Second Paper: Post-Processors for General Purpose N.C. Processors

Abstract

This paper sets out to explain to non-specialist computer programmers what a post-processor is and where it fits into a complete N.C. system.

The input to an APT-like post-processor and the control tape output are described, and it is shown how these determine the general structure of the post-processor. The operation of the main sections of the post-processor is discussed.

Also considered is the way in which standardization, both within the total N.C. task and in the post-processor, can reduce the cost and effort needed to produce a new post-processor.