Scope of a SolidCAM mill-turn post
| Capability | Post responsibility |
|---|---|
| Turning (main and sub-spindle) | Diameter X, CSS, feed per rev, mirrored Z on sub |
| C-axis milling and drilling | C-axis engage, live tool control, polar/cylindrical modes |
| Y-axis milling | Plane selection and Y moves |
| B-axis head | Head angles, tilted planes or TCP |
| Part transfer | Spindle sync, chuck codes, cut-off |
| Multiple channels | Separate programs with wait codes |
Example: face milling with polar interpolation
(FACE MILL HEX - LIVE TOOL)
M* (C-axis mode on - machine specific)
G28 H0.
G17 G94
G12.1
G01 X40. C0. F300.
X20. C34.641
X-20. C34.641
...
G13.1In polar interpolation mode (FANUC-type), X and C are programmed like a Cartesian XY plane and the controller converts them to rotary motion.
Swiss-type machines
SolidCAM also supports Swiss-type lathes, where a sliding headstock moves the bar through a guide bushing. Posts for these machines handle multiple channels, gang tools, back-working and bar feeding.
Simulation
An accurate machine model with all spindles, turrets and channels lets SolidCAM simulate the complete program, including transfers, before it reaches the machine.
In mill-turn, every machine is effectively a custom machine, and the post must be too.
SolidCAM mill-turn posts
See our CNC post processor development service and Swiss-type post development.