What a generic post is
A generic post is written for a controller family (for example "FANUC mill" or "Heidenhain TNC") and designed to work acceptably on many machines. CAM vendors and resellers provide these in their post libraries, often free.
Side-by-side comparison
| Aspect | Generic post | Custom post |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Controller family | Your machine, controller version and options |
| Kinematics | Typical or none | Exact axes, pivots, directions and limits |
| MTB M-codes | Standard codes only | Clamping, coolant types, probing, conveyors, pallets |
| Advanced features | Often disabled | TCP, tilted planes, high-speed modes, macros |
| Shop format | Vendor default | Your headers, comments and structure |
| Hand editing | Frequently needed | None expected |
| Cost | Free or low | One-time development |
| Support | General | Tested and commissioned on your machine |
When generic is enough
- Simple 3-axis machines with standard FANUC-style controls.
- Low program volumes, where occasional edits are acceptable.
- Prototyping and hobby use.
When custom is the better choice
- 4-axis, 5-axis, mill-turn, Swiss and multi-channel machines.
- Programs are edited by hand before every run.
- You need machine features the generic post ignores.
- Customers or quality systems require a specific program format.
- High program volumes where minutes per program add up.
The middle ground: customised generic posts
Most custom posts actually start from a well-tested generic base. The developer then adds machine kinematics, MTB codes and shop preferences. This combines the reliability of a proven base with the fit of a custom post, at a lower cost than writing from scratch.
Generic FANUC mill post
+ machine kinematics (A/C trunnion, limits)
+ MTB codes (M10/M11 clamps, M88 TSC)
+ shop format (header, tool list, safe start)
= custom post for machine #3A generic post gets you cutting; a custom post gets you cutting efficiently without editing.
Upgrade from generic to custom
See our CNC post processor development service and post modification and optimisation.