OmegaPost

OmegaPost® is a 3rd party, high performance CNC code generator designed and implemented by SURFCAM Reseller CAMcad Technologies for today's CNC machines that can be added on to SURFCAM. It is especially suited for complex, process-intensive CNC machinery such as MillTurn centers and machines having CNC controllers with advanced conversational programming features and unusual command syntax.

OmegaPost provides an easy to use template formatting language with sophisticated logic controls in a modern, high-performance package that directly reads SURFCAM's intermediate files. OmegaPost's template language is powerful yet simple, CAM-friendly, and event-driven with a WYSIWYG look that makes sense to an NC part programmer or post-writer.

Register Names: Most postprocessors support only 26 NC register definitions, and the post-writer is required to "work around" this limit. OmegaPost supports up to ten-digit register names, and each register can have a 1-32 character prefix and a 1-32 character suffix. Each register definition has separate modality, formatting, decimal treatment, offsets, and references to other variables, in addition to extensive register characteristics. A few examples:



This level of register definition power and flexibility makes supporting even the most challenging Heidenhain iTNC 530 Conversational cycle syntax (below) a very straight-forward process:



User Variables: Many older postprocessor solutions support only 1-6 digit variable names or user event names. OmegaPost supports 32-character user variable and user event names, allowing the post-writer the ability to assign much more intuitive names for non-standard functions such that follow-on updates and/or debugging is much easier. For example:



Subroutines: Most postprocessors can be extended by experts to support CNC subroutines. OmegaPost automatically supports toolpath and subroutine arrays via a simple command switch and simple event-based syntax.



Hybrid Machine Support: Most postprocessors can be extended by skilled personnel to support MillTurn CNCs, but there is limited built-in technology to support the multiple coordinate systems and mode-switching necessary for effective support of this class of CNC equipment. OmegaPost contains up to 32 machining modes, with DefineMode and ModeSet commands that enable the post-writer to define and invoke modes based-upon the criteria that makes sense for the machine being supported.



System Variable Naming: Most older postprocessing solutions contain a comprehensive list of system variables that have evolved over the years as the technology evolved; however, they are organized in a numeric order that has followed the evolution of CNC technology. Because CAMCAD is also is in the business of using the tools it provides, care and attention was paid to subtle yet important design controls - OmegaPost's system variables are carefully and consistently named based upon function such that the post-writer can more easily remember them because they are meaningfully named. For example, all System variables dealing with tool geometry begin with the characters "Tool":



All System variables dealing with feed control begin with the characters "Feed ":



Documentation: Concise and clear documentation with real-world examples is critical for the post writer. CAMCAD made sure the quick reference guide (shipped and automatically installed with the System) contains frequently referenced material in a clear and concise format.



For more information on obtaining OmegaPost, please click here or contact SURFCAM VAR CAMcad Technologies.

Disclaimer: In addition to post processors that are included with SURFCAM, there are some post processors that are provided by third-party resellers. All SURFCAM third-party post processors are designed to enhance and improve your productivity in SURFCAM. The following third-party SURFCAM post processors are not developed or controlled by SURFCAM, Inc. and thus, SURFCAM, Inc. is not responsiblefor any losses, damages, or changes that these add-ins may have on your system(s). Any sales or support requests for any third-party SURFCAM post processors are to be directed to the individual post vendor.