
as tapping, reaming, and so on) using a live rotary tool.
The first step is to output a Process Header Format as follows:
The Program Start Format (see page 39) is output if a given process
is the first process in the Process Table, otherwise if a tool used in a
given process needs to be activated and brought into position to
being cutting, the Tool Change Format is output, otherwise the
Process Start Format is output.

Drilling Process Output Steps (rotary tool, milling face):

1 Process Header Format:
Program Start Format or
Tool Change Format or
Process Start Format
Process Header Formats contain tool and spindle related
information such as Tool Number, Spindle Speed, Work offset.
2 Rapid Move Format (Tool moves to the Clearance plane)
3 Canned Cycle Format
4 Move to Hole Location Formats
Move to Hole Location Format is used to output the holes'
locations into NC Program File.

Move to Hole Location Format will be replaced by a

Subprogram Call Format if subprograms are enabled in
PartMaker/Mill.
5 Canned Cycle Cancel Format.
6 Process End Format.

Autodesk PartMaker NC Program Output in PartMaker • 23

 Drilling process output, Fixed tool
These steps explain how PartMaker outputs an NC program for a
drilling process (as well as for any other hole making process such
as tapping, reaming, etc.) using a fixed tool making an axial hole on
a turning face.
The first step is to output a Process Header Format as the following:
The Program Start Format (see page 39) is output if a given process
is the first process in the Process Table, otherwise, if a tool used in
a given process needs to be activated and brought into position to
begin cutting, the Tool Change Format is output, otherwise the
Process Start Format is output.

Drilling Process Output Steps (fixed tool, turning face):

1 Process Header Format:
Program Start Format or
Tool Change Format or
Process Start Format
Process Header Formats contain tool and spindle related
information such as Tool Number, Spindle Speed, Work offset.
2 Rapid Move Format (Tool moves to the Clearance plane.
3 Canned Cycle Format.

Canned Cycle Format can be replaced by Linear Move

Formats and Rapid Move Formats if the canned cycle option
is not checked in the Process Parameters dialog for a given
process.
4 Process End Format.

24 • NC Program Output in PartMaker User Guide

 Turning process output
These steps explain how PartMaker outputs an NC program for
a turning process in the Process Table.
The first step is to output a Process Header Format as the following:
The Program Start Format (see page 38) is output if a given process
is the first process in the Process Table, otherwise, if a tool used in
a given process needs to be activated and brought into position to
begin cutting, the Tool Change Format is output, otherwise the
Process Start Format is output.

Turning Process Output Steps:

1 Process Header Format:
Program Start Format or
Tool Change Format or
Process Start Format
Process Header Formats contain tool and spindle related
information such as Tool Number, Spindle Speed, Work offset.
2 Canned Cycle Format (optional)
3 Motion Formats:
Linear Move Formats and/or
Circular Move Formats and/or
Rapid Move Formats and/or
Thread Move Formats
Motion Formats are used to output the toolpath information into
an NC Program File.
4 Process End

Some turning processes fall into category of Material Control

Processes and they are handled as described in the section
Handling Material Control Processes.

Autodesk PartMaker NC Program Output in PartMaker • 25

 Handling of EDM processes in
PartMaker
PartMaker outputs an NC program for an EDM process in the
Process Table as follows:
1 Process Header Format:
Program Start Format or
Process Start Format
The Program Start Format (see page 41) is output if a given
process is the first process in the Process Table, otherwise the
Process Start Format is output.
Process Header Formats contain machine-specific setup
information.
2 Motion Formats:
Linear Move Formats and/or
Circular Move Formats and/or
Rapid Move Formats and/or
XY UV Move Formats (for 4-axis)
Motion Formats are used to output the toolpath information into
an NC Program File.
3 Process End.

26 • NC Program Output in PartMaker User Guide

Material Control
Processes (MCPs)

A Material Control Process (MCP) can be used for PartMaker/Turn,

PartMaker/Turn-Mill, and PartMaker/SwissCAM applications.
There are two categories of Material Control Processes:
▪ Processes that use a turret tool:
BF — Bar Feed
PSG — Pull with Side Gripper
PFG — Pull with Front Gripper
RMS — Remove from Main Spindle
RSS — Remove from Sub-Spindle
▪ Processes that do not use a turret tool:
TF — Tailstock Forward
TR — Tailstock Retract
PSS — Pull with Sub-Spindle (called Rechuck in
PartMaker/SwissCAM)
TPM — Transfer Part from Main to Sub-Spindle
The String Reserved Word (see page 33) <mcp-function> specifies
a name of an MCP.
<mcp-function> can have the following values: BF, PSG, PFG, RMS,
RSS, TF, TR, PSS, TPM.
The Logical Reserved Word (see page 34) <mat-control-process>
is used to determine if the current process is a Material Control
Process.

Autodesk PartMaker Material Control Processes (MCPs) • 27

 This example checks to see if the current process is the Bar Feed
Process:
<if><mat-control-process> <then
<if><eq-string>(<mcp-function>,BF)<then>
...................
<endif>
<endif>
Other reserved words used with MCPs:
Numeric Reserved Words (see page 32) — <mcp-pull_distance>,
<mcp-total-pull>, <catcher-x>, <catcher-z>
String Reserved Word (see page 33) — <catcher-num>
<mcp-pull_distance> — Specifies the pull distance entered in
PartMaker's Material Control Process Parameters dialog.
<mcp-total-pull> — Specifies cumulative pull distance.
<catcher-x>, <catcher-z>, <catcher-num> are used with
Remove MCP (RSS, RMS) for indexing the turret from the gripper
to the part release position.

To add cumulative pull distance to all Z-coordinates, check

Add Pull Distance To Z-Coordinates in the General Info, Turn
dialog (see page 102).

28 • Material Control Processes (MCPs) User Guide

 NC Program output for MCPs
A Program Format called MCP-Action format is used to configure the
output for Material Control Processes.
Output steps for MCP not using a Turret Tool
The following step shows how PartMaker outputs an NC program for
a Material Control Process that does not use a turret tool.
1 MCP-Action (see page 70).
Output steps for MCP using a Turret Tool
The following steps describe how PartMaker outputs an NC program
for a Material Control Process that uses a turret tool.
1 Outputs a Process Header Format (see page 38) as follows:
Program Start
Tool Change
Process Start
The Program Start Format is output if a given process is the first
process in the Process Table, otherwise, if a tool used in a given
process needs to be activated and brought into position to begin
cutting, the Tool Change Format is output, otherwise the Process
Start Format is output.
2 Outputs an MCP-Action (see page 70) format.
3 Outputs a Process End (see page 69) format.

Tool positioning rules in Process Header Formats for MCP are

similar to the rules for tool positioning in turning cutting
processes, that is <x-coord>, <z-coord> of the first position
point have to be used. However, because MCP has no
toolpath, this first point (called "Position Point") is either
calculated by PartMaker or entered by the user in
PartMaker's Material Control Process Parameters dialog.

If you configure a Post File in a manner that Process Header

Formats will handle MCPs, you must use logic to avoid certain
actions not required by MCPs, for example, turning on the
spindle. Another alternative is to start every Process Header
Formats with a line <ifnot><mat-control-process><then>
and configure the MCP-Action to handle the entire MCP.

Autodesk PartMaker Material Control Processes (MCPs) • 29

 MCPs for PartMaker/Turn and Turn-Mill
Material Control Processes (see page 9) used by PartMaker/Turn:
▪ Bar Feed
▪ Pull with Side Gripper
▪ Pull with Front Gripper
▪ Tailstock Forward
▪ Tailstock Retract
Material Control Processes used by PartMaker/Turn-Mill:
▪ Bar Feed
▪ Pull with Side Gripper
▪ Pull with front Gripper
▪ Tailstock Forward
▪ Tailstock Retract
▪ Remove from Main Spindle
▪ Remove from Sub-Spindle
▪ Pull with Sub-Spindle
▪ Transfer Part from Main to Sub-Spindle
Example:
An example of an MCP-Action format (see page 70) for
HARDINGE_COBRA.pst (located in the \PM-Turn\Postlib folder with
your PartMaker User Files) is shown below:
<IF><eq-string>(<mcp-function>,PSG)<THEN>
<p02-BARPULL-FINGER><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<mcp-function>,PFG)<THEN>
<p03-BARPULL-BUSH><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<mcp-function>,BF)<THEN>
<p04-BARFEED><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<mcp-function>,TF)<THEN>
<32><32><eob>
(TAILSTOCK FORWARD)<eob>
M84<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<mcp-function>,TR)<THEN>
<32><32><eob>
(TAILSTOCK RETRACT)<eob>
M85<eob>
<ENDIF>

30 • Material Control Processes (MCPs) User Guide

 MCP (Rechuck) for
PartMaker/SwissCAM
PartMaker/SwissCAM uses only one Material Control Process (MCP),
Pull with Sub-Spindle, which is called Rechuck in
PartMaker/SwissCAM.

Do not confuse the Rechuck MCP with Collet Re-Chuck (see

page 66).
Example:
An example of MCP-Action format (see page 70) for the Citizen-M
Post File is shown below:
<IF><eq-string>(<mcp-function>,PSS)<THEN>
<p13-SET-TURN>
<IFNOT><eq-string>(<mode-sub-sp-next>,SF)<THEN>
<p21-M0SN-RECHUCK>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<mode-sub-sp-next>,SF)<THEN>
<p22-M0SF-RECHUCK>
<ENDIF>
~<v18-RECHUCK-ZR><z-coord><eob>
~<v37-PREV-MOVE-TOOL>0<eob>
~<v22-PRE-STCK-Z-POS>0<eob>
<ENDIF>

Autodesk PartMaker Material Control Processes (MCPs) • 31

Reserved Words

A reserved word is a symbol that represents a numeric value, a

string (a sequence of alphanumeric characters such as MO4), a
logical variable, or a conditional statement in a part program.

Using reserved words in ConfigPost

You define reserved words in program formats (for example, a
Linear Move) by enclosing each word with angular brackets (< >).
For example, <tool-offset> identifies a tool offset number used in
the PartMaker Tools dialog.
Additional ASCII characters used in program formats, such as X, Y,
Z, and F, specify the letter for each word address.
There are four types of reserved words used in ConfigPost:
▪ Numeric
▪ String
▪ Logical
▪ System

Numeric reserved words

Numeric reserved words are replaced by their numeric values when
PartMaker generates an NC Program. For example, the numeric
reserved word <x-coord> is replaced by the current X-axis
coordinate position.
Each numeric reserved word contains a corresponding Words
Information record to specify its output format.

32 • Reserved Words User Guide

 String reserved words
String reserved words use string values; these strings are often
assigned within ConfigPost itself.
For example, <motion> can have values such as G0, G1, G2, and
G3 that are defined in the Preparatory Functions dialog. Another
example is <date>, whose value is the current date (July-31-03 for
example).

Using the Prefix Characters $ and @

Numeric reserved words may be prefixed with a symbol such as $ or
@ (<$ name> or <@ name> for example).
▪ The $ prefix signals ConfigPost to output the previous value of a
reserved word.
▪ The @ prefix signals ConfigPost to output an incremental value
(the difference between the current value of a reserved word and
its previous value.)

Using modality for string and numeric variables

Most CNC machines use the concept of modality to avoid redundant
data, thereby reducing the overall length of a part program. The
result is that repeated coordinates or commands are automatically
stripped from the part program to prevent repeated occurrences of
a reserved word whose value is the same as the previous
occurrence of that word.
When you use modality delimiters with the <seq> reserved word,
PartMaker will strip all sequence numbers from the part program
during post processing. This is accomplished by specifying 0 for
Block Increment in PartMaker's Post Options dialog.

Never place modality delimiters around two reserved words,

otherwise neither will be recognized. For example:
{<coolant>X<x-coord>} is wrong.
To make both those words modal, use the following syntax:
{<coolant>}{X<x-coord>}

Autodesk PartMaker Reserved Words • 33

 Logical and System Reserved Words
Logical and system reserved words are used together to set up
conditional statements in a Post file. PartMaker includes or omits
certain data from a program depending on whether a conditional
statement is true or false.
▪ If a conditional statement is true, PartMaker includes certain
sections of a program format in the part program.
The format is:
<IF> <Logical reserved word><THEN>
........
<ENDIF>

Example:
<IF><CW-SPINDLE><THEN>
M3
<ENDIF>

▪ If a conditional statement is false, certain data from the program

format is omitted.
The format is:
<IFNOT><Logical reserved word><THEN>
.......
<ENDIF>

Example 1:
<IFNOT><CW-SPINDLE><THEN>
M4
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><Logical reserved word><THEN>
.......
<ENDIF>

Example 2:
<IFNOT><CW-SPINDLE><THEN>
M4
<ENDIF>

34 • Reserved Words User Guide

 Examples
Here are examples of conditional statements that use one of the
mathematical comparison routines:
<IF><smaller>(3,4)<THEN>
THREE IS LESS THAN FOUR<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><larger>(<tool-num>,26) <THEN>
THIS TOOL NUMBER IS LARGER THAN 26<eob>
<ENDIF>
The following conditional statement can be used to prompt the
milling machine operator to turn the part over and press the cycle
start button:
<IF><face-ang-chg><THEN>
G0 Z<tool-change-z> M9<eob>
Y<tool-change-z> M5<eob>
M0<eob>
(PLEASE TURN THE PART OVER)<eob>
(AND PRESS THE CYCLE START BUTTON)<eob>
G0 Y<y-coord><eob>
Z<z-coord><eob>
<ENDIF>

Autodesk PartMaker Reserved Words • 35

Program formats

A Post file created in ConfigPost is used by PartMaker as a template

to format the Process Table you create in PartMaker. This template
consists of program formats (see page 36), such as Program Start,
Linear Move, and Tool Change, which determine the appearance of a
part program for a specific CNC.

36 • Program formats User Guide

 Program Format Structure
Below is an example of a program format representing a Linear
Move:
{<motion>}{X <x-coord>} {Y <y-coord>} {Z <z-coord>} {F
<feed-upm>} <eob>
Each program format consists of:
▪ General text such as man-readable comments and letter address
characters, for example X and Y.
▪ Reserved words such as <x-coord> and <y-coord>.
▪ Action Symbols ; @ $ ~ & # [ ] < > ( ) { } that cause a
designated action as listed in the table below.
Action Designated Action
Symbols
; When used in the beginning of a line of text,
causes the text to be interpreted as an
explanation line.
@ When used in front of a Numeric Reserved Word
it causes Incremental Output for this word.
Example: <@x-coord> is the difference between
the current and the previous value of the X
coordinate.
$ When used in front of a Reserved Word it causes
the previous value of this word to be used.
Example: <$x-coord> is the previous value of the
X coordinate.
# When used in front of a File Directive namely
define, split, merge, remove, it causes this File
Directive to apply in the case of Multiple Output
Files.
~ When used in the beginning of a line followed by
a Reserved Word it causes this word to be
assigned a value.
Example: ~<z-coord><clear-abs> <eob> will
result in the Z coordinate to be assigned a value
equal to the clearance plane location.
[ ] When used around Reserved Word
representing numeric expressions causes such
expressions to be evaluated.
Example: [2*<x-coord>] is the double value of
the current X coordinate.

Autodesk PartMaker Program formats • 37

 < > When used around text it represents a Reserved
Word.
Example: <y-coord>
When used around a number it represents a
character corresponding to this ASCII number.
Example: <91> represents [.
( ) When used within [ ] it establishes a sequence
of expressions evaluation.
Example: [2*(<x-coord> +5)]

It is recommended to always use ( ) around

negative numbers, for example, [(-1)*<x-
coord>].
When used following a Logical Reserved
Word such as <eq-number>, <eq-string>,
<larger>, <smaller> it signals to compare
expressions within.
Example: <if><eq-number>(<x-coord>,
<y-coord>)<then> checks that the
current X coordinate is the same as the
current Y coordinate.
{ } When used around a Numeric Reserved Word or
around a String Reserved Word it signals that it
is a Modal Reserved Word.
Example: {X<x-coord>} will prevent the output
of the letter X and the current X coordinate is the
same as the previous X-coordinate.

If you want characters corresponding to the Action Symbols

to appear in the NC File instead of causing a designated
action, you must use ASCII numbers to represent these
characters.
Example:
If you want to put into NC File an expression [a + b] you
should enter it as <91>a+b<93>.

38 • Program formats User Guide

 Rules for Process Header Formats
Different rules apply for Process Header Formats.

Rules for Program Start, Tool Change, and Process Start

With Z-Oriented Tools (Mill)
The information in this section provides the rules or cases that apply
to specific Process Header formats, namely, Program Start, Tool
Change, and Process Start.
The following rules apply to program formats you define in a Post
file (see page 15):
1 Positioning: The reserved words, <x-coord> and <y-coord> are
assigned the values of the first path point and must appear in all
Process Header formats to provide the first positioning move to
the start of the path.
2 The reserved word <z-coord> must be used for the Process Start
program format.
<z-coord> is calculated as the largest RAPID value of the current
and previous process, and allows the tool to be retracted from
the part to a safe plane.
3 Using the <z-coord> reserved word is optional for Program Start
and Tool Change program formats.
<z-coord> is calculated in the following manner: <z-coord> =
Tool Change (Z).

The Z coordinate Tool Change (Z) is defined in PartMaker

Defaults dialog which can be accessed in PartMaker from the
Job Optimizer menu.
Whether <z-coord> is used or not, the post processor
assumes that the tool is at this Z level after the code for any
of the previously mentioned formats is generated.

The Tool Change format is output only if there is a change in

tool number between processes. If there is not a change in
tool number, the Process Start format is output.

Rules for Program Start, Tool Change, and Process Start

with X-Oriented Tools (Mill)
The information in this section provides the rules or cases that apply
to specific Process Header formats, namely, Program Start, Tool
Change, and Process Start.

Autodesk PartMaker Program formats • 39

 The following rules apply to program formats you define in a Post
file.
1 Positioning should be as follows:
YZ-Plane
The reserved words <y-coord> and <z-coord> are assigned the
values of the first path point and must appear in all Process
Header formats to provide the first positioning move to the start
of the path.
ZC-Plane
The reserved words <z-coord> and <c-angle> are assigned the
values of the first path point and must appear in all process
header formats to provide the first positioning move to the start
of the path.
2 The reserved word <x-coord> must be used for the Process Start
program format.
<x-coord> is calculated as the largest RAPID value of the current
and previous process, and allows the tool to be retracted from
the part to a safe plane.
3 Using the <x-coord> reserved word is optional for the Program
Start and Tool Change program formats.
<x-coord> is calculated in the following manner.
<x-coord> = Tool Change (X)

The X coordinate Tool Change (X) is defined in PartMaker

Defaults dialog which is accessed in PartMaker’s Job Optimizer
menu.
Whether <x-coord> is used or not, the post processor
assumes that the tool is at this X level after the code for any
of the previously mentioned formats is generated.

The Tool Change format is output only if there is a tool

change between processes. If there is not a change in tool
number, the Process Start format is output.

Rules for Program Start, Tool Change, and Process Start

(Turn)
This topic provides the rules or cases that apply to Program Header
formats for Turning.
The following rules apply to program formats you define in a Post
file.

40 • Program formats User Guide

 ▪ The reserved words, <x-coord> and <z-coord> are assigned the
values of the first path point and must appear in all program
formats to provide the first positioning move to the start of the
path.

The Tool Change format is output only if there is a change in

tool number between processes. If there is not a change in
tool number, the Process Start format is output.

Rules for Program Start and Process Start (EDM)

This topic provides the rules or cases that apply to Program Header
formats for EDM.
The following rules apply to program formats you define in a Post
file.
▪ The reserved words, <x-coord> and <y-coord> are assigned the
values of the first path point and must appear in all program
formats to provide the first positioning move to the start of the
path.

Autodesk PartMaker Program formats • 41

Menus

The Menu bar is located at the top of the main window and contains
several menus, such as File and Edit. Click on a menu to display a
list of options available from that menu.
Some menu options contain additional submenus, indicated by a
small arrow to the right of the text. Click the arrow to display a
submenu. For example, clicking the File menu, followed by the
Export WRI File option, displays additional options in a submenu.

Shortcuts to the most frequently used menu options are also

available from toolbars.

42 • Menus User Guide

 File menu
Use the options on the File menu to open, save, print, and import or
export files in ConfigPost.

New
Use this menu option to clear all Post File related information and
reset ConfigPost to its startup configuration.
When you select File > New, ConfigPost prompts you to save the
current Post file.

Open
Use this menu option to display the Open dialog, where you can
open an existing Post file.
When you select File > Open, ConfigPost prompts you to save the
Post file if you already have one open.

Save
Use this menu option to save the currently open Post file to the hard
drive.

Save As
Use this menu option to display the Save As dialog, where you can
specify a name and directory for the Post file.

Print Window
Use this menu option to print the contents of the current window.

Import WRI File

Use this menu option to display the Import WRI File dialog, where
you can open an existing WRI file.

Export WRI File

Use the options on the Export WRI File menu to choose how to
export program formats to a WRI file:
File > Export WRI File > Complete (see page 44)
File > Export WRI File > Non-Empty Formats Only (see page 44)

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 43

 Complete
Use this menu option to display the Export WRI File Complete dialog,
where you can specify a name and directory for the WRI file.
If the open Post file has an extension .pst, ConfigPost automatically
appends _pst.wri to the WRI file name.
If the open Post file has an extension .sub, ConfigPost automatically
appends _sub.wri to the WRI file name.
This option saves all Program Formats to WRI file, including empty
formats.

Before selecting this option, ensure that the Post file is open.

Non-Empty Formats Only

Use this menu option to display the Export WRI File Non-Empty
Formats dialog, where you can specify a file name and a directory
name for a WRI file.
If the open Post file has an extension .pst, ConfigPost automatically
appends _pst.wri to the WRI file name.
If the open Post file has an extension .sub, ConfigPost automatically
appends _sub.wri to the WRI file name.
This option saves only non-empty Program Formats to a WRI file.

Before selecting this option, ensure that a Post Configuration

file is loaded.

Compare Files
Use this menu option to display the Compare Files dialog (see page
93), which enables the user to compare two Post files.
This option can also be accessed through the icon:

Recent Files List

ConfigPost displays up to four recently used Post files.
When you select a file name from the Recent Files List you are
prompted to save the Post file before this file is opened.

44 • Menus User Guide

 Exit
Use this menu option to exit the ConfigPost application.
When you select Exit, you are prompted to save the Post
Configuration file.

Click Yes to save the current Post file to the hard drive. If the name
of the Post file was not defined, the Save As dialog is
displayed, where you can specify the file name and the directory
name for the Post file.
Click No to discard changes and close all windows.
Click Cancel to return to the current window.

Edit menu
Use the options on the Edit menu to manipulate, search for, and
control the display of text within ConfigPost.

Undo
Use this menu option to reverse text editing actions in the active
window.
This option is available only when a window is active.

Redo
Use this menu option to redo actions you have undone.
This option is available only when a window is active.

Cut
Use this menu option to remove selected text from the active
window and place it on the clipboard.

Copy
Use this menu option to copy selected text from the active window
onto the clipboard.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 45

 Paste
Use this menu option to paste copied text from clipboard to the
active window.

Select All
Use this menu option to select all text in the active window.

Find
Use this menu option to display the Find dialog.

You can also right-click in Editor or in the list of reserved

words to access the Find dialog.

Find in Window
Use this tab to search for text in the active window.

The following settings are available:

Find What — Enter the text you want to find in the Post file. If you
select text in the editor window before opening the Find dialog, the
selected text is displayed in this field.

46 • Menus User Guide

 Match case — Select this option to restrict the search to finding text
that matches the combination of upper- and lower-case characters
used in the Find What field.
Show Search Results in Separate Window — This option enables you
to output search results to the Search Results window. If this option
is deselected, the matching text is highlighted in the editor window.
The matching result is displayed in Search Results dialog:

Find in All Formats

Use this option to perform a search throughout the loaded post
processor file.

The following settings are available:

Find What — Enter the text you want to find in the Post file. If you
select text in the editor window before opening the Find dialog, the
selected text is displayed in this field.
Match case — Select this option to restrict the search to finding text
that matches the combination of upper- and lower-case characters
used in the Find What field.
Search in Mill Formats — Select this option to restrict the search to
the Mill Formats only. Mill Formats can be found in the Configure Mill
menu.
Search in Turn Formats — Select this option to restrict the search to
the Turn Formats only. Turn Formats can be found in the Configure
Turn menu.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 47

 If you double-click on the entry in the Search Results dialog the
corresponding window will be open and the line where matching
Find What string was found will be highlighted.
Right-click the Search Results window to display the context menu.
The following options are available:
View In Notepad — Use this option to see the results of search in the
Notepad file named Search_Results.dat.
Close Search Results — Use this option to close the Search Results
window.

Replace
Use this menu option to display the Replace dialog.
The Replace dialog performs Search and Replace operations only in
the active window.

You can also press the Ctrl+R keys to display the Replace
dialog

Find What — Enter the text you want to find in the active window.
Replace With — Enter the text with which you want to replace the
text in the Find What field.
Match case — Select this option to restrict the search to finding text
that matches the combination of upper- and lower-case characters
used in the Find What field.
Find Next — Click this button to find the next occurrence of the text
entered in Find What field.
Replace — Click this button to replace the currently selected text
and find the next occurrence of the text.
Replace All — Click this button to replaces all occurrences of the text
entered in the Find What field by the text entered in the Replace
With field.

48 • Menus User Guide

 Insert
Use the options on the Edit > Insert menu to insert the following
reserved words or standard blocks of text:
Selected Word
<eob>
<IF>...<THEN>
<IFNOT>...<THEN>

Selected Word
Use this option to insert the reserved word currently selected in the
list of the reserved words to the active window at the current cursor
position.

You can also press the Ctrl+W keys.

<eob>
Use this option to insert <eob> to the active window at the current
cursor position.

You can also press the Ctrl+W keys.

<IF>...<THEN>
Use this option to insert the IF-THEN-ENDIF logical block to the
active window at the current cursor position, and highlight the dots.

You can also press the Ctrl+I keys.

<IFNOT>...<THEN>
Use this option to insert the IFNOT-THEN-ENDIF logical block to the
active window at the current cursor position, and highlight the dots.

You can also press the Ctrl+T keys.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 49

 Display Control
Use the options on the Edit > Display Control menu to control the
display of text within ConfigPost.

Refresh
Use this option to refresh the text in the active window. When
ConfigPost refreshes the text in the active window, it first checks
the syntax, then it indents the text based on the IF/IFNOT-THEN-
ENDIF conditional statements (if this option is selected) performs
Logical Indent Text (if Logical Indent Text is selected), and removes
any empty lines.
You can also click the Refresh button on the ConfigPost toolbar.

Logical Indent Text

Use this option to to indent the text in all windows based on the
IF/IFNOT-THEN-ENDIF conditional statements. All lines under
IF/IFNOT statements are shifted to the right. An ENDIF statement
closes the logical block and is aligned with the previous IF/THEN
statement.
You can also click the Logical Indent Text button on the ConfigPost
toolbar.

Example of Logical Indent:

Example of Nested Logical Indent:

Left Justified Text

Use this option to enable left justified text indenting. The text is
aligned at the left edge of the window.

50 • Menus User Guide

 You can also click the Left Justified Text button on the ConfigPost
toolbar.

Example of Left Justified Text:

<IF><eq-string>(<tool-post>,GANG)
<THEN> ~<spindle-on>M81<eob>
<IFNOT><cw-spindle>
<THEN> ~<spindle-on>M80<eob>
<ENDIF>
<ENDIF>

Check Syntax
Use this option to check the validity of entered text.
You can also click the Check Syntax button on the ConfigPost
toolbar.

The most common user errors are:

▪ Mismatched Parenthesis.
▪ Misspelled reserved word.
▪ Missing IF, IFNOT, THEN, ENDIF.
ConfigPost will issue an error, bring the window where error found
in front and highlight the text (if possible).

Invert Colors
Use this option to invert the colors in the editor between:
▪ white background with black font; and,
▪ black background with white font.
You can also click the Invert Colors button on the ConfigPost toolbar.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 51

 Hide/Show Reserved Words
Use this option to show or hide the list of reserved words on the
right side of every window.
You can also click the following buttons on the ConfigPost toolbar:
To Hide Reserved Words:

To Show Reserved Words:

52 • Menus User Guide

 Settings menu
Use the options on the Settings menu to set the parameters that
define the machine tool.

Target Application
Use the options on the Settings > Target Application menu to select
the application that is using the post processor.
When you select an application, ConfigPost displays a confirmation
dialog.
For example, if you change target application from PartMaker/Mill to
PartMaker/SwissCAM the following confirmation dialog is displayed:

Click Yes to change the application. ConfigPost closes all open

windows. Click No to cancel the change and remain with the original
application.

Machine Settings
Use the Settings > Machine Settings menu option to display the
Machine Settings dialog (see page 109).

User Data Names

Use the Settings > User Data Names menu option to display the User
Data Names dialog (see page 120).

Variables Names
Use the Settings > Variables Names menu option to display the
Variables Names dialog (see page 122).

Procedure Names
Use the options on the Settings > Procedure Names menu to name
procedures for use in the milling, turning or EDM section of a Post
file:

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 53

 ▪ Milling Procedures
▪ Turning Procedures
▪ EDM Procedures
Procedures are typically used in one of two ways; as sub-programs,
or as storage.
When used as sub-programs, procedures are used for the same
reason you would use a sub-program on a machine. You load a
repetitive task into a procedure so that it can be recalled many
times. By doing so, you can remove the repetition of NC code
formatting throughout the post processor. This is also helpful if you
have to change an NC code format that is used in many places. If it
is in a procedure, you only need to change it in one location (in the
procedure) and the change is made in all the necessary places.
When used as storage, you can load large formats of NC code into a
procedure that would be cumbersome or difficult to manage in other
ways. This is helpful because you can package similar functions
together in one procedure.

Milling Procedures
Use this menu option to display the Procedures Names, Mill dialog
(see page 116).

Turning Procedures
Use this menu option to display the Procedures Names, Turn dialog
(see page 116).

EDM Procedures
Use this menu option to display the Procedures Names, WireEDM
dialog (see page 117).

Advanced Customization
Use this menu option to display the Advanced Customization dialog
(see page 89).

This feature is available in Multi-Axis Post Processors for

PartMaker/Turn-Mill, and PartMaker/SwissCAM applications
only.

54 • Menus User Guide

 Sub-Spindle Info
This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.
Use this menu option to specify the location of the sub-spindle:
▪ Not Available
▪ Standalone
▪ Attached to End Working Slide
▪ Attached to Turret 1
▪ Attached to Turret 2
▪ Attached to Turret 3
The post processor uses this setting to examine your process table
during NC code generation and check if the modes and tool posts
are allowed according to the architecture of the machine, as defined
in this section.

Tools Info
Use this menu option to display the Tools Info dialog (see page 119)
and define what tool posts exist on the machine.

This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.

Multi Coolant Info

Use this menu option to display the Multi Coolant Info dialog (see
page 94).

This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.

Faces Info
Use this menu option to display the Faces Info dialog (see page 97)
and define preparatory functions for each tool post and each
machining function.

This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 55

 Channels, Tool Moving in Z
Use this menu option to display the Channels, Tool Moving in Z dialog
(see page 89) and associate a tool post with a channel of NC code
when the tool is moving.

This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.

Channels, Tool Stationary in Z

Use this menu option to display the Channels, Tool Stationary in Z
dialog (see page 90), where you can associate a tool post with a
channel of NC code when the stock is moving.

This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.

Internal Data
Use this menu option to display the Internal Data dialog (see page
107).

56 • Menus User Guide

 Configure Mill menu
Use the options on the Configure Mill menu to configure milling
process output.

NC File Header/Footer Formats

Use the options on the Configure Mill > NC File Header/Footer Formats
menu to configure the NC File Header/Footer formats for milling
process output. File headers and footers begin and end the NC
code.
The following options are available:
▪ File Start
▪ Program End
▪ File End
▪ Developer Notes

File Start
This program format is the first format called in ConfigPost. It is
only called once and is used to output %, program numbers, and so
on. It can also be used to initialize variables (see page 122) that are
to be used in other formats.
File Start is where you create and manage multiple files so that you
can correctly output NC code for multi-channel machines.

Program End
This program format is output at the end of a part program before
sub-programs if the End of File option is used. You can use this
program format to position the tool to an end point (using the
<tool-change-x> and <tool-change-y> reserved words), turn
coolant off, or restart the part program.
For incremental programming, you can use <@tool-change-x> and
<@tool-change-y> to move to the first tool change position in the
part program.
{N<seq> }M09<eob>
{N<seq> }G91G30Z<z-coord><eob>
{N<seq> }G30X<tool-change-x>Y<tool-change-y>M05<eob>
{N<seq> }M06M30<eob>
{N<seq> }G90M30<eob>
%<eob>

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 57

 File End
This program format specifies the format of one or more lines to be
placed at the end of the part program file and is normally used after
the sub-programs section of a part program.
%<eob>

Developer Notes
This program format usually contains the post processor specific
information. It is used by developer of the post processor for notes
and comments. Machine specific M/G codes can be entered in this
format. In addition, a history of changes can be inserted in this
format.

Process Header/Footer Formats

Use the options on the Configure Mill > Process Header/Footer
Formats to configure Process Header/Footer formats for milling
process output. Process headers open and close individual processes
or operations.
The following options are available:
▪ Program Start
▪ Tool Change
▪ Process Start
▪ Process End

Program Start
PartMaker outputs Program Start at the beginning of a part
program. You must place general preparatory codes such as
absolute, incremental, and so on, in this program format to define
the dimension system. You must also define the first tool change in
this program format. Reserved Words such as, <speed>, <spindle-
on> and <coolant> as well as <x-coord> and <y- coord>
specifying the first positioning move are commonly included in the
Program Start format.
%<eob>
:<prog-num1> <eob>
(TOTAL MACHINING TIME: <time-total>) <eob>
{N<seq> }G80 G40 G17 <eob>
{N<seq> }G30 G91 Z0 <eob>
{N<seq> }T<tool-num> M6 <eob>
(<tool-name>) <eob>
(TIME FOR THIS TOOL: <time-process>) <eob>

58 • Menus User Guide

 {N<seq> }G90 <work-offset> <motion> X<x-coord> Y<y-coord>
S<speed-rpm> <spindle-on> <eob>
{N<seq> }G43 Z<z-coord> H<tool-offset> <coolant> <eob>

Tool Change
When you use the Tool Change format, a tool change block is
output in the part program for all processes that require a tool
change. Reserved Words such as <speed>, <spindle-on>, and
<coolant> as well as <x-coord> and <y-coord> specifying the first
positioning point are usually included in Tool Change format.
{N<seq> }M9<eob>
{N<seq> }G91 G30 Z0 M5<eob>
{N<seq> }T<tool-num> M6<eob>
(<tool-name>)<eob>
(TIME FOR THIS TOOL: <time-process>)<eob>
{N<seq> }M1<eob>
{N<seq> }G90 <work-offset> <motion> X<x-coord> Y<y-coord>
S<speed-rpm> <spindle-on><eob>
{N<seq> }G43 Z<z-coord> H<tool-offset> <coolant><eob>

Process Start
A process start block is output only between non-tool changing
processes in the part program. The Process Start program format
must contain all commands that might change between processes
such as <speed>. You must also include the <x-coord>, <y-coord>,
and <z-coord> reserved words in this program format.
{N<seq> }Z<z-coord><eob>
{N<seq> }{<work-offset> }{<motion> }X<x-coord> Y<y-coord>
{S<speed-rpm> }{<spindle-on>}<eob>

Process End
It is not recommended to use Process End format for Basic Post
Processors. For multi-axis post processors, the Process End
format is commonly used to cancel synchronization modes and
retract the tool to a safe location before the tool change.

Motion Formats
Use the options on the Configure Mill > Motion Formats menu to
configure Motion formats for milling process output.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 59

 Horizontal Rapid Move
Scenario A: If your CNC allows X, Y, and Z axis motion programmed
in the same line, you must place all three reserved words in the
Horizontal Rapid Move format, leaving the Vertical Rapid Move format
empty.
Scenario B: If your CNC does not allow X, Y, and Z axis motion
programmed in the same line, you must use both the Horizontal
Rapid Move format and the Vertical Rapid Move format.
The Horizontal Rapid Move program format determines the output of
rapid positioning moves in the part program. When you use
modality delimiters { } around the <x-coord> and <y- coord>
reserved words in this program format, PartMaker will strip
redundant X or Y coordinates from each line as they are
encountered.
If Scenario A above is true, you must leave the Vertical Rapid Move
format empty.
{N<seq> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> } {Z<z-
coord>}<eob>

Vertical Rapid Move

Scenario A: If your CNC allows X, Y, and Z axis motion programmed
in the same line, you must place all three reserved words in the
Horizontal Rapid Move format, leaving the Vertical Rapid Move format
empty.
Scenario B: If your CNC does not allow X, Y, and Z axis motion
programmed in the same line, you must use both the Horizontal
Rapid Move format and the Vertical Rapid Move format.
If Scenario A is true, you must leave the Vertical Rapid Move format
empty. If Scenario B is true, you must include the <z-coord>
reserved word in this program format.
{N<seq> }{<motion> }{Z<z-coord> }<eob>

Linear Move
The Linear Move program format defines the part program output
for linear moves. You must define the <x-coord>, <y-coord>, <z-
coord>, <motion>, and <feed-upm> reserved words in this program
format. You can use the <comp-start> reserved word to turn cutter
compensation on or off.
{N<seq> }{<motion> }{<comp-status> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-
coord> }{Z<z-coord> }
<IF><comp-start><THEN>
D<comp-num>
<ENDIF>

60 • Menus User Guide

 {F<feed-upm>}
<eob>

Circular Move
In this program format, the reserved words <arc-x>, <arc-y>,
<radius>, <center-x>, and <center-y> can be used.
{N<seq> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }I<arc-x>
J<arc-y> {F<feed-upm>}<eob>

Helical Move
In this program format, the reserved words <arc-x>, <arc-y>,
<radius>, <center-x>, and <center-y> can be used. This program
format should only be used if the machine is capable of helical
interpolation (very few are):
{N<seq> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}I<arc-x> J<arc-y> {F<feed-upm>}<eob>

Move to Hole Location

This program format defines the output for a specific hole location.
{N<seq> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<depth-abs>}<eob>

Subprograms Related Formats

Use the options in the Configure Mill > Subprograms Related Formats
menu to configure Subprograms-Related formats for milling process
output.

Linear Move in Subprogram

This program format is similar to the Linear Move (Motion) program
format, but is used within a subprogram definition only without the
<z-coord> reserved word.
{N<seq> }{<motion> }{<comp-status> }{X<@x-coord> }{Y<@y-
coord> }
<IF><comp-start><THEN>
D<comp-num>
<ENDIF>
{F<feed-upm>}<eob>

The @ symbol in front of <x-coord> and <y-coord> signifies

incremental output. If incremental output is generated, the
post processor does not duplicate the path information for
translations, it positions the translated location and uses the
original incremental subprogram.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 61

 Circular Move in Subprogram
This program format is similar to the Circular Move (Motion)
program format, but is used within a subprogram definition only.
{N<seq> }{<motion> }X<@x-coord> Y<@y-coord> I<arc-x>
J<arc-y>{ F<feed-upm>}<eob>

Helical Move in Subprogram

This Subprogram command is not used.

Move to Hole Location

This program format is similar to the Move to Hole Location (Motion)
program format, but is used within a subprogram definition only.
{N<seq> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>}<eob>

Open Subprogram
This program format specifies the format of the lines that precede a
subprogram definition. You must use the <subprogram-num>
reserved word and a preparatory function to define the incremental
mode if you are using incremental subprograms.
:<subprogram-num><eob>
<IFNOT><drilling><THEN>
{N<seq> }G91<eob>
<ENDIF>

Close Subprogram
This program format specifies the format of the lines that follow a
subprogram definition. You might want to use a preparatory
function to redefine the absolute mode if the main part program
starts in the absolute mode.
<IFNOT><drilling><THEN>
{N<seq>}G90<eob>
<ENDIF>
{N<seq>}M99<eob>

Call Subprogram
This program format specifies the format of a line that calls a
subprogram. You must identify the subprogram using the
<subprogram-num> reserved word.
<IF><drilling><THEN>
{Z<depth-abs>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
M98 P<subprogram-num><eob>

62 • Menus User Guide

 Canned Cycle Formats
Use the options on the Configure Mill > Canned Cycle Formats menu
to configure Canned Cycle formats for milling process output.

DRILL Cycle
This program format specifies a canned drilling cycle.
{N<seq> }{<retract> }<cycle> {X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>
}R<clear-abs> Z<depth-abs>
F<feed-upm><eob>

SPOT FACE Cycle

This program format specifies a canned spot face cycle.
{N<seq> }{<retract> }<cycle> {X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>
}R<clear-abs> Z<depth-abs>
P<dwell> F<feed-upm><eob>

DEEP HOLE Cycle

This program format specifies a canned deep hole cycle.
{N<seq> }{<retract> }<cycle> {X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>
}R<clear-abs> Z<depth-abs>
Q<step>F<feed-upm><eob>

CHIP BREAK Cycle

This program format specifies a canned chip break cycle:
{N<seq> }<cycle> {X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }R<clear-abs>
Z<depth-abs>Q
<step>F<feed-upm><eob>

VARIABLE STEP Cycle

This program format specifies a canned variable step cycle:
<IFNOT><is-full-retract><THEN>
G73 I<step> J<step-decrease> K< step-min>
Z<depth-abs> F<feed-upm><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><is-full-retract><THEN>
G83 I<step> J< step-decrease> K< step-min>
Z<depth-abs> F<feed-upm><eob>
<ENDIF>

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 63

 FLOAT TAP Cycle
This program format specifies a canned float tapping cycle.
{N<seq> }{<retract> }<cycle> {X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>
}R<clear-abs> Z<depth-abs>
F<feed-upm> <eob>

RIGID TAP Cycle

This program format specifies a canned rigid tap cycle.
{N<seq> }{<retract> }<cycle> {X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>
}R<clear-abs> Z<depth-abs>
F<feed-upm> <eob>

BORE, DWELL Cycle

This program format specifies a canned boring cycle with a dwell.
{N<seq> }{<retract> }<cycle> {X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>
}R<clear-abs> Z<depth-abs>
P<dwell> F<feed-upm><eob>

BORE Cycle
This program format specifies a canned boring cycle.
{N<seq> }{<retract> }<cycle> {X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>
}R<clear-abs> Z<depth-abs>
F<feed-upm><eob>

CIRCLE MILL Cycle

This program format specifies a canned circle milling cycle for
machines that support such cycles (very few do).

If a canned Circle Mill cycle is not available with your CNC,

leave this program format blank. This will signal PartMaker to
generate the appropriate moves in “long hand” format.

THREAD MILL Cycle

This program format specifies a thread milling cycle for machines
that support such cycles.

If a canned Thread Mill cycle is not available with your CNC,

leave this program format blank. This will signal PartMaker to
generate the appropriate moves “long hand” format.

64 • Menus User Guide

 HELICAL MILL Cycle
This program format specifies a canned helical mill cycle for
machines that support such cycles. Helical mill cycles are typically
not defined for lathes or mills, however this option is available for
your use if provided by your control manufacturer.

If a canned Helical Mill cycle is not available with your CNC,

leave this program format blank. This will signal PartMaker to
generate the appropriate moves "long hand" format.

Canned Cycle Cancel

G80<eob>

Procedure Formats
For more information, see Procedures (see page 140).

Modes, Moving Stock

For more information, see Synchronization Modes (see page 160).

This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.

Modes, Stationary Stock

For more information, see Synchronization Modes (see page 160).

This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.

General Information
Use this menu option to display the General Information dialog (see
page 98) where you can specify information for a part program such
as machining data, subprograms support for milling and drilling
operations (if your CNC is capable), and the type of circular
interpolation your CNC uses.

Preparatory Functions
Use this menu option to display the Preparatory Functions dialog
(see page 111), where you can specify machining codes to be used
in the part program for cycle names, motion formats, cutter
compensation, coolant type, and spindle direction.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 65

 Words Information
Use this menu option to display the Words Information dialog (see
page 124) where you can specify parameters for reserved words
used in a Post file.

Configure Turn menu

Use the options on the Configure Turn menu to configure turning
process output using.

NC File Header/Footer Formats

Use the options on the Configure Turn > NC File Header/Footer
Formats menu to configure the NC File Header/Footer formats for
turning process output.

File Start
This program format is the first format called in ConfigPost. It is
only called once and is used to output %, program numbers, and so
on. It can also be used to initialize variables (see page 122) that are
to be used in other formats.

Collet Re-Chuck
This program format is only used by PartMaker/SwissCAM. It is
triggered by a checkbox in General Information (see page 102)
called “Swiss Turn.” This format is called once, right after the File
Start format before any cutting process takes place. Collet Re-
Chuck format is configured to produce G-codes required to setup
the main collet at a distance from the face of the stock determined
by the part length.

The values of reserved words such as <tool-num>, <speed-

rpm>, etc. when used in the Collet Re-Chuck format are taken
from the Cut-off Process.

The values of User Data (see page 120) are taken from the
first process in the Process Table.

66 • Menus User Guide

 Program End
This program format is output at the end of a part program before
subprograms if the End of File option is used. You can use this
program format to position the tool to an end point (using the
<tool-change-x> and <tool-change-z> reserved words, turn
coolant off, or restart the part program. For incremental
programming, you can use <@tool-change-x> and <@tool-change-
z> to move to the first tool change position in the part program.
{N<seq> }M5<eob>
{N<seq> }G0 X<tool-index-x> Z<tool-index-z> T<$tool-
num>00<eob>
{N<seq> }M9<eob>
{N<seq> }M30<eob>

File End
This program format specifies the format of one or more lines to be
placed at the end of the part program file and is normally used after
the subprograms section of a part program.
%<eob>

Process Header/Footer Formats

Use the options on the Configure Turn > Process Header/Footer
Formats menu to configure Process Header/Footer formats for
turning process output.

Program Start
Post outputs lines defined in Program Start at the beginning of a
part program. You must place general preparatory codes such as
absolute, incremental, etc. in this program format to define the
dimension system. You must also define the first tool change in this
program. Use of <tool-index-x> and <tool-index-z> reserved
words is optional. The reserved words <x- coord> and <z-coord>
must be included in the Program Start format.
:<prog-num1><eob>
{N<seq> }(<prog-name>)<eob>
{N<seq> }G97 S<speed-rpm> <spindle-on><eob>
{N<seq> }G0 X<tool-index-x> Z<tool-index-z><eob>
{N<seq> }T<tool-num><tool-offset> (<tool-name> <tool-
note>)<eob>
<IF><css-on><THEN>
{N<seq> }{G50 S<css-rpm-max>}<eob>
{N<seq> }{G96 S<speed-fpm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
{N<seq> }<coolant><eob>

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 67

 {N<seq> }<feed-units><eob>
{N<seq> }{<tool-nose-com> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Z<z-
coord>}<eob>

Tool Change
When you use the Tool Change format, a tool change block is
output in the part program for all processes that require a tool
change. Reserved words such as <speed-rpm>, <spindle- dir>,
and <coolant> are commonly included in the Tool Change format.
Reserved words <x-coord> and <z-coord> must be included in the
Tool Change format.
{N<seq> }G40 G0 X<tool-change-x> Z<tool-change-z>
T<$tool-num>00<eob>
<32><32><eob>
{N<seq> }G97 S<speed-rpm> <spindle-on><eob>
{N<seq> }G0 X<tool-change-x> Z<tool-change-z><eob>
{N<seq> }T<tool-num><tool-offset> (<tool-name> <tool-
note>)<eob>
<IF><css-on><THEN>
{N<seq> }{G50 S<css-rpm-max>}<eob>
{N<seq> }{G96 S<speed-fpm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
{N<seq> }<feed-units><eob>
{N<seq> }{<tool-nose-com> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Z<z-
coord>}<eob>

Process Start
A process start block is output only between non-tool changing
processes in the part program. The Process Start program format
must contain all commands that might change between processes
such as <speed-rpm>. You must also include the <x-coord> and <z-
coord> reserved words in this program format.
<IFNOT><css-on><THEN>
{N<seq> }{G97 S<speed-rpm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><css-on><THEN>
{N<seq> }{G50 S<css-rpm-max>}<eob>
{N<seq> }{G96 S<speed-fpm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
{N<seq> }{<feed-units>}<eob>
{N<seq> }{<tool-nose-com> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Z<z-
coord>}<eob>

68 • Menus User Guide

 Process End
For multi-axis postprocessors, the Process End format is often used
to cancel synchronization modes and retract the tool to a safe
location before the tool change.
Autodesk recommends that you do not use this format for basic
postprocessors (see page 2).

Motion Formats
Use the options on the Configure Turn > Motion Formats menu to
configure Motion formats for turning process output.

Rapid Move
The Rapid Move program format determines the output of rapid
positioning moves in the part program. When you use modality
delimiters { } around the <x-coord> and <z-coord> reserved
words in this program format, PartMaker will strip redundant X or Z
coordinates from each line as they are encountered.
{N<seq> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Z<z-coord>}<eob>

Linear Move
The Linear Move program format defines the part program output
for linear moves. You must define the <x-coord>, <z-coord>,
<motion>, and <feed-upr> or <feed-upm> reserved words in this
program format. You can use the <comp-start> reserved word to
turn cutter compensation on or off. Please note how the appropriate
value for the feed rate is obtained.
{N<seq> }{<feed-units> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Z<z-
coord> }
<IF><upr-units-used><THEN>
{F<feed-upr>}
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><upr-units-used><THEN>
{F<feed-upm>}
<ENDIF>
<eob>

Circular Move
In this program format, the reserved words <arc-x>, <arc-z>,
<radius>, <center-x>, and <center-z> can be used.
{N<seq> }{<feed-units> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Z<z-
coord> }R<radius>
<IF><upr-units-used><THEN>
{F<feed-upr>}<eob>

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 69

 <ENDIF>
<IFNOT><upr-units-used><THEN>
{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>

Thread Move
This motion format defines the linear move associated with
threading, typically G32, G33, or G92 depending on your control.
Note that <pitch> is substituted for <feed-upr> or <feed- upm>.
{N<seq> }<motion> X<x-coord> Z<z-coord> F<pitch><eob>

Thread Whirl Move

This motion format defines the linear move associated with thread
whirling.
Two examples are shown below. Please consult your machine
manual for details of the formatting it requires for thread whirling.

Example 1
The machine uses G32 and a Feed Rate in UPR. The stock position is
controlled with the turning spindle:
{N<seq> }G32 X<x-coord> Z<z-coord> F<pitch><eob>rd> Z<z-
coord> F

Example 2
The machine uses G1 and a Feed Rate in UPM. The stock positioning
is controlled with the C-axis:
{N<seq> }G1 X<x-coord> C<@c-angle> Z<z-coord> F<feed-
upm><eob>rd> Z<z-coord> F

MCP-Action
This program format contains the configuration for:
Material Control Processes for PartMaker/Turn and PartMaker/Turn-
Mill (see page 29)
and
Material Control Processes for PartMaker/SwissCAM (see page 31).

Canned Cycles
Use the options on the Configure Turn > Canned Cycles menu to
configure Canned Cycle formats for turning process output.

70 • Menus User Guide

 DRILL Cycle
This program format specifies a canned drilling cycle.
{N<seq> }<cycle> Z<depth-abs> K<step1> F<feed-upm><eob>

SPOT FACE Cycle

This program format specifies a canned spot face cycle.
{N<seq> }G1 Z<depth-abs>
<IF><upr-units-used><THEN>
{F<feed-upr>}
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><upr-units-used><THEN>
{F<feed-upm>}
<ENDIF>
<eob>
{N<seq> }G4 U.5<eob>
{N<seq> }G0 X0 Z<face-clear><eob>

DEEP HOLE Cycle

This program format specifies a canned deep hole drilling cycle.
{N<seq> }<cycle> Z<depth-abs> K<step1>
<IF><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upr>
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upm>
<ENDIF>
<eob>

CHIP BREAK Cycle

This program formats specifies a canned chip break cycle:
{N<seq> }<cycle> Q<step> Z<depth-abs>
<IF><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upr>
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upm>
<ENDIF>
<eob>

VARIABLE STEP Cycle

This program format specifies a canned variable step cycle:
<IFNOT><is-full-retract><THEN>
G73 I<step> J<step-decrease> K< step-min>
Z<depth-abs> F<feed-upm><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><is-full-retract><THEN>
G83 I<step> J< step-decrease> K< step-min>
Z<depth-abs> F<feed-upm><eob>
<ENDIF>

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 71

 FLOAT TAP Cycle
Float tapping cycles are typically not defined for lathes, however
this option is available for your use if provided by your control
manufacturer.

RIGID TAP Cycle

This program format specifies a canned rigid tapping cycle. Rigid
tapping cycles are typically not defined for lathes; however this
option is available for your use if provided by your control
manufacturer.
{N<seq> }G32 Z<depth-abs> F<pitch><eob>
{N<seq> }G4 U.5<eob>
{N<seq> }G32 Z<face-clear> M14<eob>

BORE,DWELL Cycle
Bore with a dwell at the bottom of the motion is typically not
defined for lathes, however this option is available for your use if
provided by your control manufacturer.

FINISH Cycle
This cycle will finish a defined contour.
{N<seq> }<cycle> P<shape-start-p> Q<shape-end-q> <eob>

TURN Cycle
This cycle will rough down to a defined contour, using passes along
the axis of the spindle.
{N<seq> }<cycle> U<x-finish-allow> W<z-finish-allow>
P<shape-start-p> Q<shape-end-q> D<int-depth-cut>
<IF><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upr>
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upm>
<ENDIF>
<eob>

FACE-TURN Cycle
This cycle will rough to a contour, using cuts perpendicular to the
spindle axis.
{N<seq> }<cycle> U<x-finish-allow> W<z-finish-allow>
P<shape-start-p> Q<shape-end-q> D<int-depth-cut>
<IF><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upr>
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upm>
<ENDIF>

72 • Menus User Guide

 <eob>

CONTOUR Cycle
This cycle will rough to a defined contour, using offset duplicates of
that contour.
{N<seq> } <cycle> P<shape-start-p> Q<shape-end-q> I<diam-
clear> K<face-clear> U<x-finish-allow> W<z-finish-allow>
D<num-passes>
<IF><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upr>
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upm>
<ENDIF>
<eob>

GROOVE Cycle
This cycle will cut a groove on the circumference of cylindrical stock.
{N<seq> }<cycle> Z<thread-final-z> X<thread-final-x>
I<step1> K<step2>
<IF><upr-units-used><THEN>
F<feed-upr>
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><upr-units-used><THEN>
F<feed-upm>
<ENDIF>
<eob>

FACE-GROOVE Cycle
This cycle will cut a groove in the face of the stock.
{N<seq> }<cycle> Z<thread-final-z> X<thread-final-x>
I<step1> K<step2>
<IF><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upr>
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><upr-units-used><THEN> F<feed-upm>
<ENDIF>
<eob>

THREAD Cycle
This cycle cuts threads on the circumference of the stock.
{N<seq> }<cycle> X<thread-final-x> Z<thread-final-z>
K<height> D<int-depth-cut>
A<infeed-angle> F<pitch> I<taper-val><eob>

FACE-THREAD Cycle
This cycle cuts threads on the face of the stock.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 73

 {N<seq> }<cycle> X<thread-final-x> Z<thread-final-z>
H<height> D<int-depth-cut>
B<infeed-angle> F<pitch> L<cham-length> E<lead-var>
K<taper-val> W<z-finish-allow> M32
M75<eob>

Other Formats
Use the options on the Configure Turn > Other Formats menu to
configure Other formats for turning process output.

Configure Turn > Other Formats > End of Shape

This program format specifies the end of a profile shape definition.
Not typically used.

Configure Turn > Other Formats > Tool Definition

This program format is used strictly for interfacing with verification
software.

Configure Turn > Other Formats > Home Name Definition

This program format is used strictly for interfacing with verification
software.

Procedure Formats
For more information, see Using Procedures (see page 140).

Modes, Moving Stock

For more information, see Synchronization Modes (see page 160).

This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors (see page 2).

Modes, Stationary Stock

For more information, see Synchronization Modes (see page 160).

This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors (see page 2).

74 • Menus User Guide

 General Information
This command displays the General Information dialog (see page
102) where you can specify information for a part program such as
machining data, turret definition information and the type of circular
interpolation your CNC uses.

Preparatory Functions
This command displays the Preparatory Functions dialog (see page
112) where you can specify machining codes to be used in the part
program for cycle names, motion formats, cutter compensation,
coolant type, and spindle direction.

Words Information
This command displays the Words Information dialog (see page 125)
where you can specify parameters for reserved words used in a Post
file (see page 15).

Configure EDM menu

Use the options on the Configure EDM menu to configure EDM
process output.

NC File Header/Footer Formats

Use the options on the Confiigure EDM > NC File Header/Footer
Formats menu to configure NC File Header/Footer formats for EDM
process output.

File Start
This program format is the first format called in ConfigPost. It is
only called once and is used to output %, program numbers, etc. It
can also be used to initialize variables (see page 122) that are to be
used in other formats.

Program End
This program format is output at the end of a part program. You
can use this program format to empty the coolant tank and end the
program.
{N<seq> }M88<eob>
{N<seq> }G23<eob>
{N<seq> }M02<eob>
%<eob>

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 75

 File End
This program format specifies the end of the output file.

Process Header/Footer Formats

Use the options on the Configure EDM > Process Header/Footer
Formats menu to configure Process Header/Footer formats for EDM
process output.

Program Start
PartMaker outputs lines defined in Program Start at the beginning of
a part program. You must place general preparatory codes such as
absolute, incremental, etc. in this program format to define the
dimension system. You must also define preparatory commands in
this program format. Positioning moves (<x-coord> and <y-coord>)
also must be entered in this program format.
;-------------------SET VAR<eob>
~<v05-FEED-UPM>25.<eob>
;-------------------<eob>
%<eob>
L<prog-num1>/<prog-name><eob>
{N<seq> }(CREATED BY MITSUBISHI FX20 POST VER A11)<eob>
{N<seq> }(TOTAL MACHINING TIME: <time-total>)<eob>
{N<seq> }(MACHINING <face-name> <group-name>)<eob>
{N<seq> }(MACHINING PROCESS <process-id>)<eob>
<p04-PROCESS>
{N<seq> }G62 X0 Y0<eob>
{N<seq> }G97 X0<eob>
{N<seq> }G90 G70 (INCH)<eob>
{N<seq> }M78 M78 (FILL TANK)<eob>
{N<seq> }G1 X<x-coord> Y<y-coord> F<v05-FEED-UPM><eob>
{N<seq> }G92 X<x-coord> Y<y-coord><eob>
<IF><thread-wire><THEN>
<p01-THREAD-WIRE>
<ENDIF>
{N<seq> }M90<eob>
<IFNOT><eq-number>(<offset-value>,<$offset-value>)<THEN>
{N<seq> }H01=<offset-value><eob>
<ENDIF>

76 • Menus User Guide

 Process Start
A process start block is output only between individual processes in
the Process Table. The Process Start program format must contain
all commands that might change between processes such as
<offset-value>. You must also include the <x-coord> and <y-
coord> reserved words in this program format.
;-------------------SET VAR<eob>
~<v05-FEED-UPM>25.<eob>
;-------------------<eob>
<32><32><eob>
{N<seq> }(MACHINING <face-name> <group-name>)<eob>
{N<seq> }(MACHINING PROCESS <process-id>)<eob>
<p04-PROCESS>
<IFNOT><thread-wire><THEN>
<IF><eq-number>(<oper-num>,2)<THEN>
{N<seq> }M78 M78 (FILL TANK)<eob>
{N<seq> }M80 M82 M84<eob>
<ENDIF>
<ENDIF>
{N<seq> }G1 X<x-coord> Y<y-coord> F<v05-FEED-UPM><eob>
<IF><thread-wire><THEN>
{N<seq> }G92 X<x-coord> Y<y-coord><eob>
<p01-THREAD-WIRE>
<ENDIF>
{N<seq> }M90<eob>
<IFNOT><eq-number>(<offset-value>,<$offset-value>)<THEN>
{N<seq> }H01=<offset-value><eob>
<ENDIF>

Process End
It is not recommended to use Process End format for Basic Post
Processors. For Multi-Axis Post Processors, Process End Format is
commonly used to cancel synchronization modes and retract the
tool to a safe location before the tool change.

Motion Formats
Use the options on the Configure EDM > Motion Formats menu to
configure EDM Motion formats for EDM process output.

Rapid Move
The Rapid Move program format determines the output of rapid
positioning moves in the part program. When you use modality
delimiters { } around the <x-coord> and <y-coord> reserved
words in this program format, PartMaker will strip redundant X or Y
coordinates from each line as they are encountered.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 77

 ~<v05-FEED-UPM>25.<eob>
{N<seq> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{F<v05-
FEED-UPM>}<eob>

Linear Move
The Linear Move program format defines the part program output
for linear moves. You must define the <comp-status>, <motion>,
<x-coord>, <y-coord>, and <feed-upm> reserved words in this
program format.
~<v05-FEED-UPM><feed-upm><eob>
;-------------IF COMP OFF, THEN INCREASE FEED<eob>
<IF><comp-end><THEN>
~<v05-FEED-UPM>5.<eob>
<ENDIF>
;-------------<eob>
{N<seq> }{<comp-status> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-
coord> }{F<v05-FEED-UPM> }{E<e-pack> }
<IF><taper-used-in-proc><THEN>
<IF><comp-start><THEN>
A<taper-angle><32>
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><comp-start><THEN>
{A<taper-angle>}<32>
<ENDIF>
<ENDIF>
<IF><comp-start><THEN>
H01
<ENDIF>
<IF><comp-end><THEN>
M91
<ENDIF>
<eob>
<IF><glue-stop><THEN>
/M1 (GLUE STOP)<eob>
<ENDIF>

Circular Move
In this program format, the reserved words <arc-x>, <arc-y>,
<radius>, <center-x>, and <center-y> can be used, for example:
~<v05-FEED-UPM><feed-upm><eob>
{N<seq> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }R<radius>
{F<v05-FEED-UPM>}
<IF><taper-used-in-proc><THEN>
{A<taper-angle>}
<ENDIF>
<eob>
<IF><glue-stop><THEN>
/M1 (GLUE STOP)<eob>

78 • Menus User Guide

 <ENDIF>

XY UV Linear Move
{N<seq> }{<comp-status> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-
coord> }
{U<u-relat> }{V<v-relat> }{F<feed-upm> }{E<e-pack> }<eob>

XY UV Circular Move
{N<seq> }{<comp-status> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-
coord> }{I<center-x> }{J<center-y> }
{U<u-relat> }{V<v-relat> }{K<center-u> }{L<center-v> }
{F<feed-upm> }{E<e-pack> }<eob>

To use this format, you must first configure Multi Quadrant

Arcs in the General Information dialog (see page 98).

Procedure Formats
For more information, see Using Procedures (see page 140)

General Information
This command displays the General Information dialog (see page
104) where you can specify information for a part program such as
machining constants and the type of circular interpolation your CNC
uses.

Preparatory Functions
This command displays the Preparatory Functions dialog (see page
114) where you can specify machining codes to be used in the part
program for motion formats and cutter compensation.

Words Information
This command displays the Words Information dialog (see page 127)
where you can specify parameters for reserved words used in a Post
file (see page 15).

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 79

 Window menu
Use the options on the Window menu allow you to arrange the
active PartMaker windows.

Close All
Use this menu option to close all windows in the ConfigPost
application.

Cascade
Use this menu option to cascade all of the windows in the
ConfigPost application.

Tile
Use this menu option to tile all of the windows in the ConfigPost
application.

80 • Menus User Guide

 Help menu
Use the options on the Help menu to access various sources of
information about PartMaker.

Help Topics
Use this menu option to display the ConfigPost user guide PDF.

What's this?
Use this menu option to display information about a valid reserved
word in a separate ConfigPost Help window, for example:

You can access this window by using the:

▪ Help > What's This? menu option.
▪ Pop-up menu over the editor.
▪ Pop-up menu over the list of reserved words.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 81

 Accessing What's this? command through the main menu
Help > What's this?
▪ If the valid reserved word is highlighted in the editor, for
example <face-end-index>, the menu changes to Help > What's
<face-end-index>?

82 • Menus User Guide

 ▪ If no valid reserved word is selected in the editor, but reserved
word, for example <depth>, is selected in the list of reserved
words then menu changes to Help > What's <depth>?

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 83

 ▪ If neither valid reserved word is selected in the editor, nor the
reserved word is selected in the list of reserved words then the
menu displays the generic name Help > What's this?

Accessing What's this? command through the context

menu over the editor
When you right-click a valid reserved word, such as <face-end-
index>, it is highlighted and the context menu changes to:

84 • Menus User Guide

 Accessing What's this? command through the context
menu over the list of reserved words
When you right-click a valid reserved word in the list of reserved
words, such as <depth>, it is highlighted and the context menu
changes to:

About
Use this menu option to display the About ConfigPost dialog, where
you can view version and licensing information about the ConfigPost
application that is installed.

Autodesk PartMaker Menus • 85

Right-click context menus

Right-click over the editor or over the list of reserved words to

access the context menu.

Right-click context menu on the editor

When you right-click a reserved word in the editor, ConfigPost
automatically highlights it.
The following context menu is displayed (if you selected <speed-
rpm>):

▪ Copy, Cut, Paste, Undo — These options enable you to perform

standard window operations.
▪ Open Procedure <...> — Select this option to open a procedure
window (see page 140) corresponding to the selected procedure
name.
For example, if <p01-OFFSET> is a valid procedure name and it is
selected in the editor, the context menu changes to:

86 • Right-click context menus User Guide

 ▪ Find — Select this option to open the Find dialog.
▪ What's this? — Select this option to display the help for a
selected valid reserved word.

Autodesk PartMaker Right-click context menus • 87

 Right-click context menu on the list of
the reserved words
When you right-click on the list of the reserved words, ConfigPost
automatically highlights the valid reserved word and displays the
context menu.
When you right-click a valid reserved word in the list of reserved
words, such as <depth>, it is highlighted and the context menu
changes to:

▪ What's this? — Select this option to display the help for a

selected valid reserved word.
▪ Find — Select this option to open the Find dialog.

88 • Right-click context menus User Guide

Dialogs

This section contains details of all the dialogs available in

ConfigPost.

Advanced Customization dialog

Use the Advanced Customization dialog to create a compiled .exe file
that is run after PartMaker has finished post processing.
To display the dialog, select Settings > Advanced Customization from
the Menu bar.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 89

 Channels, Tool Moving in Z dialog
This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.
Use the Channels, Tool Moving in Z dialog to enter a specific channel
number for available tool posts. The fields become enabled when
the Tools Info dialog (see page 119) contains valid Tools Ranges.
To display this dialog, select Settings > Channels, Tool Moving in Z
from the menu bar.

90 • Dialogs User Guide

 Channels, Tool Stationary in Z dialog
This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.
Use the Channels, Tool Stationary in Z dialog to enter specific channel
numbers for available tool posts. The fields become available when
the Tools Info dialog (see page 119) contains valid Tools Ranges
values.
To display the dialog, select Settings > Channels, Tool Stationary in Z
from the menu bar.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 91

 Comments dialog
Use the Comments dialog to enter comments for Procedures, User
Data, and Variables.

To display the dialog, click on a raised button in one of the following

dialogs:
▪ Procedure Names dialog (see page 115).
▪ User Data Names dialog (see page 120).
▪ Variables Names dialog (see page 122).
The comments entered become available as tool-tips in the dialogs
where the comments dialog was called from.

92 • Dialogs User Guide

 In order to see the tooltip with entered comments, position the
cursor over the raised button. For, example:

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 93

 Compare Files dialog
Use the Compare Files dialog to compare two Post files.

To display this dialog, select Compare Files from the File menu.
The following settings are available:
Match Case — Select this option to enable you to match case during
file comparison.
Scroll Automatically to the First Difference — Select this option to
enable the compare function to jump to the first found difference
when the new format is displayed.
Original File — This field specifies the full path and the file name of
the file that you are going to compare.
Modified File — This field specifies the full path and the file name of
the file that you are going to compare.
Browse — Click to browse for the Post file you want to compare.
Compare — Performs the file comparison and displays the result in
the Post File Differences dialog (see page 118).

94 • Dialogs User Guide

 Multi Coolant Info dialog
Use this dialog to enter Tool Range specific coolant M codes for your
chosen tool post.

This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.

To display the Multi Coolant Info dialog, select one of the options
from the Settings > Multi Coolant Info submenu.
The fields become available when the Tools Info dialog (see page
119) contains valid Tool Ranges for your selected tool post.

New Range — Click to create a new range in the Tool Ranges list
box.
Delete Range — Click to remove an existing range in the Tool
Ranges list box.
Set Tool Range — These fields specify the start and end of the active
tool range selected in the Tool Ranges list box
Coolant Codes — These fields contain the on and off coolant codes
for specific coolant types. The entire code must be entered in these
fields.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 95

 Create Non-Distribution Post File
ConfigPost displays the Create Non-Distribution Post File dialog when
you click the Create Non-Distribution Post File button in the Open
Distribution Post File dialog (see page 109).

To create a Non-Distribution Post file:

1 Select the Units that you want to use in the Post file.
2 Check you have opened the correct Distribution Post file, by
checking the following details:
▪ Distribution Post File displays the directory and filename of the
Distribution Post File you opened.
▪ Customer PIN displays the Customer PIN you entered on the
Open Distribution Post File dialog (see page 109).
If the details are incorrect, click Cancel to exit from the dialog. If
the details are correct, continue to the next step.
3 Check the Directory Name where PartMaker will save the Non-
Distribution Post file and the Post File Name for the file are
correct. You can enter a different directory and/or filename, if
required.
4 Click OK.
ConfigPost creates a new Non-Distribution Post (.pst) file (and
.sub file, if required). It then opens the .pst file in ConfigPost.

96 • Dialogs User Guide

 Define Target Application dialog
The Define Target Application dialog is displayed when you open a
Post file that was created with an older version of ConfigPost.

After the target application is defined by choosing a radio button,

the target application cannot be changed.
Target application will be saved with the Post file. When this Post
file is accessed again, this dialog no longer appears.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 97

 Faces Info dialog
This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.
Use the Faces Info dialog to enter tool post specific G/M codes for
your chosen face type.
To display this dialog, select one of the options from the Settings >
Faces Info submenu.
The fields are available when the Tools Info dialog (see page 119)
contains valid Tools Ranges.

Copy Prep Functions — This option enables you to copy G/M codes
from the Preparatory Functions dialog (see page 110).

General Information dialog

Use the General Information dialog to specify information for a part
program and the type of circular interpolation your CNC uses.

General Information dialog - Mill

The General Information dialog enables you to specify information for
a part program such as machining data, subprograms support for
milling and drilling operations (if your CNC is capable) and the type
of circular interpolation your CNC uses.

98 • Dialogs User Guide

 To display this dialog, select Configure Mill > General Information from
the menu bar.

Units — Select the units.

End of Block — Specify the end of block character sequence.
Decimal Point — Specify the character to be used for decimal points.
(For U.S. machines, a period is normally used; for European
machines, a comma is often used.)
Circular Interpolation — Select the type of circular interpolation used
by your CNC. You can choose Multi Quadrant or Single Quadrant.

Machining Data
Minimum Feed (UPM) — Specify the minimum feed rate value to be
used by your CNC.
Maximum Feed (UPM) — Specify the maximum feed rate value to be
used by your CNC.
Rapid Feed (UPM) — Specify the rapid feed rate value to be used by
your CNC.
Maximum Speed (RPM) — Specify the maximum spindle speed to be
used by your CNC.
Tool Change Time (min) — Specify the tool change time to be used
by your CNC.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 99

 Machining data can be viewed in the Defaults dialog in
PartMaker.
All Upper Case Characters — Select this option to convert all notes to
upper-case characters.
Strip Explanation Lines — Select this option to prevent explanation
lines from being written to the NC program file. Explanation lines
help improve configuration file documentation. Each explanation line
must begin with a semicolon as shown in the following example:

;TOOL CHANGE ON THE NEXT LINE<eob> This is an explanation

line. It starts with a semicolon.
T<tool-num><tool-offset>M06<eob>

Subprograms Data
These options are applicable only to PartMaker/Mill:
Milling Subprograms Support — Select this option if you are using
subprograms in a part program and your CNC supports milling
subprograms.
Drilling Subprograms Support — Select this option if you are using
subprograms in a part program and your CNC supports drilling
subprograms.
Max Subprograms — Specify the maximum number of subprograms
that can be used in a part program.
Subprogram Type — Specify the type of subprogram to be used in a
part program:
▪ Start of Program — Select to place subprogram definitions at the
beginning of the part program file.
▪ End of Program — Select to place subprogram definitions at the
end of the part program file. We recommend you use the File
End program format at the end of these subprogram definitions.
▪ Not Available — Select to specify that subprograms will not be
output for this part program.
▪ Individual Files — Select to specify that each subprogram
definition will be placed in an individual file. The name of each
file consists of the name you specified in ConfigPost and the
subprogram number assigned by the system. For example,
FANUC03 for Subprogram 03 FANUC is the main part program
name and the number 03 is the (internal) subprogram name.
The subprogram name is added to the main part program name
as the disk file name.

100 • Dialogs User Guide

 ▪ Separate File — Select to specify that all subprograms will be
placed in one file. The name of the subprogram file consists of
the output name you specify in ConfigPost (MA represents the
subprogram specification) and a file extension of .TXT. For
example, the FANUCMA.TXT subprogram file and FANUC.TXT
main part program file would be output.

Entering Control Characters

ConfigPost sometimes allows or requires the use of one or more
ASCII control characters (see page 195) (non-printable characters).
You can embed these control characters in a program format by
entering the decimal equivalent of the ASCII code delimited by
angular brackets (<>). For example, <13> denotes the ASCII
equivalent of a carriage return.

Imported PowerMill Toolpaths

Use this option to specify whether the post processor supports
toolpaths that have been imported into PartMaker from PowerMill.
This option is available only when using PartMaker/SwissCAM,
PartMaker/Turn-Mill, or PartMaker/Mill.
You can select:
▪ Supported — Select this option if the post processor supports the
post processing of toolpaths imported from PowerMill.
▪ Unsupported — Select this option if the post processor does not
support the post-processing of toolpaths imported from
PowerMill.
If a PartMaker job file attempts to post process a toolpath imported
from PowerMill when Unsupported is selected, PartMaker is unable
to post process the toolpath and displays an error message.

As well as selecting Supported, the correct formatting must

also be configured to post process toolpaths imported from
PowerMill, see Configuring a post processor to support
imported PowerMill toolpaths (see page 161) for more details.

4-Axis Simultaneous Milling

Use this option to specify whether the post processor supports 4-
Axis Simultaneous toolpaths. This option is available when using
PartMaker/SwissCAM, PartMaker/Turn-Mill and PartMaker/Mill.
You can select:
▪ Supported — Select this option if the post processor supports 4-
Axis Simultaneous toolpaths.
▪ Not Supported — Select this option if the post processor does not
support 4-Axis Simultaneous toolpath.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 101

 5-Axis Simultaneous Milling
Use this option to specify whether the post processor supports 5-
Axis Simultaneous toolpaths. This option is available when using
PartMaker/SwissCAM, PartMaker/Turn-Mill and PartMaker/Mill.

To use 5-axis simultaneous toolpaths, your CNC machine

must support Rotation Tool Center Point (RTCP).
You can select:
▪ Not Supported — Select this option if the post processor does not
support 5-Axis Simultaneous toolpaths.
▪ (X,Y, Z) in Rotated Coordinate System — Select this option if the
post processor supports 5-Axis Simultaneous toolpaths and
outputs the X,Y coordinates in a coordinate system that rotates
about the Z-axis with the stock.
▪ (X,Y,Z) in Machine Coordinate System — Select this option if the
post processor supports 5-Axis Simultaneous toolpaths and
outputs the X,Y coordinates in the Machine Coordinate system,
which does not change with stock rotation.
If a PartMaker job file attempts to post process a 5-axis toolpath
when Unsupported is selected, PartMaker is unable to post process
the toolpath and displays an error message.

102 • Dialogs User Guide

 General Information dialog - Turn
The General Information dialog enables you to specify information for
a part program such as machining data, subprograms support for
milling and drilling operations (if your CNC is capable) and the type
of circular interpolation your CNC uses.
To display this dialog, select Configure Turn > General Information
from the menu bar.

Units — Select the units.

End of Block — Specify the end of block character sequence.
Decimal Point — Specify the character to be used for decimal points.
(For U.S. machines, a period is normally used; for European
machines, a comma is often used.)
Circular Interpolation — Select the type of circular interpolation used
by your CNC. You can choose Multi Quadrant or Single Quadrant.

Machining Data
Minimum Feed — Enter the minimum programmable feed rate in
UPM and UPR.
Maximum Feed — Enter the maximum programmable feed rate in
UPM and UPR.
Maximum Speed — Enter the maximum programmable spindle
speed.
Rapid Feed — Enter the maximum rapid traverse rate.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 103

 Tool Change Time (min) — Enter the tool change time (in minutes) to
be used by your CNC.

Machining data can also be viewed in the Defaults dialog in

PartMaker.
All Upper Case Characters — Select this option to convert all notes to
upper-case characters.
Strip Explanation Lines — Select this option to prevent explanation
lines from being written to the NC program file. Explanation lines
help improve configuration file documentation. Each explanation line
must begin with a semicolon as shown in the following example:
;TOOL CHANGE ON THE NEXT LINE<eob>
T<tool-num><tool-offset>M06<eob>
Swiss Turn — Select this option if you are specifying information for
Swiss-type machines. Checking this box indicates to PartMaker to
begin reading a post configuration file in the Collet Re-Chuck,Turn
section located under Other Formats.
Add Pull Distance to Z-coordinate — When using Material Control
Process “Pull with Sub-Spindle”, selecting this option updates all Z-
related words (<z-coord>, <depth-abs>, etc.) for all consecutive
processes on the main spindle by adding the “Pull Distance(Zp)”.
Max. Speed (RPM) — Range 1-4. These options represent the
maximum attainable spindle speeds in each of the lathe's gear
ranges. If a range is not available, set the value to zero.
Entering Control Characters — ConfigPost sometimes allows - or
requires - the use of one or more ASCII control characters (non-
printable characters). You can embed these control characters in a
program format by entering the decimal equivalent of the ASCII
code delimited by angular brackets (<>). For example, <13> denotes
the ASCII equivalent of a carriage return.

104 • Dialogs User Guide

 General Information dialog - WireEDM
The General Information dialog enables you to specify information for
a part program, such as machining data and the type of circular
interpolation your CNC uses.
To display this dialog, select Configure EDM > General Information
from the menu bar.

Units — Select the units.

End of Block — Enter the end of block character sequence.
Decimal Point — Enter the character to be used for decimal points.
(For U.S. machines, a period is normally used; for European
machines, a comma is often used).
Circular Interpolation — Select the type of circular interpolation used
by your CNC. You can choose Multi Quadrant or Single Quadrant.

Machining Constants
Guide Span — Enter the (Z) distance measured between the upper
and lower guides.
Table Height (Z Lower Guide) — Enter the distance from the work
table down to the lower guide.
Upper Arm Stoke — Enter the maximum travel distance of upper
guide.
All Upper Case Characters — Select this option to convert all notes to
upper-case characters.
Strip Explanation Lines — Select this option to prevent explanation
lines from being written to the NC program file.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 105

 Explanation lines help improve configuration file documentation.
Each explanation line must begin with a semicolon as shown in the
following example:
;TOOL CHANGE ON THE NEXT LINE<eob> This is an explanation
line. It starts with a semicolon.
T<tool-num><tool-offset>M06<eob>
Entering Control Characters — ConfigPost sometimes allows or
requires the use of one or more ASCII control characters (non-
printable characters). You can embed these control characters in a
program format by entering the decimal equivalent of the ASCII
code delimited by angular brackets (<>). For example, <13> denotes
the ASCII equivalent of a carriage return.

106 • Dialogs User Guide

 Insert Word dialog
To insert a reserved word in the ConfigPost window, double-click the
word in the word list on the right side of the ConfigPost Window, or
select a word and choose Selected Word from the Edit > Insert menu.
1 If you select a numeric reserved word, the Insert Numeric Word
dialog appears. You can insert the word as a modal or
incremental word, or use the value of the previous reserved
word.

2 If you select a logical reserved word, the selected word is

inserted at the current cursor location.
3 If you select a string reserved word, the Insert String Word dialog
appears. You can insert the word "as is" or as a modal word.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 107

 Internal Data dialog
The Internal Data dialog enables you to view the Post file specific
information.
To display this dialog, select Settings > Internal Data from the menu
bar. The fields in this dialog are always disabled.

Machine ID — Shows the internal name of the CNC Machine.

Version — Shows the internal version of the Post file.

Post File Status

Distribution — Shows that the Post file was distributed by Autodesk.
Non-Distribution — Shows that the Post file contains customer-
specific information and cannot be redistributed.
Reference Guide Compliant — Shows that the content in the
Reference Guide generated by the post processor matches the
capabilities of the post processor and the machine.

Naming convention for Post files

When you create, modify, or save Post files in ConfigPost the
character 'e' is appended after 'v' in the Post file name. For
example, Citizen_M3_32-ve122.pst.
If the post is Reference Guide Compliant, the character ‘c’ is added
after the version number of the post. For example, Citizen_M3_32-
ve122c.pst.

108 • Dialogs User Guide

 Machine Settings dialog
Use the Machine Settings dialog to select your machine type, axis
configuration, table type, and primary rotary axis.

To display this dialog, select Settings > Machine Settings from the
Main menu when the Target Application is set to PartMaker/Mill.
Select Vertical Mill-Turn from the Machine Type list to ensure the
Configure Turn menu is available on the menu bar.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 109

 Open Distribution Post File
This dialog is displayed when you open a Distribution Post file in
ConfigPost or enable Config-by-Click (see page 188) in PartMaker
when a Distribution Post file is loaded.

Complete the dialog as follows:

Customer PIN — Enter the customer PIN that was provided with your
PartMaker installation. ConfigPost uses the PIN to ensure that only
information relevant to your organization is displayed in the Post
file.
View Post File — Click this button to view the Distribution Post file
within ConfigPost. You cannot modify a Distribution Post file.
Create Non-Distribution Post File — Click this button to create a Non-
Distribution Post file from this Post file. You can modify a Non-
Distribution file to suit the needs or your organization. ConfigPost
displays the Create Non-Distribution Post File dialog (see page 95).

110 • Dialogs User Guide

 Preparatory Functions dialog
The Preparatory Functions dialog allows you to specify machining
codes for preparatory functions, such as motion formats and cutter
compensation.

Preparatory Functions dialog - Mill

Use the Preparatory Functions,Mill dialog to specify machining codes
to be used in the part program for cycle names, motion formats,
cutter compensation, coolant type, and spindle direction. Each
string reserved word shown in the illustration is replaced by the
specified G or M machining code when the part program is created.
To display the Preparatory Functions,Mill dialog, select Configure Mill
> Preparatory Functions from the menu bar.

Cycle Names — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for

machining cycles in the part program. These codes replace the
string reserved word <cycle>.
Retract to — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for
retract/return in the part program.
▪ Clear Level
▪ Rapid Level
These codes replace the string reserved word <retract>.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 111

 Motion — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for motion in
the part program:
▪ Rapid
▪ Linear
▪ Arc CW
▪ Arc C-CW
These codes replace the string reserved word <motion>.
Cutter Comp — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for cutter
diameter compensation in the part program:
▪ Left
▪ Right
▪ Cancel
These codes replace the string reserved word <comp-status>.
Deceleration — Specifies the codes to be used to inhibit
deceleration, then resume later. The Inhibit code is used for tangent
locations where deceleration is not necessary.
Coolant — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for coolant type
in the part program:
▪ No Coolant
▪ High Pressure
▪ Standard
These codes replace the string reserved word <coolant>.
Spindle — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for spindle
rotation in the part program:
▪ Clockwise
▪ Counter CW
These codes replace the string reserved word <spindle>.

Preparatory Functions dialog - Turn

Use the Preparatory Functions,Turn dialog to specify machining codes
to be used in the part program for cycle names, motion formats,
cutter compensation, coolant type, and spindle direction. Each
string reserved word shown in the illustration is replaced by the
specified G or M machining code when the part program is created.

112 • Dialogs User Guide

 To display the Preparatory Functions,Turn dialog, select Configure
Turn > Preparatory Functions from the menu bar.

Cycle Names — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for

machining cycles in the part program.
These codes replace the string reserved word <cycle>.
Motion — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for motion in
the part program:
▪ Rapid
▪ Linear
▪ Arc CW
▪ Arc C-CW
▪ Thread
These codes replace the string reserved word <motion>.
Cutter Comp — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for cutter
diameter compensation in the part program:
▪ Left
▪ Right
▪ Cancel
These codes replace the string reserved word <comp-status>.
Speed Range — These codes program the spindle gearbox to the
appropriate gear to match the required spindle speed.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 113

 These codes replace:
▪ Range 1 string reserved words
▪ Range 2 string reserved words
▪ Range 3 string reserved words
▪ Range 4 string reserved words
Spindle — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for spindle
rotation in the part program:
▪ Clockwise
▪ Counter CW
These codes replace the string reserved word <spindle>.
Feed Units — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for feed
units per revolution and per minute.
Coolant — Codes used to activate the coolant.

Preparatory Functions dialog - WireEDM

Use the Preparatory Functions,EDM dialog to specify machining codes
to be used in the part program for motion formats and cutter
compensation. Each string reserved word shown in the illustration is
replaced by the specified G or M machining code when the part
program is created.
To display the Preparatory Functions,EDM dialog, select Configure
EDM > Preparatory Functions from the menu bar.

Motion — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for motion in

the part program:
▪ Rapid
▪ Linear
▪ Arc CW
▪ Arc C-CW

114 • Dialogs User Guide

 ▪ XY,UV Move
These codes replace the string reserved word <motion>.
Cutter Comp — Specifies the codes required by your CNC for wire
diameter compensation in the part program:
▪ Left
▪ Right
▪ Cancel
These codes replace the string reserved word <comp-status>.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 115

 Procedure Names dialog
The Procedure Names dialog enables you to name procedures.

Procedure Names dialog - Mill

Use the Procedure Names,Mill dialog to name procedures for use in
the Milling section of ConfigPost.
To display this dialog, select Settings > Procedure Names > Milling
Procedures from the menu bar.

Procedure Names dialog - Turn

Use the Procedures Names,Turn dialog to name procedures for use in
the PartMaker/Turn section of ConfigPost.

116 • Dialogs User Guide

 To display this dialog, select Settings > Procedure Names > Turning
Procedures from the menu bar.

Procedure Names dialog - WireEDM

Use the Procedures Names,WireEDM dialog to name procedures for
use in the EDM section of ConfigPost.
To display this dialog, select Settings > Procedure Names > EDM
Procedures from the menu bar.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 117

 Post File Differences dialog
To display the Post File Differences dialog, click the Compare button
in the Compare Files dialog (see page 93).

List of Found Differences — Displays the list of all program formats

where differences between 2 files were found.
You can click on each individual program format, or you can click on
“All” to see differences in all program formats.

118 • Dialogs User Guide

 Next/Previous — These buttons enable you to jump to the next or
previous difference. The first character is highlighted in the window
where differences are found.

If you position the cursor over the Original File or Modified File
window headers, the full file path is displayed.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 119

 Tools Info dialog
This feature is not used in Basic Post Processors.
Use the Tools Info dialog to enter the Tools Range for a specific tool
post.

To display this dialog, select one of the following options from the
Settings > Tools Info menu.
When there is a value in the Tools Range field, the tool post is
marked with a tick in the Tools Info menu.

120 • Dialogs User Guide

 User Data Names dialog
Use the User Data Names dialog to add your own logical reserved
words (called User Conditions) and string reserved words (called
User Parameters) to a Post file.
When the Post file is selected in PartMaker, users can use the User
Data dialog to activate User Conditions and assign values to User
Parameters.

Some of the Post files provided with your PartMaker

installation may already include User Data.
To create User Data using the User Data Names dialog:
1 In ConfigPost, select Settings > User Data Names to display the
User Data Names dialog:

2 Enter the names of the User Conditions and User Parameters you
want to create. You can enter up to 31 User Conditions and 15
User Parameters.

The names of User Conditions and User Parameters must

not contain blank spaces.
3 To enter comments for a User Condition or User Parameter, click
the button alongside its name to display the Comments dialog.
PartMaker users can view these comments when using the User
Data dialog in PartMaker.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 121

 For example, to enter a comment for User Condition 3, click
and then enter the comment in the Comments dialog:

4 When you have entered the comment, click OK to return to the

User Data Names dialog.
5 Repeat steps 2–4 for each User Condition and User Parameter
you want to create.
6 When you have created all the User Conditions and User
Parameters you require, click OK.

122 • Dialogs User Guide

 Variables Names dialog
Use the Variables Names dialog to enter the names of user-defined
variables. For Turn-Mill and SwissCAM Post files, the same variables
can be used either in the Milling or Turning section of ConfigPost.
To display the Variables Names dialog, select Settings > Variables
Names from the menu bar.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 123

 Words Information dialog
The Words Information dialog allows you to specify the information
for a reserved word that affects its appearance in a part program.

Words Information dialog - Mill

The Words Information dialog has multiple pages; you can view any
page by clicking its corresponding check box on the right side of the
dialog. Use the check boxes and text entry areas in the table to
specify the format of any reserved word.
To display this dialog, select Configure Mill > Words Information from
the menu bar.

Page — Specifies the page of reserved words you’re currently

viewing. The words are displayed in the same order they appear in
the ConfigPost window. There are multiple pages of reserved words
information.
Leading Zeros — When on, specifies the output format of leading
zeros. For example, 2.5 with three leading zeros and with a decimal
point would display as 002.5 (or 0025 without a decimal point).
Trailing Zeros — When on, specifies output of trailing zeros. For
example, 2.5 with four trailing zeros and with a decimal point would
display as 2.5000 (or 25000 without a decimal point).
Decimal Point — When on, uses a decimal point for a value. (See the
two previous examples.)

124 • Dialogs User Guide

 Plus Sign — When on, outputs positive values with plus signs (+),
+2.5 for example.
Unsigned Value — When on, always generates positive values.
Format — Specifies the number of digits for the numeric value
represented by the reserved word. The first value specifies the
maximum number of digits to the left of the decimal point; the
second value specifies the maximum number of digits to the right of
the decimal point.
Op — Specifies a mathematical operation. Op can be any of the
following: +, –, or *.
Factor — Applies Op to the value by the specified factor during post
processing.

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 125

 Words Information dialog - Turn
This dialog appears when you choose Words Information from the
Configure Turn menu.
The Words Information dialog has multiple pages; you can view any
page by clicking its corresponding check box on the right side of the
dialog. Use the check boxes and text entry areas in the table to
specify the format of any reserved word.

Page — Specifies the page of reserved words you’re currently

viewing. The words are displayed in the same order they appear in
the ConfigPost window. There are six pages of reserved words
information.
Leading zeros — When on, specifies the output format of leading
zeros. For example, 2.5 with three leading zeros and with a decimal
point would display as 002.5 (or 0025 without a decimal point).
Trailing zeros — When on, specifies output of trailing zeros. For
example, 2.5 with four trailing zeros and with a decimal point would
display as 2.5000 (or 25000 without a decimal point).
Decimal Point — When on, uses a decimal point for a value. (See the
two previous examples.)
Plus Sign — When on, outputs positive values with plus signs (+),
+2.5 for example.
Unsigned Value — When on, always generates positive values.

126 • Dialogs User Guide

 Format — Specifies the number of digits for the numeric value
represented by the reserved word. The first value specifies the
maximum number of digits to the left of the decimal point; the
second value specifies the maximum number of digits to the right of
the decimal point.
Op — Specifies a mathematical operation. Op can be any of the
following: +, –, or *.
Factor — Applies Op to the value by the specified factor during post
processing.

Words Information dialog - EDM

This dialog appears when you choose Words Information... from the
Configure EDM menu.
The Words Information dialog has multiple pages; you can view any
page by clicking its corresponding check box on the right side of the
dialog. Use the check boxes and text entry areas in the table to
specify the format of any reserved word.

Page — Specifies the page of reserved words you’re currently

viewing. The words are displayed in the same order they appear in
the ConfigPost window. There are multiple pages of reserved words
information.
Leading Zeros — When on, specifies the output format of leading
zeros. For example, 2.5 with three leading zeros and with a decimal
point would display as 002.5 (or 0025 without a decimal point).

Autodesk PartMaker Dialogs • 127

 Trailing Zeros — When on, specifies output of trailing zeros. For
example, 2.5 with four trailing zeros and with a decimal point would
display as 2.5000 (or 25000 without a decimal point).
Decimal Point — When on, uses a decimal point for a value. (See the
two previous examples.)
Plus Sign — When on, outputs positive values with plus signs (+),
+2.5 for example.
Unsigned Value — When on, always generates positive values.
Format — Specifies the number of digits for the numeric value
represented by the reserved word. The first value specifies the
maximum number of digits to the left of the decimal point; the
second value specifies the maximum number of digits to the right of
the decimal point.
Op — Specifies a mathematical operation. Op can be any of the
following: +, –, or *.
Factor — Applies Op to the value by the specified factor during post
processing.

128 • Dialogs User Guide

Advanced Features

This section describes some of ConfigPost's advanced features:

▪ Assigning Values to Reserved Words (see page 129)
▪ Explanation Lines (see page 130)
▪ Using ConfigPost’s File Handling Features (see page 131)
▪ Separating Lines Into Specific Files (see page 133)
▪ Using Variables (see page 135)
▪ Using <include> reserved word (see page 137)
▪ Performing Math Operations (see page 139)
▪ Using Procedures (see page 140)
▪ User Data Names (see page 120)
▪ Import/Export WRI files (see page 147)

Autodesk PartMaker Advanced Features • 129

 Assigning Values to Reserved Words
Reserved words’ values are assigned when PartMaker generates an
NC program, i.e., reserved words in the Post file are substituted by
their corresponding values and machine tool codes (called G and M
codes) from the Process Table. ConfigPost also allows you to assign
values to reserved words within the Post file itself. Reserved words
can be assigned values in any of ConfigPost’s program formats as
shown below:
~<reserved word being assigned>VALUE BEING ASSIGNED<eob>
The example below shows how to set the reserved word <tool-
num> to 10:
~<tool-num>10<eob>
Another example shows how to assign a value of one reserved word
to another:
~<tool-num><tool-offset><eob>

To help clarify the assignment, you can insert a comment:

~Comment <reserved word being assigned>VALUE BEING
ASSIGNED<eob>
When inserting a comment with a variable assignment, it is
often helpful to put an “=” sign before the comment to
indicate to yourself that you are assigning a variable. For
example, you might insert a comment like this:
~=Set tool number to 10 <tool-num>10<eob>

Explanation Lines
ConfigPost allows you to put explanations into any program format.
An explanation line has to start with; (semicolon) and it has to end
with <eob>.
Example of an explanation line is shown below:
;This is an explanation line, it starts with a semicolon
<eob>
During Post Processing PartMaker ignores explanations if the check
box "Strip Explanation Lines" is checked in the General
Information,Mill (see page 98) or General Information,Turn (see page
102) or General Information,WireEDM dialog (see page 104).
If "Strip Explanation Lines" is not checked then during Post
Processing PartMaker puts all explanations lines into a G-Code file.

130 • Advanced Features User Guide

 Using ConfigPost’s File Handling
Features
PartMaker can create more than one output file and/or combine
output files. This function is very useful when working with dual
path controls and/or creating tool lists, for example.
When you want to split a file, the first four lines of the post
processor must be as follows:
#define MACHINE NAME<eob>
#split<prog-name>.TXT FILE1.EXT FILE2.EXT
OUT_NAME.TXT<eob>
#merge MERGEFILE.EXT FILE1.EXT FILE2.EXT<eob>
#remove FILE1.EXT FILE2.EXT<eob>
The four lines shown above must be placed in the File Start section
of your Post file.
MACHINE NAME can be any name that you choose.

At this time, MACHINE NAME is not used.

The #split command instructs PartMaker to take the initial output
file <PROG-NAME>.TXT and split it into as many files as are defined
by the arguments that follow.
Unlike basic PartMaker applications, this <PROG-NAME>.txt will not
be the final G-code program that you send to the CNC.<PROG-
NAME>.txt will be split into the number of additional files you have
designated, as shown in the following illustration.

Each argument, separated by a blank space, represents a valid file

name that will be created during post processing. The names may
be user-defined, without path statements; the only required name
is OUT_NAME.TXT as described later in this section.

Autodesk PartMaker Advanced Features • 131

 <prog-name>.TXT is the name of the file initially created by
ConfigPost as entered by the user.
<prog-name>.TXT is a text file.
FILE1.EXT is the first file to be created from the split. This file may
have any legal file name (such as FILENAME.TXT or NAME.XXX (it
does not have to be a .TXT extension).
FILE2.EXT is the second file to be created from the split. As with
FILE1.EXT, the file name does not require a .TXT extension.
OUT_NAME.TXT is a special file name that must be created any time
the split/merge function is used.

Information written to the OUT_NAME.TXT file is used to

communicate to the programmer. The contents of this file are
shown after post processing in PartMaker is completed. The
first line of this file must be the word FILES followed by the
names of the output files created that you want the user to
view/edit when they press the Edit Program button in
PartMaker. Any additional text in the file is for information
only, and will be displayed on the screen when post
processing is completed.
#merge MERGEFILE.EXT FILE1.EXT FILE2.EXT FILE3.EXT<eob>
Merge is used to paste files back together in a specific order.

MERGEFILE.EXT may be any valid file name of the user's choice.

FILE1.EXT is the first file to be pasted in; FILE2.EXT, FILE3.EXT,
etc. are any successive files you want to paste into MERGEFILE.EXT.
#remove FILE1.EXT<eob>: Any files following #remove will be
deleted at the end of post processing.

132 • Advanced Features User Guide

 You can create up to eight files using ConfigPost’s file splitting
capability.

Separating Lines Into Specific Files

To put specific lines of code into the desired file, you use the
command string & followed by an integer that defines the file
location as follows:
&1 Put this line in the first file defined Inserting
&1 is optional.
&2 Put this line in the second fine defined.
&3 Put this line in the third file defined.
&1&2 Put this line in the first and second file
defined.
The only rule is that the &# characters must be the first characters
on the line in which they appear. If no &# character appears, the
line will be output to the first file (represented by &1) by default.

Example - How to create a Tool List using the

Split/Merge feature
Let’s look at an example of how to use the file handling features of
ConfigPost by creating a tool list at the beginning of a G-code
output file as well as a separate file, which only contains the tool
list.
You can create a tool list in any Mill or Turn post processor that
came with your PartMaker software. You have to take the following
steps:
1 In the beginning of File Start format, insert:
#define TOOL LIST POST FILE<eob>
#split <prog-name>.TXT <prog-name>.TMP <prog-
name>.TLS OUT_NAME.TXT<eob>
#merge <prog-name>.TXT <prog-name>.TLS <prog-
name>.TMP<eob>
#remove <prog-name>.TMP <eob>
&2%<eob>
&2O<prog-num1><eob>
&2(T<tool-num> <tool-name><tool-note>)<eob>
Looking at the previous text:
&1 corresponds to <prog-name>.TMP
&2 corresponds to <prog-name>.TLS

Autodesk PartMaker Advanced Features • 133

 &3 corresponds to OUT_NAME.TXT
Putting % and <prog-num> at the beginning of the tool list
ensures that the data needed at the beginning of the program is
truly at the beginning and not after the tool list.
2 In the beginning of Tool Change format and Program Start
format insert:
<if><first-tool-use><then>
&2(T<tool-num> <tool-name><tool-note>)<eob>
<endif>
This construction tells PartMaker to write data to the <prog-
name>.TLS file if a tool is called for the first time.
3 In the beginning of File End format insert:
&3FILES <prog-name>.TXT <prog-name>.TLS <eob>
&3<32><32><eob>
&3Files created are:<eob>
&3 <prog-name>.TXT <eob>
&3 <prog-name>.TLS <eob>
In this example, OUT_NAME.TXT is the last of three new files being
created during the #split operation, the appearance &3 tells
PartMaker to place data into the file OUT_NAME.TXT.
4 To view a post processed JOB file that outputs the two files
constructed above:
a In ConfigPost, save the Post file you just modified by choosing
File > Save As, then name the file TOOLLIST.PST or a similar
name when prompted.
b In PartMaker, load the Post file you just modified by choosing
Job Optimizer > Post Config File=?.
c In PartMaker, open a completed .JOB file and choose Job
Optimizer > Generate NC Program.

134 • Advanced Features User Guide

 d When prompted, name your program TOOLLIST.TXT, and then
click Save. You should see the contents of the OUT_NAME.TXT
file as:

e Click the View Program button and you should see the Tool List
as:

TOOLLIST.TLS is a text file containing just the list of tools for

the job you opened in step c.
TOOLLIST.TXT is the completed .TXT file.

Autodesk PartMaker Advanced Features • 135

 Using variables
ConfigPost provides you with 125 variables that can be assigned
string or numeric values. These variables can be found with the
string reserved words and are labelled <var-0> through <var-124>.
Once variables are assigned values, they will retain those values
until they are reassigned other values.

Assigning names to variables

The first step in using variables is to assign them names. Assigning
meaningful names to variables helps you understand their usage in
the Post file. Variable names are assigned in the Variables Names
dialog (see page 122).

Assigning values to variables

Variables can be assigned string or numeric values using the
following construction:
~<VARIABLE> VALUE BEING ASSIGNED <EOB>

For example, if you assume v012 in the Variables Names dialog (see
page 122) is given the name FACE-CLEAR, this variable can be
assigned as follows:
<IF><metric-post><THEN>
~<v012-FACE-CLEAR>2.<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IFNOT><metric-post><THEN>

136 • Advanced Features User Guide

 ~<v012-FACE-CLEAR>0.05<eob>
<ENDIF>

Inserting variables
Variables can be inserted into a Post file in the same manner as any
other reserved words.

Using the <include> reserved word

Use the <include> reserved word to prompt the PartMaker user to
enter additional information during postprocessing. PartMaker
includes the information that the user enters in the NC Program file.
See Example – Using the <include> reserved word (see page 137)
for more information.
If you want to use the information that the PartMaker user enters
within the NC Program file (for example, to output different text
strings or to perform calculations), use the <prompt> reserved word
(see page 144).

Example – Using the <include> reserved word

The following example describes how to add an <include>
statement to the DEMO.PST file in your PartMaker/Mill Postlib folder.
The DEMO.PST file is a generic Fanuc postprocessor.

If you are using PartMaker Turn only, you can copy the
formats below into any of the Post files provided with your
PartMaker software.
1 Start ConfigPost and select File > Open to display the Open
dialog.
2 Double-click DEMO.PST in the Postlib folder top open it.
3 Select Configure Mill > Process Header Formats.

Autodesk PartMaker Advanced Features • 137

 4 Enter the following Program Start format to the Post file:
%<eob>
:<prog-num1><eob>
(This job was programmed by {Please enter your name:
<include> Programmer})<eob>
(TOTAL MACHINING TIME: <time-total>)<eob>
(MACHINING <face-name> FACE)<eob>
(MACHINING PROCESS <process-id>)<eob>
{N<seq> }G80 G40 G17<eob>
{N<seq> }G30 G91 Z0<eob>
{N<seq> }T<tool-num> M6<eob>
(<tool-name> <tool-note>)<eob>
(TIME FOR THIS TOOL: <time-process>)<eob>
{N<seq> }G90 <work-offset> <motion> X<x-coord> Y<y-
coord> S<speed-rpm> <spindle-on><eob>
{N<seq> }G43 Z<rapid-abs> H<tool-offset> <coolant><eob>
5 Save and close the Post file.
6 In PartMaker, with existing .job, .tdb, and .cdb files open, select
Job Optimizer > Post Config File= to display the Open Post
Configuration File dialog.
7 Select and open the Post file you saved in Step 5.
8 Select Job Optimizer > Post Options to display the Post Options
dialog.

9 Select the Stop to Include User Input option, then click OK.
10 Select Job Optimizer > Generate NC Program to generate an NC
Program using the postprocessor.

138 • Advanced Features User Guide

 As PartMaker performs the postprocessing it displays the Include
User Input dialog:

11 Enter your name in the field to replace the default name

(Programmer), then click OK.
PartMaker includes the name you enter in this dialog in the NC
Program file to replace <include> Programmer.

Performing Math Operations

ConfigPost has the ability to perform mathematical operations using
square brackets as operational indicators, for example:
[<z-coord> / 2.0]
The result of mathematical statements may be used in conditional
statements, for example:
<if><smaller>(<z-coord>,[4.0 / 2.0])<then>
THE TOOL IS LESS THAN 2 INCHES ABOVE THE PART<eob>
<endif>
Please notice that in the case of the comparison operation, it is not
necessary to enclose the mathematical operation in square
brackets; instead, the operation uses parentheses and commas as
delimiters as shown below:
<if><smaller>(<z-coord>,4.0 / 2.0)<then>
THE TOOL IS LESS THAN 2 INCHES ABOVE THE PART<eob>
<endif>

The output format of mathematical statements is determined

by the format of the input. If BOTH values are integers, then
the output is always an integer (no decimal point). If either
value has a decimal, then the output is always a real number
(decimal point).

Autodesk PartMaker Advanced Features • 139

 Using Mathematical Functions
The following functions are supported: SIN, COS, TAN, SQRT, ASIN,
ACOS, ATAN.
Examples of usage:
~<var-3>[SIN(30.0)]<eob>
~<var-4>[SQRT((<x-coord>)*(<x-coord>)+(<y-coord>)*(<y-
coord>))]<eob>

Angle measured in degrees must be used with SIN,

COS, TAN.

Upper case letters only must be used in function names: SIN,

COS, TAN, SQRT, ASIN, ACOS, ATAN.

Decimal point must be used with SIN, COS, TAN, ASIN, ACOS,
ATAN.

Make sure to encompass each reserved word in parenthesis.

Using Negative Values

When performing operations where negative numbers may be
encountered, you must enclose the number in parentheses, for
example:
[(<x-coord>) *(-1.0)]<eob>

140 • Advanced Features User Guide

 Using Procedures
Procedures in ConfigPost allow the user to simplify a post processor
by making it modular.
Using Procedures enables you to decrease the size of a post
configuration file by allowing you to call sections of machine code
with a single reserved word instead of repeating code in every
program format that might require it. This is done by placing all the
required ConfigPost reserved words and literals in a procedure
format and calling the procedure when needed.
Procedures can be very helpful for such programming exercises as
activating an auxiliary device like a bar puller, which can be called
during any number of different program formats.
The steps involved in creating and using procedures are described in
the following topics:
Assigning Names to Procedures (see page 141)
Example - Defining Procedures (see page 142)
Calling Procedures (see page 143)
You can follow these same steps to implement new procedures or
modify existing procedures post processors for your machines.

Assigning Names to Procedures

Use the Procedures Names dialog to assign meaningful names to
procedures. To display this dialog, select Settings > Procedure Names
from the menu bar. Just as with Variables, it is vital to assign
procedures meaningful names to make your Post file more readable.
1 To assign a name to a procedure, select Settings > Procedure
Names.

Autodesk PartMaker Advanced Features • 141

 2 Select either Milling Procedures (see page 116), Turning
Procedures (see page 116) or EDM Procedures (see page 117).
The dialog for your selected option is displayed. For example:

Important for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM:

When creating a procedure to be used in both Milling and
Turning processes, you must define separate identical
procedures in both the Milling and Turning sections of your
*.PST file. In addition, procedures must be separately defined
in *.SUB files in order to be accessible for sub-spindle
operations.

Example - Defining Procedures

1 Select Configure Turn > Procedure Formats from the menu bar.

142 • Advanced Features User Guide

 2 Select the procedure that is to be defined. The format for that
specific procedure will appear in a separate window.

Calling Procedures
Inserting a procedure can be done in the same manner as inserting
any other reserved word.
1 Using the mouse, scroll down to the Procedure Calls list located
after the Procedures Words.
2 Double-click on the desired procedure. It will automatically be
inserted in the program.
3 Below is an example of calling a procedure depending on a user
condition:
;--BARFEED<EOB>
<IF><UC2-BARFEED><THEN>
<p04-BAR_PUSH/PULL><EOB>
<ENDIF>

Autodesk PartMaker Advanced Features • 143

 Using the <prompt> reserved word
Use the <prompt> reserved word to prompt the PartMaker user to
enter additional information during postprocessing. You can use the
information entered in several ways. For example:
Example 1 – Using <prompt> to output text strings (see page 144)
Example 2 – Using <prompt> to perform calculations (see page
145)

If you want the information entered by the PartMaker user to

be included in the NC Program file exactly as the user entered
it, use the <include> reserved word (see page 137).

Example 1 - Using <prompt> to output text strings

Here is a generic construction that you can create to see how
prompt works:
{Enter a tool number:<prompt>1}<eob>
<if><eq-number>( <prompt>,1)<THEN>
TOOL-IS-ONE<eob>
<endif>
<ifnot><eq-number>( <prompt>,1)<then>
TOOL-IS-LARGER-THAN-ONE<eob>
<endif>
Using this construction, you will be prompted with the dialog below
when generating an NC Program with a Post file including this
construction:

If you enter 1 at the prompt, you will see the following in your G-
code output: TOOL-IS-ONE.
If you input something other than 1 at the prompt, you will see the
following in your G-code output: TOOL-IS-LARGER-THAN-ONE.

PartMaker prompts the user to enter additional information

during postprocessing only if the Stop to Include User Input
option is selected in the Post Options dialog.

144 • Advanced Features User Guide

 Example 2 - Using <prompt> to perform calculations
This example is a construction used to configure a bar puller. Notice
how the value given to <prompt> (see page 144) is passed to a
variable that is then used later in a mathematical calculation.
{Please enter the puller grip length: <prompt>0.5}<eob>
~<var-3><prompt><eob>
G1 G98 Z-[<part-length>+<cut-off-width>+<var-3>] F100.
<EOB>

PartMaker prompts the user to enter additional information

during postprocessing only if the Stop to Include User Input
option is selected on the Post Options dialog.

Using User Data - User Conditions and

User Parameters
User Data (see page 120) enables you to add your own logical
reserved words (called User Conditions) and string reserved words
(called User Parameters) to a Post Configuration file.

Some of the Post Configuration files provided with your

PartMaker installation may already include User Data.
When the Post Configuration file is loaded in PartMaker, users can
use the User Data dialog to activate User Conditions and assign
values to User Parameters.

Using User Data to insert tool stops at the end of a

process
This example customizes the generic Fanuc postprocessor
(Demo.pst) that is supplied with PartMaker/Mill to enable the
postprocessor to insert stop commands into an NC program.

For PartMaker/Turn, follow these steps to modify any Post

Configuration file (for example, Fanuc6a.pst) in the Postlib
folder.
1 Start ConfigPost and choose File > Open to display the Select File
dialog.
2 Select Demo.pst (or another Post Configuration file) in the Postlib
folder.
3 Select Settings > User Data Names to display the User Data Names
dialog.

Autodesk PartMaker Advanced Features • 145

 4 If they do not already exist, enter:
a M0 in the UC0 field.
b M1 in the UC1 field.

5 Click OK to close the dialog.

6 Select Configure Mill > Process Header/Footer Formats > Process
End, and then enter:
Process End Format
;below is an example how to insert User Conditions
<eob>
<IF><uc0-M0><THEN>
{N<seq> }M0<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><uc1-M1><THEN>
{N<seq> }M1<eob>
<ENDIF>

If you are using PartMaker/Turn, use the Configure Turn

menu.
7 In PartMaker, select Job Optimizer > Post Config File to display the
Open Post Configuration File dialog.
8 Select Demo.pst (or the post configuration file you have edited)
and click Open to load this file into PartMaker.

146 • Advanced Features User Guide

 9 In PartMaker’s Process Table, double-click a process after which
you want to place an M1 or M0 command. PartMaker displays the
Process Parameters dialog.
10 Click the User Data button to display the User Data dialog.
Select the User Condition that you want to use. The following
example activates M0, so the postprocessor outputs an M0
command, or optional stop, during postprocessing.

You must select only one User Condition for this example.

Autodesk PartMaker Advanced Features • 147

 Import / Export WRI Files
A WRI file is a text file produced by ConfigPost application.
A WRI file allows you to see all Post Processor File Formats as text.
You can modify a WRI file using an editor such as Notepad or
Wordpad. Once modified, you can load the WRI file back into
ConfigPost.

How to Create a WRI File

In order to create a WRI File, the Post Processor file (with extension
*.pst or *.sub) must be loaded. This can be done by using the File
Open command (see page 42). From the File menu choose Export
WRI File > Complete or Export WRI File > Non-Empty Formats Only.
▪ When Export WRI File > Complete (see page 42) is chosen, then
ConfigPost exports all Program Formats including empty ones.
▪ When Export WRI File > Non-Empty Formats Only (see page 42) is
chosen, then ConfigPost exports only Non-Empty Program
Formats.

How to Load WRI File

In order for WRI file to be loaded by ConfigPost application, the Post
Processor file (with extension *.pst or *.sub) must be loaded. Then
choose Import WRI File... from the File menu. If you have made
modifications in the WRI file then they will take effect right after the
WRI file is loaded.

Structure of a WRI File

A WRI file contains all information from the Post Processor file (with
extension *.pst or *.sub) in text form.
When a WRI file is created, ConfigPost places data from all dialogs
and Program Formats into a WRI file. Each Program Format has a
unique tag which allows ConfigPost to load the WRI file back.
Therefore the tags should not be modified.
Example of a Tag:
![1][1]---Tool Change,Turn----------------------------

148 • Advanced Features User Guide

ConfigPost for Turn-Mill
and SwissCAM

This section describes how to use ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and

SwissCAM.

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM • 149

 Channels Overview
Multi-channels controls (sometimes called multi-path controls) are
commonly used by Turn-Mill Centers and Swiss-Type Lathes. A
channel represents either a separate file when a multi-file output is
required or a specific partition of a single file when a single output
file is required. Star Micronics CNC Swiss Type Lathes with Fanuc
Controls are typical examples of machines with two-channel controls
that require a two file output. Citizen-M Swiss Type Lathes with
Mitsubishi controls are typical examples of machines with three
channels controls that require a single file with three separate
partitions called $1, $2, $3.
To generate correct programs for multi-channel controls, PartMaker
has to know the rules about where to place the code for each
individual tool motion. These rules vary from machine to machine
and depend on the following information:
▪ Tool Post
▪ Synchronization Mode
▪ Spindle Selection (Main spindle or Sub-spindle)
▪ Tool Status (either stationary in Z or movable in Z).
PartMaker uses the Channel Number entered in the Channels, Tool
Moving in Z and Channels, Tool Stationary in Z dialogs to assign
<channel-number> and <next-on-channel> reserved words.

150 • ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM User Guide

 Error checking in PartMaker
Post files contain the following error-checking features when
generating NC code in PartMaker:
▪ Error checking for modes.
▪ Error checking for implemented faces.
▪ Error checking for tool posts.

Error checking for modes

To view a list of the modes for moving stock that have been
implemented for the Post file, select Configure Mill > Modes > Moving
Stock or Configure Turn > Modes > Moving Stock.
To view a list of the modes for stationary stock that have been
implemented for the Post file, select Configure Mill > Modes >
Stationary Stock or Configure Turn > Modes > Stationary Stock.
A check mark is displayed next to the modes that have been
implemented:

When generating an NC program, PartMaker checks that each mode

used in PartMaker Process Table has been implemented in the Post
File. If a mode used in PartMaker's Process Table has not been
implemented, PartMaker displays a message during post processing.
For example:

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM • 151

 Error checking for Faces
To view a list of the Faces that have been implemented for the Post
file, select Settings > Faces Info.
A check mark is displayed next to the Faces that have been
implemented:

When generating an NC program, PartMaker checks that each Face

used in PartMaker Process Table has been implemented in the Post
File. If a Face used in PartMaker's Process Table has not been
implemented, PartMaker displays a message during post processing.
For example:

152 • ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM User Guide

 Error checking for tool posts
To view a list of the tool posts that have been implemented for the
Post file, select Settings > Tools Info.
A check mark is displayed next to the tool posts that have been
implemented:

When generating an NC program, PartMaker checks that each tool

post used in the Process Table has been implemented in the Post
file. If a tool post is used in a Process Table, but has not been
implemented in the Post file PartMaker displays a message during
post processing. For example:

Using ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and

SwissCAM
Turn-Mill centers and Swiss type lathes are capable of producing
parts with greater precision at lower cost than other CNC machines
because they eliminate the need for human intervention between
turning and milling operations. A complex part can be completely
manufactured on one machine, with only one setup.
These machines perform a full set of lathe operations: facing,
turning, grooving and threading while also being able to mill and
drill holes on different surfaces. Multiple turrets and dual spindles
further increase the machines' productivity and complexity.

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM • 153

 ConfigPost for PartMaker/Turn-Mill and ConfigPost for
PartMaker/SwissCAM tool station has been structured to handle this
increased complexity by incorporating programming formats for
both Milling and Turning. Users of ConfigPost for PartMaker/Turn-Mill
and PartMaker/SwissCAM will notice that both the Configure Mill and
Configure Turn menus are enabled when in this application.
ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM can also handle configuration
of all Milling and Turning post configuration files supported by
PartMaker.

How each Process is handled by ConfigPost for Turn-

Mill
The following illustrations show how PartMaker/Turn-Mill handles
each process in a Process Table involving turning as well as milling
and drilling operations.
If a process is a milling or drilling process, it will be converted to G-
code through the Milling section in ConfigPost, i.e. PartMaker will
recognize a process on the Process Table as a milling process and
apply milling or hole making formats to it. To configure milling
process output for PartMaker/Turn-Mill programs, edit the program
formats found in the Configure Mill menu in ConfigPost for
PartMaker/Turn-Mill.
If a process is a turning process, it will be converted to G-code
through the turning section in ConfigPost, i.e., PartMaker will
recognize a process on the Process Table as a turning process and
apply turning formats to it. To configure turning process output for
PartMaker/Turn-Mill programs, edit the program formats found in
the Configure Turn menu in ConfigPost for Turn-Mill.

154 • ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM User Guide

 How each Process is handled by ConfigPost for
SwissCAM
ConfigPost for SwissCAM handles processes in the same manner as
it does for Turn-Mill centers. The only difference is that posts for
Swiss type lathes look to the collet Re-Chuck program format before
entering the Program Start program format. The collet Re-Chuck
format contains NC code necessary to be included at the beginning
of a program and contains information not available to the Program
Start program format. (i.e. information relating to the cut-off tool.)
ConfigPost recognizes posts as Swiss if the Swiss Turn check box in
the General Information dialog is checked.

Differentiating Between Turning and Milling Processes

PartMaker can differentiate between turning and milling processes
by the type of face window in which a process has been generated.
If a process has been created in a turning Face Window, PartMaker
will use the program formats in the Configure Turn menu. If the face
window in which a process was created is anything other than a
Face Window of type Turn, PartMaker will format the output of that
process based on the program formats in the Configure Mill menu.

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM • 155

 Using Different Milling Face Types
In addition to accommodating turning and milling operations, Turn-
Mill programs must also accommodate several different types of
Milling process output, depending on the type of “live tooling”
operation being performed. ConfigPost can handle the variety of
milling process output necessary for Turn-Mill programming by
differentiating between the face types designated in PartMaker.
To understand how PartMaker differentiates between different types
of milling process output, look at the Linear Move example below.
PartMaker uses each Face Window type as a logical reserved word
and as such can generate the proper milling output whether the
current milling Face Window is planar or rotational.

Linear Move, Mill

<IF><face-end-index><THEN>
{<motion> }{X<c-radius> }{Z<z-coord> }{F<feed-
upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><face-end-polar><THEN>
{<comp-status> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{C<y-coord>
}{Z<z-coord> }{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><face-dia-polar><THEN>
{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{C<y-coord> }{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><face-dia-index><THEN>
{<motion> }{Z<z-coord> }{X<x-coord> }{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><face-cyl><THEN>
{<motion> }{<comp-status> }{X<x-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}{C<c-angle> }{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><face-zy><THEN>
{<comp-status> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>
}{Z<z-coord> }{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><face-polygon><THEN>
{G0 C<c-angle>}<eob>
{G1 Y<y-coord> }{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><face-xy><THEN>
{<comp-status> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>
}{Z<z-coord> }{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><face-zx><THEN>
{<comp-status> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>

156 • ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM User Guide

 Programming Milling Processes with X-Oriented Tools
When using X-oriented tools for Face Windows of Machining
Function type Mill YZ Plane, the handling of coordinates changes
according to the following scheme:
Z-Oriented Tool X-Oriented Tool
<x-coord> <y-coord>
<y-coord> <z-coord>
<z-coord> <x-coord>

According to the table above, 2D positioning and cutting moves are

in the YZ plane and the plunge-in axis is the X-axis.
The situation is very similar for X-oriented tools for Faces Windows
of machining functions Mill Diam, Index and Mill Cylinder, however,
2D coordinates are defined in terms of Z and C coordinates instead
of Z and Y coordinates. To differentiate between these two cases,
each plane will be referred to as ZC Plane and ZY Plane,
respectively.
X-oriented tools are also used for Face Windows of Machining
Function Mill Diam, Polar and Mill Polygon. The type of motion
required is solely 2D and plunge-in is not required.
See also:
Rules for Program Start, Tool Change, and Process Start With Z-
Oriented Tools (Mill) (see page 39)
Rules for Program Start, Tool Change, and Process Start with X-
Oriented Tools (Mill) (see page 39)

Using Motion Formats with X-Oriented Tools

Scenario A: If your CNC allows Y, Z, and X axis motion programmed
in the same line, you must place all three reserved words in the
Horizontal Rapid Move format, leaving the Vertical Rapid Move
format empty.
Scenario B: If your CNC does not allow Y, Z, and X axis motion
programmed in the same line, you must use both the Horizontal
Rapid Move format and the Vertical Rapid Move format.

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM • 157

 Horizontal Rapid Move, Mill
The Horizontal Rapid Move program format determines the output
of rapid positioning moves in the part program. When you use
modality delimiters { } around the <y-coord> and <z- coord>
reserved words in this program format, PartMaker will strip
redundant Y or Z coordinates from each line as they are
encountered. If Scenario A above is true, you must leave the
Vertical Rapid Move format empty.
For ZY Plane:
{n<seq> }{<motion> }Y<y-coord>Z<z-coord><eob>
For ZC Plane:
{n<seq> }{<motion> }C<c-angle>Z<z-coord><eob>

Vertical Rapid Move, Mill

If Scenario A is true, you must leave the Vertical Rapid Move format
empty. If Scenario B is true, you must include the <x-coord>
reserved word in this program format.
{n<seq> }{<motion> }X<x-coord><eob>

Rules for Program Start, Tool Change, and Process

Start with X-Oriented Tools
The information in this section provides the rules or cases that apply
to specific Process Header formats, namely, Program Start, Tool
Change, and Process Start.
The following rules apply to program formats you define in a Post
file (see page 15).
1 Positioning:
▪ YZ-Plane
The reserved words <y-coord> and <z-coord> are assigned
the values of the first path point and must appear in all
process header formats to provide the first positioning move
to the start of the path.
▪ ZC-Plane
The reserved words <z-coord> and <c-angle> are assigned
the values of the first path point and must appear in all
Process Header formats to provide the first positioning move
to the start of the path.
2 The reserved word <x-coord> must be used for the Process Start
program format. <x-coord> is calculated as the largest RAPID
value of the current and previous process, and allows the tool to
be retracted from the part to a safe plane.

158 • ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM User Guide

 3 Using the <x-coord> reserved word is optional for the Program
Start and Tool Change program formats. <x-coord> is calculated
in the following manner:
x-coord> = Tool Change (X)

The X coordinate Tool Change (X) is defined in PartMaker

Defaults dialog which is accessed in PartMaker’s Job Optimizer
menu. Whether <x-coord> is used or not, the PartMaker
assumes that the tool is at this X level after the code for any
of the previously mentioned formats is generated.

The Tool Change format is output only if there is a change in

tool number between processes. If there is not a change in
tool number, the Process Start format is output.

Main and Sub-Spindle File Handling

To accommodate Turn-Mill operations that involve processes being
performed on either the main or sub-spindle, PartMaker uses a
separate post configuration file for the sub-spindle. The post
processor for the FANUC18T control (provided with your PartMaker
Turn-Mill software) comprises two files:
▪ Tm-demo.pst: Post configuration file for main spindle operations.
▪ Tm-demo.sub: Post configuration file for sub-spindle operations.
When you load Tm-demo.pst in PartMaker by choosing Post Config
File=?, Tm-demo.sub is loaded automatically and is used to generate
output for the sub-spindle when sub- spindle operations are being
programmed.

You specify sub-spindle processes in PartMaker by selecting

the Sub-Spindle option in the Setup dialog for a given Face
Window.
You can use ConfigPost for Turn-Mill to configure milling and turning
process output for both .pst and .sub file outputs. Configuring post
processors for files with a .pst extension is performed in the
standard manner.
To open a post configuration file with a .sub extension for
customization:
1 Start ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and select File > Open to display the
Open dialog.

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM • 159

 2 In the drop-down list beside the File Name field, select ConfigPost
Files(*.SUB).

3 To load the post configuration for sub-spindle, select the Tm-

demo.sub file and then click Open.
4 Notice that the only major difference between Tm-demo.pst and
Tm-demo.sub is in the Process Start formats found under both
the Configure Mill and Configure Turn menus. When you view
Program Start for *.SUB files you might see the following
warning:
Program Start
DO NOT START PROGRAMS ON THE SUB-SPINDLE WITH THIS
POST PROCESSOR<EOB>

When working with post processors which consist of both

*.PST and *.SUB components in ConfigPost, you can launch
two instances of ConfigPost simultaneously in order two work
with both main and sub-spindle configuration files at once.

Synchronization Modes
These formats are only called when the software Procedure <P28-
SET-ALL-MODES> is called in one of the Process Headers (Program
Start, Tool Change, Process Start) and Process End. Once called,
PartMaker jumps to the appropriate Mode Format depending on the
Mode (for example, M1S0, M1S1, M2S0) set for the process.
Modes, Moving Stock: Only used in Swiss applications. Modes in this
format are called when the process is set to Move Stock in Z in the
Stock Motion dialog.
Modes, Stationary Stock: Used in Swiss and Turn-Mill applications.
Modes in this format are called when the process is set to Move Tool
in Z in the Stock Motion dialog.
Below, illustrates an example of how the layout of a Mode header
should look. Notice that the string word <header> is used to check
which Process Header the <P28-SET-ALL- MODES> Procedure is
being called from.
;=====================<eob>
<IF><eq-string>(<header>,PGS)<THEN>

160 • ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM User Guide

 PROGRAM START DATA HERE<eob>
<ENDIF>
;=====================<eob>
<IF><eq-string>(<header>,TCH)<THEN>
TOOL CHANGE DATA HERE<eob>
<ENDIF>
;=====================<eob>
<IF><eq-string>(<header>,PRS)<THEN>
PROCESS START DATA HERE<eob>
<ENDIF>
;=====================<eob>
<IF><eq-string>(<header>,PRE)<THEN>
PROCESS END DATA HERE<eob>
<ENDIF>

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM • 161

 Configuring a post processor to
support imported PowerMill toolpaths
This topic summarizes how to modify a post processor to support
imported PowerMill toolpaths into PartMaker/SwissCAM or
PartMaker/Turn-Mill.
In addition to modifying the formats described in this topic, you
must also ensure that the Imported PowerMill Toolpaths option is set
appropriately on the General Information, Mill dialog (see page 98).
PartMaker can post process five different toolpath types imported
from PowerMill into a Face window with a Mill 5-Axis Plane
machining function. You can usually reuse existing formatting
because of its similarity to an existing PartMaker Face window:
PartMaker name for Output for <5-axis- Similarity to
toolpath type path-type> formatting used in
PartMaker Face
window
5-axis Simultaneous 5_AXIS_SIMUL The post processing
is identical to that of
a 5-axis simultaneous
toolpath created in
PartMaker.
4-axis Simultaneous 4_AXIS_SIMUL The post processing
will closely resemble
the configuration
already in place for
Mill Diameter, Polar.
3 Plus 2 Axis 3_PLUS_2_AXIS The post processing
will closely resemble
the configuration
already in place for
Mill 5-Axis Plane.
3 Axis XYZ 3_AXIS_XYZ The post processing
will closely resemble
the configuration
already in place for
Mill XY Plane.
3 Axis XCZ 3_AXIS_XCZ The post processing
will closely resemble
the configuration
already in place for
Mill End Polar.

162 • ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM User Guide

 Typically, you will need to modify the following formats to add
support for imported PowerMill toolpaths.
▪ Linear Move
A standard Linear Move Format:
<IF><face-5-axis><THEN>
IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,5_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}{B<b-angle> }{C<c-angle> }{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,4_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}{C<c-angle>}{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_PLUS_2_AXIS)<THEN>
&1{<comp-status> }{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord>
}{Z<z-coord>}{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XYZ)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XCZ)<THEN>
&1{motion> }{X<x-coord> }{C<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}{F<feed-upm>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<ENDIF>
▪ Horizontal Rapid Move
A standard Horizontal Rapid Move Format:
<IF><face-5-axis><THEN>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,5_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}{B<b-angle> }{C<c-angle> }<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,4_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}{C<c-angle>}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_PLUS_2_AXIS)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XYZ)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XCZ)<THEN>
&1{motion> }{X<x-coord> }{C<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}<eob>
<ENDIF>

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM • 163

 <ENDIF>
▪ Vertical Rapid Move
A standard Vertical Rapid Move Format:
<IF><face-5-axis><THEN>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,5_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
;-------Not required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,4_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
;-------Not required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_PLUS_2_AXIS)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XYZ)<THEN>
;-------Not required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XCZ)<THEN>
;-------Not required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<ENDIF>

PowerMill and 5-axis Simultaneous toolpaths do not use the

Vertical Rapid Move format.
▪ Circular Move
A standard Circular Move Format:
<IF><face-5-axis><THEN>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,5_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
;-------Not required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,4_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
;-------Not required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_PLUS_2_AXIS)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }R<radius><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XYZ)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }R<radius><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XCZ)<THEN>
&1{motion> }{X<x-coord> }{C<y-coord> }R<radius><eob>
<ENDIF>
<ENDIF>
▪ Helical Move
A standard Helical Move Format:
<IF><face-5-axis><THEN>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,5_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
;-------Not required<eod>

164 • ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM User Guide

 <ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,4_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
;-------Not required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_PLUS_2_AXIS)<THEN>
&1{<motion> }{X<x-coord> }{Y<y-coord> }{Z<z-coord>
}R<radius><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XYZ)<THEN>
;-------Not required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XCZ)<THEN>
;-------Not required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<ENDIF>
▪ Tool Change and Process Start
For Tool Change and Process Start:
<IF><face-5-axis><THEN>
<v07-TURRET>(5 AXIS FACE <5-axis-path-type>)<eob>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,5_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
&1G0 B<b-angle><eob>
&1 G43.4 D<tool-offset> (TCP ON)<eob>
&1<motion> X<x-coord> Y<y-coord> Z<z-coord> C<c-
angle><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,4_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
&1B<b-angle><eob>
&1<motion> X<x-coord> Y<y-coord> Z<z-coord> c<c-angle
><eob>
ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_PLUS_2_AXIS)<THEN>
&1G68.1 X<local-origin-x> Y<local-origin-y> Z<local-
origin-z> I0 J1 K0 R[(<b-angle>)*(-1.0)] <eob>
&1motion> C<c-angle><eob>
&1X<x-coord> Y<y-coord> Z<z-coord><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XYZ)<THEN>
&1G98 G17 <motion> Z<z-coord> Y<y-coord> C<c-
angle><eob>
&1X<x-coord><eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XCZ)<THEN>
&1G98 G0 X[<stock-od>+<tool-diam>] Y0<eob>
&1Z<z-coord><eob>
&1C0<eob>
&1G12.1 (POLAR ON)<eob>
&1<motion> X<x-coord> C<y-coord> F<feed-upm><eob>
<ENDIF>
<ENDIF>

Autodesk PartMaker ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM • 165

 ▪ Process End
For Process End:
<IF><face-5-axis><THEN>
v07-TURRET>(5 AXIS FACE <5-axis-path-type>)<eob>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,5_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
&1G0 G49(Cancel RTCP)<eob>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,4_AXIS_SIMUL)<THEN>
;----------No Cancelation is Typically Required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_PLUS_2_AXIS)<THEN>
&1G69 (Cancel 5-axis Plane)<eod>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XYZ)<THEN>
;----------No Cancelation is Typically Required<eod>
<ENDIF>
<IF><eq-string>(<5-axis-path-type>,3_AXIS_XCZ)<THEN>
&1G13.1 (POLAR CANCEL)<eod>
<ENDIF>
<ENDIF>

166 • ConfigPost for Turn-Mill and SwissCAM User Guide

PartMaker Post
Configuration files

PartMaker/Mill, PartMaker/Turn and PartMaker/EDM installations

include a \postlib folder beneath your PartMaker User Files folder,
which contains sample Post Configuration files (or Post files) for
many popular CNC machines.

The location of your PartMaker User Files folder is specified

during the installation process. The default location is
C:\PartMaker.
PartMaker uses a Post file as a template to convert the Process
Table into a part program file according to CNC machine guidelines.
This process is known as postprocessing.
You can customize these files, or create additional Post files, using
the ConfigPost application provided with PartMaker.

Autodesk PartMaker PartMaker Post Configuration files • 167

 Post Library - Milling, Standard Table
A-B_8200.PST Sample Config file for Allen Bradley 8200 control.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple fixture numbers H1,H2... are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
▪ Enter the fixture number in the Work Offset field
in PartMaker's Faces dialog.
ACRA_850.PST Sample Config file for a Vickers Acramatic 850 control
as found on the Arrow mill (and others).
▪ Arc centers are absolute.
▪ Multiple fixture offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
ACRA_1000.PST Sample Config file for Acramatic controls 10H, 10HC-
1000/1500/2500 ("Big Blue").
▪ Single quadrant circular interpolation.
▪ Vector type (P,Q) cutter diameter compensation
is supported.
ACRA_2100.PST Sample Config file for Vickers Acramatic 2100 control.
▪ Arc centers are absolute.
▪ Multiple fixture offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
ANILAM.PST Sample generic Config file for Anilam control on a
CNC Mill.
ANILAM_1400.PST Sample Config file for Anilam 1400 control on a mill
with an automatic tool changer.
▪ Arc centers are always absolute.
▪ Multiple work offsets are supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change command.
ANILAM_1400_NO_A Sample Config file for Anilam 1400 control on a mill
TC.PST with a manual tool changer.
▪ Arc centers are always incremental.
▪ Multiple work offsets are supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change command.
BOSS_4A.PST Sample Config file for Bridgeport BOSS4,5 controls.
▪ Uses single quadrant circular interpolation with

168 • PartMaker Post Configuration files User Guide

 unsigned I,J values.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is not supported.
BOSS_6.PST Sample Config file for Bridgeport BOSS5,6,7 controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ 16 Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
BOSS_10.PST Sample Config file for Bridgeport BOSS8,9,10 and new
BOSS10 compatible controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ 99 Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
▪ M3 / M4 and M5 are not output for spindle
control. If these codes are required, then use the
DX32.PST.
CENTROID.PST Sample Centroid Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
CONTOUR.PST Sample Contour Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
CRUSADER-G.PST Sample Config file for Anilam Crusader-G mill.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
CRUDSADER-M.PST Sample Config file for Anilam Crusader-M mill.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
DEMO.PST Functionally the same as Fanuc.pst.
Additional comments included to further illustrate
how ConfigPost can be used to improve NC program
format.
DX32.PST Sample Config file for Bridgeport DX32 and new
BOSS10 compatible controls that require M3 / M4 and
M5 to activate the spindle.

Autodesk PartMaker PartMaker Post Configuration files • 169

 ▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ 99 Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
DYNACONV.PST Sample Dynapath 10/20/30 Config file in
CONVERSATIONAL mode.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Each line must begin with an event (1) and end
with a $.
DYNAPATH_CONV.P Sample Dynapath 20/30 Config file for
ST CONVERSATIONAL (G-code) programming with 2-
digit tool numbers:
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
DYNAPATH_EIA_2.P Sample Dynapath 20/30 Config file for EIA (G-code)
ST programming with 2 digit tool numbers.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
DYNAPATH_EIA_4.P Sample Dynapath 20/30 Config file for EIA (G-code)
ST programming with 4 digit tool numbers.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
EZPATH.PST Sample EZ Path Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
FADAL.PST Sample Config file for FADAL controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.

170 • PartMaker Post Configuration files User Guide

 ▪ Multiple work offset coordinate systems are
supported.
FADAL_ROTARY_A. Sample Config file for FADAL controls with
PST programmable A rotary axis.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Fixture offsets E1 - E99 supported.
FADAL-E.PST Sample Config file for FADAL controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple fixture numbers E1,E2... are supported.
▪ Fanuc style Milling and Drilling Subprograms are
supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms can be enabled
in ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
▪ You should enter the fixture number in PartMaker
Faces dialog in the Work Offset field.
FADAL_400.PST Sample Config file for FADAL controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Fanuc style Milling and Drilling Subprograms are
supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms can be enabled
in ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
▪ You should enter the fixture number in PartMaker
Faces dialog in the Work Offset field.
FAGOR.PST Sample Config file for Fagor 80XX series control.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Tool changes are assumed to be with an
automatic changer, using the Taa.bb format,
where aa is the tool number and bb is the offset
number.
FAGOR_NO_ATC.PS Sample Config file for Fagor 80XX series control.
T ▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Tool changes are assumed to be with an manual
changer, using the T.aa format where aa is the
tool offset to be applied.

Autodesk PartMaker PartMaker Post Configuration files • 171

 FANUC_6.PST Sample Config file for Fanuc 6 type controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms can be enabled
in ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
FANUC_10.PST Sample Config file for Fanuc 10 type controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms can be enabled
in ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
FANUC_11.PST Sample Config file for Fanuc 11 type controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms can be enabled
in ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
FANUC_15.PST Sample Config file for Fanuc 15 type controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms can be enabled
in ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
FANUC_WITHOUT_ Sample Config file for Fanuc type controls without
M6.PST M6. Tool changes are executed solely on a T call.
Typically used with machines that have no Automatic
Tool Changer.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms can be enabled
in ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
FANUC_ROTARY_ Sample Config file for Fanuc control with rotary A
A.PST axis.

172 • PartMaker Post Configuration files User Guide

 ▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
FANUC_O.PST Sample Config file for the Fanuc O series control.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
FANUC_16I.PST Sample Config file for the Fanuc 16 / 16i series
control.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
FANUC_18I.PST Sample Config file for the Fanuc 18 / 18i series
control.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
FANUC_160.PST Sample Config file for the Fanuc 160 series control.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
FANUC_180.PST Sample Config file for the Fanuc 180 series control.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
FANUC_20i.PST Sample Config file for the Fanuc 20 / 20i series
control.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
FANUC_21i.PST Sample Config file for the Fanuc 21 / 21i series

Autodesk PartMaker PartMaker Post Configuration files • 173

 control.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
FANUC_30i.PST Sample Config file for the Fanuc 30 / 30i series
control.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
FANUC_31i.PST Sample Config file for the Fanuc 31 / 31i series
control.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
FANUC_32i.PST Sample Config file for the Fanuc 32 / 32i series
control.
▪ Drilling subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
GE1050_IJ.PST Sample Config file for GE 1050 controls.
▪ Uses unsigned I,J values for circular interpolation.
G&L_NUM_800.PST Sample Config file for Giddings and Lewis Numeric
800.
G&L_NUM_800M.PS Sample Giddings and Lewis Config file.
T ▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are not supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
HAAS_VMC.PST Sample Config file for HAAS controls as implemented
on VMCs.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54, G55,..) are
supported.
▪ Fanuc style Milling and Drilling Subprograms are

174 • PartMaker Post Configuration files User Guide

 supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms can be enabled
in ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
HH_CONV.PST Sample Config file for Heidenhain conversational
control.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
HITACHI_SEIKI.PST Sample Hitachi Seiki Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
HURCO_ULTIMAX.P Sample Hurco Ultimax II or Ultimax III Config file.
ST ▪ Cutter Diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
HARDINGE_VMC_FA Sample Config File for Hardinge VMC with Fanuc
NUC.PST control.
HARDINGE_VMC_SI Sample Config File for Hardinge VMC with Siemens
EMENS.PST control.
LEBLOND.PST Sample Config File for Leblond Makino.
MAZAK.PST Sample Config file for MAZAK controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Tools preloading is not supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
MAZAK_FUSION.PS Sample Config file for MAZAK FUSION controls.
T ▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Tools preloading is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.

Autodesk PartMaker PartMaker Post Configuration files • 175

 ▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
MAZAK_MATRIX.PS Sample Config file for MAZAK MATRIX controls.
T ▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Tools preloading is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
MELDAS.PST Sample Config file for Mitsubishi MELDAS control.
▪ Cutter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets are supported.
▪ Tools are changed with a M6 command.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
MELDAS_NO_ATC.P Sample Config file for Mitsubishi MELDAS control for
ST use with machines without automatic tool changer.
Tool changes are assumed to be by hand.
▪ T-Codes are not used. Appropriate tool is
determined by the H-code used in the G43 line
associated with the tool changing process.
▪ Cutter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets are supported
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
MITSUI_SEIKI.PST Sample Mitsui Seiki Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
MIYANO_VMC.PST Sample Miyano VMC Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
OKADA.PST Sample Okada Config file.

176 • PartMaker Post Configuration files User Guide

 ▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
OKK.PST Sample Config file for OKK Machining Centers.
OSP_5000_VMC.PST Sample Config file for OKUMA 5000 series controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Single fixture number G15H1 is supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
OSP_7000_VMC.PST Sample Config file for OKUMA 7000 series controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Single fixture number G15H1 is supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
OSP_5000_HMC.PST Sample Config file for OKUMA 5000 series controls on
horizontal machining centers.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple fixture numbers G15 H1,G15 H2... are
supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.
OSP_7000_HMC.PST Sample Config file for OKUMA 5000 series controls on
Horizontal Mills
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple fixture numbers G15 H1,G15 H2... are
supported.
▪ You should enter the fixture number in PartMaker
Faces Dialog in the Work Offset field.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms can be enabled in
ConfigPost's General Info dialog.

Autodesk PartMaker PartMaker Post Configuration files • 177

 PROT_MX3.PST Sample Config file for ProtoTrack-MX3 controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Fully Fanuc compatible.
PROT_PLUS.PST Sample Config file for ProtoTrack-PLUS controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Not fully Fanuc compatible because it uses ";" at
the end of each line.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
QUICK.PST Sample Config file for QUICKMILL (Canadian).
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets are supported.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
RAMPING.PST Sample Ramping Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
ROBO_DRILL.PST Sample Robo_Drill Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
SIEMENS_810.PST Sample Siemens Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
SIEMENS_820.PST Sample Siemens Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
SIEMENS_840.PST Sample Siemens Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.

178 • PartMaker Post Configuration files User Guide

 ▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
SUPERMAX.PST Sample Config file for Supermax CNC Mill.
TAKSAWA.PST Sample Taksawa Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
TECHNO.PST Sample Config file for TECHNO mill, which is basically
a subset of the standard FANUC control language.
▪ Cutter compensation is not supported.
▪ Milling subprograms are not supported.
▪ Drilling subprograms are not supported.
TOSNUC.PST Sample Config file for Toshiba CNC Mill.
TREE.PST Sample Config file for Tree CNC Mill.
YANG.PST Sample Yang Config file.
▪ Drilling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Milling Subprograms are not supported.
▪ Multiple Work Offsets are supported.
YASNAC_MX.PST Sample Config file for YASNAC MX1 / MX2 controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Fanuc style Milling and Drilling Subprograms are
supported.
▪ Milling and Drilling Subprograms can be enabled
in ConfigPost's General Info dialog.

Autodesk PartMaker PartMaker Post Configuration files • 179

 Post Library - Milling, 4-axis Rotary
Table
Sample Config file for Acra controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
ACRA 2100-
▪ Face XY is supported.
V*.PST
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for a Daewoo machine.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
DAEWOO-V*.PST ▪ Face XY is supported.
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for Dynapath machines.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
DYNA_DELTA10-
▪ Face XY is supported.
V*.PST
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for Fadal machines.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
FADAL_4525-
▪ Face XY is supported.
V*.PST
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.

180 • PartMaker Post Configuration files User Guide

 Sample Config file for a Haas machine.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
HAAS_4_AXIS-
▪ Face XY is supported.
V*.PST
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for a Hardinge machine.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
HARDINGE_GX-
▪ Face XY is supported.
480-V*.PST
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for a Okuma machine.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
OKUMA_OSP_E1
▪ Face XY is supported.
00L-v*.PST
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for a Toyoda machine.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
TOYODA_FA450-
▪ Face XY is supported.
V*.PST
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.

Autodesk PartMaker PartMaker Post Configuration files • 181

 Post Library - Milling, 5-axis Rotary
Table
Sample Config file for a Bandit Router.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Face XY is supported.
BANDIT_ROUTER-
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
V*.PST
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
▪ Face 5-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for a Haas machine.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Face XY is supported.
HAAS-5-AXIS-
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
V*.PST
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
▪ Face 5-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for a Hardinge machine.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Face XY is supported.
HARDINGE_VMC7
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
60-V*.PST
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
▪ Face 5-axis is supported.

182 • PartMaker Post Configuration files User Guide

 Sample Config file for a Mori machine.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
▪ Face XY is supported.
MORI_SUPERMILL
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
ER-V*.PST
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
▪ Face 5-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for Robodrill controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
ROBODRILL_5- ▪ Face XY is supported.
AXIS-V*.PST ▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 5-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for Supermax controls.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
SUPERMAX_5- ▪ Face XY is supported.
AXIS-V*.PST ▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 5-axis is supported.

Autodesk PartMaker PartMaker Post Configuration files • 183

 Post Library - Milling, Tombstone
Sample Config file for a Makino machine.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
MAKINO_A71_HOR
▪ Face XY is supported.
IZ-V*.PST
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.
▪ Face 4-axis is supported.
Sample Config file for a Mori machine.
▪ Cutter diameter compensation is supported.
▪ Uses M6 for tool change.
MORI_MH50_HORI ▪ Multiple work offsets (G54,G55,..) are supported.
ZONTAL-V*.PST ▪ Face XY is supported.
▪ Face Polygon is supported.
▪ Face diameter index is supported.
▪ Face Cylinder is supported.

184 • PartMaker Post Configuration files User Guide

Post Library - Turning

ALLEN_BRADLEY Allen Bradley lathe control

.PST
DAEWOO.PST Daewoo lathe with Fanuc control
DIAMETER.PST Generic EIA control with X in diameter format
EZ-PATH_1.PST Bridgeport lathe with an EZ-Path control
EZ-PATH_2.PST Bridgeport lathe with EZ-Path 2 control
FAGOR.PST Lathe with Fagor 8xxx control
FALCON.PST Falcon lathe
FANUC_6.PST Fanuc 6 controlled lathe
FANUC_10.PST Fanuc 10 controlled lathe
FANUC_11.PST Fanuc 11 controlled lathe
FANUC_16i.PST Fanuc 16 / 16i controlled lathe
FANUC_18i.PST Fanuc 18 / 18i controlled lathe
FANUC_20i.PST Fanuc 20 / 20i controlled lathe
FANUC_21i.PST Fanuc 21 / 21i controlled lathe
FANUC_30i.PST Fanuc 30 / 30i controlled lathe
FANUC_31i.PST Fanuc 31 / 31i controlled lathe
FANUC_32i.PST Fanuc 32 / 32i controlled lathe
FANUC_O.PST Fanuc O controlled lathe
FEMCO.PST Femco CNC lathe
HAAS.PST Haas CNC lathe
HARDINGE_CHNC Hardinge CHNC with Fanuc control
.PST
HARDINGE_COBR Hardinge Cobra with Fanuc control
A.PST

Autodesk PartMaker Post Library - Turning • 185

 HARDINGE_GT_27 Hardinge GT27 with Fanuc control
.PST
HARDINGE_GT_27 Hardinge GT27 Super Precision with Fanuc control
SP.PST
HITACHI.PST HITACHI Seiki lathes
HYUNDAI.PST Hyundai Lathes with a Siemens 840 control
IKEGAI_TU.PST IKEGAI_TU lathe
LEBLOND.PST LEBLOND lathes with Fanuc control.
MAZAK_T_PLUS.P Mazak lathe with T32 Plus control in EIA.
ST
MAZAK_FUSION.P Mazak lathe with Fusion control
ST
MAZAK_MATRIX.P Mazak lathe with Matrix control
ST
MACHINE_MATE. Lathe with a Machine Mate control
PST
MDSI.PST MDSI controls applied to lathes
MITSUBISHI.PST Mitsubishi Meldas 6XX series controlled lathe
MIYANO.PST MIYANO lathes with Fanuc controls
OKUMA_CAPTAIN Okuma Captain lathe
.PST
OMNITURN.PST OMNI.PST supports an Omniturn lathe
OKUMA_OSP5020. Okuma OSP5000 control on lathe
PST
OKUMA_OSP7000. Okuma OSP7000 control on lathe
PST
OKUMA_OSP8000. Okuma OSP8000 control on lathe
PST
PA8000.PST PA8000 controlled lathe
RADIUS.PST Generic EIA lathe with X formatted for Radius
ROMI-G30HT.PST Romi G30-HT lathe
SIEMENS_810.PST Lathe with Siemens 810 control
SIEMENS_820.PST Lathe with Siemens 820 control
SIEMENS_840.PST Lathe with Siemens 840 control
STORM-C.PST Clausing STORM lathe with a FANUC O TC control
TAKAMATSU.PST TAKAMATSU lathe

186 • Post Library - Turning User Guide

WASINO.PST WASINO lathe with Fanuc control
YANG.PST Yang lathe with Fanuc control
YASNAC_MX.PST Lathe with YASNAC MX1 / MX2 control

Post Library - WireEDM

Sample Config file for the 'classic' AGIE G-
AGIE_CLASSIC-
code format, which was used prior to the D
V*.PST
Series machines.
AGIE_D_SERIES- Sample Config file for D Series machine
V*.PST models: 100D, 200D, 300D.
CHARMILLES_290- Sample Config file for a Robofil Model 290
V*.PST machine.
CHARMILLES_310- Sample Config file for a Robofil Model 310
V*.PST machine.
MITSUBISHI_FA- Sample Config file for Mitsubishi FA Series
V*.PST machines.
FANUC_ROBOCUT- Sample Config file for Fanuc Robocut Alpha-iA
V*.PST Series machines.
MITSUBISHI_FX20- Sample Config file for Mitsubishi FX20
V*.PST machines.
Sample Config file for Makino ‘Wire Wizard’
MAKINO_DUO_SERI
machines, DUO 43 or similar machines from the
ES-V*.PST
DUO Series, software Version 7.04.
MITSUBISHI_C_H1_ Sample Config file for Mitsubishi C / H1 / HA
HA-V*.PST Series machines.
PRIMA_E_SERIES– Sample Config file for Ona Prima E Series
V*.PST machines.
SODICK_LN1W- Sample Config file for Sodick machines with a
V*.PST LN1W control.

Autodesk PartMaker Post Library - Turning • 187

Using Config-By-Click

PartMaker's unique Config-by-Click feature provides a quick and

easy way to customize Post files.
Using Config-by-Click, double-clicking on a line of NC code displayed
in PartMaker takes you directly to the program format that is
responsible for generating that line of NC code in ConfigPost.
To start using Config-by-Click, you must first enable it within
PartMaker (see page 188).

When using Config-by-Click to customize Post files, you may

find it useful to select the option to automatically reload
customized Post Configuration files (see page 194) in
PartMaker.

188 • Using Config-By-Click User Guide

 Enabling Config-by-Click in PartMaker
To use Config-by-Click, you must first enable it within PartMaker by:
▪ Selecting Job Optimizer > Configure Post Processor > Enable
‘Config-by-Click’ Option
▪ Right-clicking in an NC Program window and selecting Enable
‘Config-by-Click’ Option.

When you enable Config-by-Click, PartMaker regenerates the NC

Program file to display the additional Config-by-Click information
(see page 191) in the NC Program window.
The Enable Config-by-Click menu option acts as a toggle, so
selecting the menu option again disables Config-by-Click. When you
disable this option, PartMaker regenerates the NC Program file to
hide the additional Config-by-Click information.

You can use Config-by-Click only with Non-Distribution Post

files. If a Distribution Post file is loaded when you enable
Config-by-Click, PartMaker prompts you to create a Non-
Distribution Post file (see page 190).

Autodesk PartMaker Using Config-By-Click • 189

 Creating a Non-Distribution Post file for
use with Config-by-Click
If you enable Config-by-Click when a Non-Distribution Post file (see
page 3) is loaded in PartMaker/SwissCAM or PartMaker/Turn-Mill,
PartMaker displays the following message:

To create a Non-Distribution Post file, which you can edit using

Config-by-Click:
1 Click Yes.
This displays the Open Distribution Post File dialog within
ConfigPost.
2 In the Open Distribution Post file dialog, enter your Customer PIN
and click Create Non-Distribution Post File.
This displays the Create Non-Distribution Post File dialog.

190 • Using Config-By-Click User Guide

 Your Customer PIN is supplied with your PartMaker
installation. Contact PartMaker Support if you do not know
your Customer PIN.
3 Check you have opened the correct Distribution Post file, by
checking the following details:
▪ Distribution Post File displays the directory and filename of the
Distribution Post File you opened.
▪ Customer PIN displays the Customer PIN you entered on the
Open Distribution Post File dialog (see page 109).
If the details are incorrect, click Cancel to exit from the dialog. If
the details are correct, continue to the next step.
4 Check the Directory Name where PartMaker will save the Non-
Distribution Post file and the Post File Name for the file are
correct. You can enter a different directory and/or filename, if
required.
5 Click OK.
ConfigPost creates a new Non-Distribution Post (.pst) file (and
.sub file, if required). It then opens the .pst file in ConfigPost.
6 To modify the Non-Distribution Post file you have just created
using Config-by-Click, you must:
a Load the Non-Distribution Post file you have just created into
PartMaker using the Job Optimizer > Post Config File = menu
option.
b Enable Config-by-Click (see page 188) in PartMaker.
c Use Config-by-Click (see page 191) to modify the file.

Using Config-by-Click to modify a Post

file
When you have loaded a Non-Distribution Post File in PartMaker and
enabled Config-by-Click, you can then use Config-by-Click to modify
a Post file:

Autodesk PartMaker Using Config-By-Click • 191

 1 View the NC Program details in PartMaker's NC Program window:

shows the NC code output produced using the Post file

appears in the left-hand column.
shows details about the Program Format in the Post file,
which is responsible for generating that line of NC code output.
For the highlighted line in the example above, the G-code line in
the left column corresponds to the following Post file information:
Line Number: Line 21
Format Name: Linear Move
Mill or Turn: Mill
PST or SUB: PST
Proc ID: P02
2 To jump to the exact location in the Post file where the program
format is used, double-click on that line in the NC Program
window in PartMaker.
PartMaker then highlights the correct program format line in the
Post file in ConfigPost. For example:

3 Within ConfigPost, modify the .pst or .sub file to achieve the

desired output.

192 • Using Config-By-Click User Guide

 Autodesk recommends that after each change you make to
the Post file, you verify the changes made to the output by
saving the Post file and regenerating the NC Program in
PartMaker. Doing this prevents any mismatches between
the line of code you want to modify and the location
highlighted in ConfigPost.
4 Before generating the final NC Program to run on your machine,
disable the Config-by-Click feature (see page 188) in PartMaker.
If you do not disable Config-by-Click before generating the final
NC Program, the NC Program file will contain program format
locations.

You can access Config-by-Click only from PartMaker’s NC

Program window. You cannot access Config-by-Click when
viewing NC Program files in other applications, such as
Notepad, MS Word or third-party CNC editors (such as,
WinCNC and Predator).

Autodesk PartMaker Using Config-By-Click • 193

 Automatically reloading customized
Post files in PartMaker
When you are customizing a Post file, it may find it useful to select
the Auto-Reload Post Config File option on the Post Options dialog in
PartMaker, so PartMaker automatically reloads the file you have
customized in ConfigPost when you generate NC program output.

When the Auto-Reload Post Config File option is:

▪ selected, PartMaker automatically reloads the currently loaded
Post file (specified using Job Optimizer > Post Config File = option)
when you generate an NC program using the Job Optimizer >
Generate NC Program option.
▪ deselected, you must use the Job Optimizer > Post Config
File = option to reload the Post file into PartMaker each time you
customize it, so you can generate an NC program using it.

The Auto-Reload Post Config File option reloads only the Post
file that is currently loaded, using the Job Optimizer > Post
Config File = option. If you save the customized Post file with a
new filename in ConfigPost, you must reload the new Post file
manually in PartMaker.

194 • Using Config-By-Click User Guide

ASCII Codes

Below is a table showing the American Standard Code for

Information Interchange (ASCII). These characters can be output in
ConfigPost by including their corresponding ASCII number inside <
> brackets.
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
0 \000 \001 \002 \003 \004 \005 \006 \a \b \t

10 \n \v \f \r \016 \017 \020 \021 \022 \023

20 \024 \025 \026 \027 \030 \031 \032 \033 \034 \035

spac
30 \036 \037 ! “ # $ % & ‘
e

40 ( ) * + , - . / 0 1

50 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 : ;

60 < = > ? @ A B C D E

70 F G H I J K L M N O

80 P Q` R S T U V W X Y

90 Z [ \ ] ^ _ ` a b c
100 d e f g h i j k l m
110 n o p q r s t u v w

120 x y z { | } ~ \177

Autodesk PartMaker ASCII Codes • 195

Autodesk Legal Notice

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noted, this work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-
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sa/3.0/. This license content, applicable as of 16 December 2014 to
this software product, is reproduced here for offline users:
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196 • Autodesk Legal Notice User Guide

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producer being the person or legal entity who first fixes the sounds
of a performance or other sounds; and, (iii) in the case of
broadcasts, the organization that transmits the broadcast.

Autodesk PartMaker Autodesk Legal Notice • 197

 g. "Work" means the literary and/or artistic work offered under the
terms of this License including without limitation any production in
the literary, scientific and artistic domain, whatever may be the
mode or form of its expression including digital form, such as a
book, pamphlet and other writing; a lecture, address, sermon or
other work of the same nature; a dramatic or dramatico-musical
work; a choreographic work or entertainment in dumb show; a
musical composition with or without words; a cinematographic work
to which are assimilated works expressed by a process analogous to
cinematography; a work of drawing, painting, architecture,
sculpture, engraving or lithography; a photographic work to which
are assimilated works expressed by a process analogous to
photography; a work of applied art; an illustration, map, plan,
sketch or three-dimensional work relative to geography,
topography, architecture or science; a performance; a broadcast; a
phonogram; a compilation of data to the extent it is protected as a
copyrightable work; or a work performed by a variety or circus
performer to the extent it is not otherwise considered a literary or
artistic work.
h. "You" means an individual or entity exercising rights under this
License who has not previously violated the terms of this License
with respect to the Work, or who has received express permission
from the Licensor to exercise rights under this License despite a
previous violation.
i. "Publicly Perform" means to perform public recitations of the Work
and to communicate to the public those public recitations, by any
means or process, including by wire or wireless means or public
digital performances; to make available to the public Works in such
a way that members of the public may access these Works from a
place and at a place individually chosen by them; to perform the
Work to the public by any means or process and the communication
to the public of the performances of the Work, including by public
digital performance; to broadcast and rebroadcast the Work by any
means including signs, sounds or images.
j. "Reproduce" means to make copies of the Work by any means
including without limitation by sound or visual recordings and the
right of fixation and reproducing fixations of the Work, including
storage of a protected performance or phonogram in digital form or
other electronic medium.
2. Fair Dealing Rights. Nothing in this License is intended to reduce,
limit, or restrict any uses free from copyright or rights arising from
limitations or exceptions that are provided for in connection with the
copyright protection under copyright law or other applicable laws.

198 • Autodesk Legal Notice User Guide

 3. License Grant. Subject to the terms and conditions of this License,
Licensor hereby grants You a worldwide, royalty-free, non-
exclusive, perpetual (for the duration of the applicable copyright)
license to exercise the rights in the Work as stated below:
a. to Reproduce the Work, to incorporate the Work into one or
more Collections, and to Reproduce the Work as incorporated in
the Collections;
b. to create and Reproduce Adaptations provided that any such
Adaptation, including any translation in any medium, takes
reasonable steps to clearly label, demarcate or otherwise identify
that changes were made to the original Work. For example, a
translation could be marked "The original work was translated
from English to Spanish," or a modification could indicate "The
original work has been modified.";
c. to Distribute and Publicly Perform the Work including as
incorporated in Collections; and,
d. to Distribute and Publicly Perform Adaptations.
The above rights may be exercised in all media and formats
whether now known or hereafter devised. The above rights include
the right to make such modifications as are technically necessary to
exercise the rights in other media and formats. Subject to Section
8(f), all rights not expressly granted by Licensor are hereby
reserved, including but not limited to the rights described in Section
4(e).

Autodesk PartMaker Autodesk Legal Notice • 199

 4. Restrictions. The license granted in Section 3 above is expressly
made subject to and limited by the following restrictions:
a. You may Distribute or Publicly Perform the Work only under
the terms of this License. You must include a copy of, or the
Uniform Resource Identifier (URI) for, this License with every
copy of the Work You Distribute or Publicly Perform. You may not
offer or impose any terms on the Work that restrict the terms of
this License or the ability of the recipient of the Work to exercise
the rights granted to that recipient under the terms of the
License. You may not sublicense the Work. You must keep intact
all notices that refer to this License and to the disclaimer of
warranties with every copy of the Work You Distribute or Publicly
Perform. When You Distribute or Publicly Perform the Work, You
may not impose any effective technological measures on the
Work that restrict the ability of a recipient of the Work from You
to exercise the rights granted to that recipient under the terms of
the License. This Section 4(a) applies to the Work as
incorporated in a Collection, but this does not require the
Collection apart from the Work itself to be made subject to the
terms of this License. If You create a Collection, upon notice from
any Licensor You must, to the extent practicable, remove from
the Collection any credit as required by Section 4(d), as
requested. If You create an Adaptation, upon notice from any
Licensor You must, to the extent practicable, remove from the
Adaptation any credit as required by Section 4(d), as requested.

200 • Autodesk Legal Notice User Guide

 b. You may Distribute or Publicly Perform an Adaptation only
under: (i) the terms of this License; (ii) a later version of this
License with the same License Elements as this License; (iii) a
Creative Commons jurisdiction license (either this or a later
license version) that contains the same License Elements as this
License (e.g., Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 US)
("Applicable License"). You must include a copy of, or the URI,
for Applicable License with every copy of each Adaptation You
Distribute or Publicly Perform. You may not offer or impose any
terms on the Adaptation that restrict the terms of the Applicable
License or the ability of the recipient of the Adaptation to
exercise the rights granted to that recipient under the terms of
the Applicable License. You must keep intact all notices that refer
to the Applicable License and to the disclaimer of warranties with
every copy of the Work as included in the Adaptation You
Distribute or Publicly Perform. When You Distribute or Publicly
Perform the Adaptation, You may not impose any effective
technological measures on the Adaptation that restrict the ability
of a recipient of the Adaptation from You to exercise the rights
granted to that recipient under the terms of the Applicable
License. This Section 4(b) applies to the Adaptation as
incorporated in a Collection, but this does not require the
Collection apart from the Adaptation itself to be made subject to
the terms of the Applicable License.
c. You may not exercise any of the rights granted to You in
Section 3 above in any manner that is primarily intended for or
directed toward commercial advantage or private monetary
compensation. The exchange of the Work for other copyrighted
works by means of digital file-sharing or otherwise shall not be
considered to be intended for or directed toward commercial
advantage or private monetary compensation, provided there is
no payment of any monetary compensation in connection with
the exchange of copyrighted works.

Autodesk PartMaker Autodesk Legal Notice • 201

 d. If You Distribute, or Publicly Perform the Work or any
Adaptations or Collections, You must, unless a request has been
made pursuant to Section 4(a), keep intact all copyright notices
for the Work and provide, reasonable to the medium or means
You are utilizing: (i) the name of the Original Author (or
pseudonym, if applicable) if supplied, and/or if the Original
Author and/or Licensor designate another party or parties (e.g.,
a sponsor institute, publishing entity, journal) for attribution
("Attribution Parties") in Licensor's copyright notice, terms of
service or by other reasonable means, the name of such party or
parties; (ii) the title of the Work if supplied; (iii) to the extent
reasonably practicable, the URI, if any, that Licensor specifies to
be associated with the Work, unless such URI does not refer to
the copyright notice or licensing information for the Work; and,
(iv) consistent with Section 3(b), in the case of an Adaptation, a
credit identifying the use of the Work in the Adaptation (e.g.,
"French translation of the Work by Original Author," or
"Screenplay based on original Work by Original Author"). The
credit required by this Section 4(d) may be implemented in any
reasonable manner; provided, however, that in the case of a
Adaptation or Collection, at a minimum such credit will appear, if
a credit for all contributing authors of the Adaptation or
Collection appears, then as part of these credits and in a manner
at least as prominent as the credits for the other contributing
authors. For the avoidance of doubt, You may only use the credit
required by this Section for the purpose of attribution in the
manner set out above and, by exercising Your rights under this
License, You may not implicitly or explicitly assert or imply any
connection with, sponsorship or endorsement by the Original
Author, Licensor and/or Attribution Parties, as appropriate, of
You or Your use of the Work, without the separate, express prior
written permission of the Original Author, Licensor and/or
Attribution Parties.
e. For the avoidance of doubt:
i. Non-waivable Compulsory License Schemes. In those
jurisdictions in which the right to collect royalties through any
statutory or compulsory licensing scheme cannot be waived,
the Licensor reserves the exclusive right to collect such
royalties for any exercise by You of the rights granted under
this License;

202 • Autodesk Legal Notice User Guide

 ii. Waivable Compulsory License Schemes. In those
jurisdictions in which the right to collect royalties through any
statutory or compulsory licensing scheme can be waived, the
Licensor reserves the exclusive right to collect such royalties
for any exercise by You of the rights granted under this
License if Your exercise of such rights is for a purpose or use
which is otherwise than noncommercial as permitted under
Section 4(c) and otherwise waives the right to collect royalties
through any statutory or compulsory licensing scheme; and,
iii. Voluntary License Schemes. The Licensor reserves the right
to collect royalties, whether individually or, in the event that
the Licensor is a member of a collecting society that
administers voluntary licensing schemes, via that society,
from any exercise by You of the rights granted under this
License that is for a purpose or use which is otherwise than
noncommercial as permitted under Section 4(c).
f. Except as otherwise agreed in writing by the Licensor or as
may be otherwise permitted by applicable law, if You Reproduce,
Distribute or Publicly Perform the Work either by itself or as part
of any Adaptations or Collections, You must not distort, mutilate,
modify or take other derogatory action in relation to the Work
which would be prejudicial to the Original Author's honor or
reputation. Licensor agrees that in those jurisdictions (e.g.
Japan), in which any exercise of the right granted in Section 3(b)
of this License (the right to make Adaptations) would be deemed
to be a distortion, mutilation, modification or other derogatory
action prejudicial to the Original Author's honor and reputation,
the Licensor will waive or not assert, as appropriate, this Section,
to the fullest extent permitted by the applicable national law, to
enable You to reasonably exercise Your right under Section 3(b)
of this License (right to make Adaptations) but not otherwise.
5. Representations, Warranties and Disclaimer
UNLESS OTHERWISE MUTUALLY AGREED TO BY THE PARTIES IN
WRITING AND TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE
LAW, LICENSOR OFFERS THE WORK AS-IS AND MAKES NO
REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING
THE WORK, EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY OR OTHERWISE,
INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE,
MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE,
NONINFRINGEMENT, OR THE ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER
DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OF ABSENCE OF ERRORS,
WHETHER OR NOT DISCOVERABLE. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT
ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OF IMPLIED WARRANTIES, SO THIS
EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

Autodesk PartMaker Autodesk Legal Notice • 203

 6. Limitation on Liability. EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT REQUIRED BY
APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT WILL LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU
ON ANY LEGAL THEORY FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES ARISING
OUT OF THIS LICENSE OR THE USE OF THE WORK, EVEN IF
LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
DAMAGES.
7. Termination
a. This License and the rights granted hereunder will terminate
automatically upon any breach by You of the terms of this
License. Individuals or entities who have received Adaptations or
Collections from You under this License, however, will not have
their licenses terminated provided such individuals or entities
remain in full compliance with those licenses. Sections 1, 2, 5, 6,
7, and 8 will survive any termination of this License.
b. Subject to the above terms and conditions, the license granted
here is perpetual (for the duration of the applicable copyright in
the Work). Notwithstanding the above, Licensor reserves the
right to release the Work under different license terms or to stop
distributing the Work at any time; provided, however that any
such election will not serve to withdraw this License (or any
other license that has been, or is required to be, granted under
the terms of this License), and this License will continue in full
force and effect unless terminated as stated above.
8. Miscellaneous
a. Each time You Distribute or Publicly Perform the Work or a
Collection, the Licensor offers to the recipient a license to the
Work on the same terms and conditions as the license granted to
You under this License.
b. Each time You Distribute or Publicly Perform an Adaptation,
Licensor offers to the recipient a license to the original Work on
the same terms and conditions as the license granted to You
under this License.
c. If any provision of this License is invalid or unenforceable
under applicable law, it shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the remainder of the terms of this License, and
without further action by the parties to this agreement, such
provision shall be reformed to the minimum extent necessary to
make such provision valid and enforceable.
d. No term or provision of this License shall be deemed waived
and no breach consented to unless such waiver or consent shall
be in writing and signed by the party to be charged with such
waiver or consent.

204 • Autodesk Legal Notice User Guide

 e. This License constitutes the entire agreement between the
parties with respect to the Work licensed here. There are no
understandings, agreements or representations with respect to
the Work not specified here. Licensor shall not be bound by any
additional provisions that may appear in any communication
from You. This License may not be modified without the mutual
written agreement of the Licensor and You.
f. The rights granted under, and the subject matter referenced,
in this License were drafted utilizing the terminology of the Berne
Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works (as
amended on September 28, 1979), the Rome Convention of
1961, the WIPO Copyright Treaty of 1996, the WIPO
Performances and Phonograms Treaty of 1996 and the Universal
Copyright Convention (as revised on July 24, 1971). These rights
and subject matter take effect in the relevant jurisdiction in
which the License terms are sought to be enforced according to
the corresponding provisions of the implementation of those
treaty provisions in the applicable national law. If the standard
suite of rights granted under applicable copyright law includes
additional rights not granted under this License, such additional
rights are deemed to be included in the License; this License is
not intended to restrict the license of any rights under applicable
law.

Creative Commons Notice

Creative Commons is not a party to this License, and makes no
warranty whatsoever in connection with the Work. Creative
Commons will not be liable to You or any party on any legal theory
for any damages whatsoever, including without limitation any
general, special, incidental or consequential damages arising in
connection to this license. Notwithstanding the foregoing two (2)
sentences, if Creative Commons has expressly identified itself as
the Licensor hereunder, it shall have all rights and obligations of
Licensor.
Except for the limited purpose of indicating to the public that the
Work is licensed under the CCPL, Creative Commons does not
authorize the use by either party of the trademark "Creative
Commons" or any related trademark or logo of Creative Commons
without the prior written consent of Creative Commons. Any
permitted use will be in compliance with Creative Commons' then-
current trademark usage guidelines, as may be published on its
website or otherwise made available upon request from time to
time. For the avoidance of doubt, this trademark restriction does
not form part of this License.
Creative Commons may be contacted at
http://creativecommons.org/.

Autodesk PartMaker Autodesk Legal Notice • 205

 Certain materials included in this publication are reprinted with the
permission of the copyright holder.

Creative Commons FAQ

Autodesk's Creative Commons FAQ can be viewed online at
https://knowledge.autodesk.com/customer-service/share-the-
knowledge, and is reproduced here for offline users.
Creative Commons is a simple, open licensing model which allows
individuals to freely modify, remix, and share digital content created
for learning and support.
Borrow from the Autodesk Learning, Support and Video libraries to
build a new learning experience for anyone with any particular need
or interest. It’s out there. You can use it. It’s yours.
In collaboration with Creative Commons, Autodesk invites you to
share your knowledge with the rest of the world, inspiring others to
learn, achieve goals, and ignite creativity.

What is Creative Commons?

Creative Commons (CC) is a nonprofit organization that offers a
simple licensing model that frees digital content to enable anyone to
modify, remix, and share creative works.

How do I know if Autodesk learning content and Autodesk University

content is available under Creative Commons?
All Autodesk learning content and Autodesk University content
released under Creative Commons is explicitly marked with a
Creative Commons icon specifying what you can and cannot do.
Always follow the terms of the stated license.

What Autodesk learning content is currently available under Creative

Commons?
Over time, Autodesk will release more and more learning content
under the Creative Commons licenses.
Currently available learning content:
▪ Autodesk online help-Online help for many Autodesk products,
including its embedded media such as images and help movies.
▪ Autodesk Learning Videos-A range of video-based learning
content, including the video tutorials on the Autodesk YouTube™
Learning Channels and their associated iTunes® podcasts.
▪ Autodesk downloadable materials-Downloadable 3D assets,
digital footage, and other files you can use to follow along on
your own time.

206 • Autodesk Legal Notice User Guide

 Is Autodesk learning and support content copyrighted?
Yes. Creative Commons licensing does not replace copyright.
Copyright remains with Autodesk or its suppliers, as applicable. But
it makes the terms of use much more flexible.

What do the Autodesk Creative Commons licenses allow?

Autodesk makes some of its learning and support content available
under two distinct Creative Commons licenses. The learning content
is clearly marked with the applicable Creative Commons license.
You must comply with the following conditions:
▪ Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA) This license
lets you copy, distribute, display, remix, tweak, and build upon
our work noncommercially, as long as you credit Autodesk and
license your new creations under the identical terms. Terms of
this license can be viewed online at
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/us/
▪ Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works (CC BY-NC-ND)
This license lets you copy, distribute, and display only verbatim
copies of our work as long as you credit us, but you cannot alter
the learning content in any way or use it commercially. Terms of
this license can be viewed online at
https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-
nd/3.0/us/deed.en_US
▪ Special permissions on content marked as No Derivative Works For
video-based learning content marked as No Derivative Works
(ND), Autodesk grants you special permission to make
modifications but only for the purpose of translating the video
content into another language.
These conditions can be modified only by explicit permission of
Autodesk, Inc. Send requests for modifications outside of these
license terms to [email protected].

Can I get special permission to do something different with the learning

content?
Unless otherwise stated, our Creative Commons conditions can be
modified only by explicit permission of Autodesk, Inc. If you have
any questions or requests for modifications outside of these license
terms, email us at [email protected].

Autodesk PartMaker Autodesk Legal Notice • 207

 How do I attribute Autodesk learning content?
You must explicitly credit Autodesk, Inc., as the original source of
the materials. This is a standard requirement of the Attribution (BY)
term in all Creative Commons licenses. In some cases, such as for
the Autodesk video learning content, we specify exactly how we
would like to be attributed.
This is usually described on the video's end-plate. For the most part
providing the title of the work, the URL where the work is hosted,
and a credit to Autodesk, Inc., is quite acceptable. Also, remember
to keep intact any copyright notice associated with the work. This
may sound like a lot of information, but there is flexibility in the way
you present it.
Here are some examples:
"This document contains content adapted from the Autodesk®
Maya® Help, available under a Creative Commons Attribution-
NonCommercial-Share Alike license. Copyright © Autodesk, Inc."
"This is a Finnish translation of a video created by the Autodesk
Maya Learning Channel @ www.youtube.com/mayahowtos.
Copyright © Autodesk, Inc."
"Special thanks to the Autodesk® 3ds Max® Learning Channel @
www.youtube.com/3dsmaxhowtos. Copyright © Autodesk, Inc."

Do I follow YouTube's standard license or Autodesk's Creative

Commons license?
The videos of the Autodesk Learning Channels on YouTube are
uploaded under YouTube's standard license policy. Nonetheless,
these videos are released by Autodesk as Creative Commons
Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works (CC BY-NC-ND)
and are marked as such.
You are free to use our video learning content according to the
Creative Commons license under which they are released.

Where can I easily download Autodesk learning videos?

Most of the Autodesk Learning Channels have an associated iTunes
podcast from where you can download the same videos and watch
them offline. When translating Autodesk learning videos, we
recommend downloading the videos from the iTunes podcasts.

208 • Autodesk Legal Notice User Guide

 Can I translate Autodesk learning videos?
Yes. Even though our learning videos are licensed as No Derivative
Works (ND), we grant everyone permission to translate the audio
and subtitles into other languages. In fact, if you want to recapture
the video tutorial as-is but show the user interface in another
language, you are free to do so. Be sure to give proper attribution
as indicated on the video's Creative Commons end-plate. This
special permission only applies to translation projects. Requests for
modifications outside of these license terms can be directed to
[email protected].

How do I let others know that I have translated Autodesk learning

content into another language?
Autodesk is happy to see its learning content translated into as
many different languages as possible. If you translate our videos or
any of our learning content into other languages, let us know. We
can help promote your contributions to our growing multilingual
community. In fact, we encourage you to find creative ways to
share our learning content with your friends, family, students,
colleagues, and communities around the world. Contact us at
[email protected].

I have translated Autodesk learning videos into other languages. Can I

upload them to my own YouTube channel?
Yes, please do and let us know where to find them so that we can
help promote your contributions to our growing multilingual
Autodesk community. Contact us at
[email protected].

Can I repost or republish Autodesk learning content on my site or blog?

Yes, you can make Autodesk learning material available on your site
or blog as long as you follow the terms of the Creative Commons
license under which the learning content is released. If you are
simply referencing the learning content as-is, then we recommend
that you link to it or embed it from where it is hosted by Autodesk.
That way the content will always be fresh. If you have translated or
remixed our learning content, then by all means you can host it
yourself. Let us know about it, and we can help promote your
contributions to our global learning community. Contact us at
[email protected].

Autodesk PartMaker Autodesk Legal Notice • 209

 Can I show Autodesk learning content during my conference?
Yes, as long as it's within the scope of a noncommercial event, and
as long as you comply with the terms of the Creative Commons
license outlined above. In particular, the videos must be shown
unedited with the exception of modifications for the purpose of
translation. If you wish to use Autodesk learning content in a
commercial context, contact us with a request for permission at
[email protected].

Can I use Autodesk learning content in my classroom?

Yes, as long as you comply with the terms of the Creative Commons
license under which the learning material is released. Many teachers
use Autodesk learning content to stimulate discussions with
students or to complement course materials, and we encourage you
to do so as well.

Can I re-edit and remix Autodesk video learning content?

No, but for one exception. Our Creative Commons BY-NC-ND license
clearly states that "derivative works" of any kind (edits, cuts,
remixes, mashups, and so on) are not allowed without explicit
permission from Autodesk. This is essential for preserving the
integrity of our instructors' ideas. However, we do give you
permission to modify our videos for the purpose of translating them
into other languages.

Can I re-edit and remix Autodesk downloadable 3D assets and footage?

Yes. The Autodesk Learning Channels on YouTube provide
downloadable 3D assets, footage, and other files for you to follow
along with the video tutorials on your own time. This downloadable
material is made available under a Creative Commons Attribution-
NonCommercial-ShareAlike (CC BY-NC-SA) license. You can
download these materials and experiment with them, but your
remixes must give us credit as the original source of the content
and be shared under the identical license terms.

Can I use content from Autodesk online help to create new materials for
a specific audience?
Yes, if you want to help a specific audience learn how to optimize
the use of their Autodesk software, there is no need to start from
scratch. You can use, remix, or enrich the relevant help content and
include it in your book, instructions, examples, or workflows you
create, then Share-Alike with the community. Always be sure to
comply with the terms of the Creative Commons license under
which the learning content is released.

210 • Autodesk Legal Notice User Guide

 What are the best practices for marking content with Creative Commons
Licenses?
When reusing a CC-licensed work (by sharing the original or a
derivative based on the original), it is important to keep intact any
copyright notice associated with the work, including the Creative
Commons license being used. Make sure you abide by the license
conditions provided by the licensor, in this case Autodesk, Inc.

Trademarks
The following are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk,
Inc., and/or its subsidiaries and/or affiliates in the USA and other
countries: 123D, 3ds Max, ADSK, Alias, ArtCAM, ATC, AutoCAD LT,
AutoCAD, Autodesk, the Autodesk logo, Autodesk 123D, Autodesk
Alias, Autodesk Forge, Autodesk Fusion, Autodesk Inventor,
AutoSnap, BIM 360, Buzzsaw, CADmep, CAMduct, Civil 3D,
Configurator 360, Dancing Baby (image), DWF, DWG, DWG
(design/logo), DWG Extreme, DWG TrueConvert, DWG TrueView,
DWGX, DXF, Eagle, ESTmep, FBX, FeatureCAM, Flame, FormIt 360,
Fusion 360, The Future of Making Things, Glue, Green Building
Studio, InfraWorks, Instructables, Instructables (stylized robot
design/logo), Inventor, Inventor HSM, Inventor LT, Make Anything,
Maya, Maya LT, Moldflow, MotionBuilder, Mudbox, Navisworks,
Netfabb, Opticore, PartMaker, Pier 9, PowerInspect, PowerMill,
PowerShape, Publisher 360, RasterDWG, RealDWG, ReCap, ReCap
360, Remake, Revit LT, Revit, Scaleform, Shotgun, Showcase,
Showcase 360, SketchBook, Softimage, Tinkercad, TrustedDWG,
VRED.
All other brand names, product names or trademarks belong to their
respective holders.

Disclaimer
THIS PUBLICATION AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS
MADE AVAILABLE BY AUTODESK, INC. "AS IS." AUTODESK, INC.
DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE
REGARDING THESE MATERIALS.

Except where otherwise noted, this work is licensed

under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
3.0 Unported License. Please see the Autodesk Creative Commons
FAQ for more information

Autodesk PartMaker Autodesk Legal Notice • 211

Autodesk PartMaker • 213