Fusion C-Axis Lathe Post Processor
Fusion posts for lathes with a C axis and live tools. C-axis indexing and clamping, polar interpolation for face milling, cylindrical interpolation for diameter features, and face and radial drilling cycles, output correctly for your controller.
Milling features without a second setup
A C-axis lathe can stop and position the main spindle as a rotary axis, so live tools can drill cross holes, mill flats, cut hex shapes on the face and machine slots around the diameter. This saves a second operation on a mill, but the post must switch the spindle into C-axis mode, clamp or unclamp it, and choose the right way to program each feature.
ENGIMANDI builds Fusion C-axis lathe posts that output indexed C positioning with clamping for drilling and simple milling, polar interpolation for face contours such as hexes and slots, cylindrical interpolation for grooves and features wrapped on the diameter, and native face and radial drilling cycles. We manage the switch back to turning mode safely, so the rest of the program runs normally.
Read C-axis lathe post processors.
What you get
- C-axis mode switching
- Indexed positioning & clamping
- Polar interpolation
- Cylindrical interpolation
- Face & radial drilling cycles
- Live tool spindle commands
- Safe return to turning
- Proven on your lathe
C-axis post features
Face and diameter work done right.
C-Axis Mode
Spindle to C-axis mode switching with orientation and reference moves.
Clamping
C-axis brake or clamp engaged for drilling and released for interpolation.
Polar Interpolation
Face contours programmed in Cartesian coordinates and converted by the controller.
Cylindrical Interpolation
Slots and cams on the diameter programmed on an unrolled surface.
Drilling Cycles
Face and radial drill, peck and tap cycles for live tools.
Live Tool Speeds
Rotary tool spindle commands and speed limits.
C-axis post stack
Controller functions we use.
Typical projects
- Cross holes drilled on a turned shaft
- Hex milled on the face with polar interpolation
- Helical groove cut with cylindrical interpolation
- Bolt-circle holes on a flange face
- Haas ST lathe with C axis and live tooling
- Wrench flats milled in one setup
How we build C-axis posts
Machine
C-axis and live tool details.
Develop
Modes, cycles and interpolation.
Test
Sample parts posted and simulated.
Prove
First part on your lathe.
Support
Adjustments as needed.
C-axis post questions
When should polar interpolation be used?
For contours on the face, such as hexes, flats and slots. The controller converts X-Y moves into X and C motion.
What units does C use in cylindrical interpolation?
On FANUC, C is still commanded in degrees inside G07.1, with the controller using the cylinder radius to convert. We follow each controller's rules.
Our machine alarms when switching to C-axis. Why?
Often the mode command, orientation or clamp sequence does not match the builder's macro. We match the post to your machine.
Do you support Y axis too?
Yes. See our Y-axis lathe posts.
Can the same post handle the sub-spindle?
Yes, if your lathe has one. See sub-spindle posts.