Editing Post Processors

[testyourdesign]

Hi Guys,

I know some of you have been experimenting with custom post processors for Fusion360. I just started using a new to me application called Visual Studio Code (VSC) which makes it really easy to adjust to a post. Microsoft and Autodesk got together to develop a plugin that allows you to easily edit post processors for HSM (fusion360). It works by loading the post into VSC then enabling the explorer option within VSC. This allows a sample G-Code to be generated for each machine type (cutting, milling, mill-turning, turning). Then you simply locate the line of code in your Post by clicking on the G-Code command you want to edit from the sample. Check out this great video from John Saunders explaining the whole process. I think this will be very helpful for those who are having trouble implementing a custom post for their specific machine configuration.

Cheers, Stephen Brown

 

[breezy]

Stephen,

I saw notification about this editor during a Fusion 360 update, but didn't follow it up at the time, then John's Youtube video appeared on my feed and thought what a great idea. Have been playing with it today, just need to work out how to tie Fusion's resultant G code back to the postprocessor.

I like John's tip at the end of the video about the manual for post processors available on Autodesk post processor page. Will spend some time reading that.

Regards,

Arie.

 

[testyourdesign]

@breezy

After installing the HSM plug in you need to adjust the setting. In the bottom left corner of VSC you'll see a gear icon,

1. click on settings.
   
2. search HSM
   
3. enable tick box for post on selection
   
4. enable tick box for post on save
   

That activates the link between the sample g-code your post-processor software. Once it's been activated you can open your post in VSC and use explorer function to generate the sample g-code based on your post.

1. Open post
   
2. click on explorer icon in top left corner below menu.
   
3. click on cnc selector function in dropdown menu under explorer.
   
4. Select machine code type you want for the sample.
   

This will open a second window with the sample code. It's not to difficult so you'll get the hang of it once you have done it a couple of times.

Cheers, Stephen Brown

 

[breezy]

Stephen,

Once it's been activated you can open your post in VSC and use explorer function to generate the sample g-code based on your post.

I got that part of it, but if I understand correctly you can generate gcode for your model and then link back to the post processor used and see which parts of the PP were used to generate that code. I think I know what to do, you need to create a .cnc file which is the linking bit, only I need to work out how Fusion creates the .cnc file. I'll get there in the end. No hurry.

Regards,

Arie.