Post processor

A '''post processor''', also known simply as a '''post''', is a computer program which converts tool path data from CNC software into machine tool data, to be used in CAM systems.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Xun |first=Xu |url=https://www.google.com/books/edition/Integrating_Advanced_Computer_Aided_Desi/habcATPQWJ4C?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=post+processor&pg=PA238&printsec=frontcover |title=Integrating Advanced Computer-Aided Design, Manufacturing, and Numerical Control: Principles and Implementations: Principles and Implementations |date=2009-01-31 |publisher=IGI Global |isbn=978-1-59904-716-4 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Brown |first=Marcus |date=2019-08-19 |title=What is a Post Processor? |url=https://www.mlc-cad.com/resources/mastercam/what-is-a-post-processor/ |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=MLC CAD Systems |language=en-US}}</ref> A post processor generates the G-code used by the machine control module.<ref>{{Cite web |title=What is a Post Processor? |url=https://www.okuma.com/blog/what-is-a-post-processor |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=www.okuma.com |language=en-US}}</ref> The generated code will differ for each G-code dialect the post-processor supports, and will often be customized to match the limitations of the machine.<ref>{{Cite web |last=McClements |first=Dean |date=December 7, 2023 |title=Post-Processor: Definition, How It Works, and Uses |url=https://www.xometry.com/resources/machining/what-is-a-post-processor/ |access-date=5 May 2026 |website=Xometry}}</ref> Post processors can be either open- or closed-source software; closed-source posts are usually created by CAM vendors, while open-source ones are made by the community or home users.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=Evans |first=Jim |title=Notes on Posts : Modern Machine Shop |url=http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/notes-on-posts |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519182051/http://www.mmsonline.com/articles/notes-on-posts |archive-date=2011-05-19 |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=www.mmsonline.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=5 May 2026 |title=What Is a CNC Post Processor and Why Do I Need One? |url=https://tormach.com/articles/what-is-a-cnc-post-processor-and-why-do-i-need-one |website=Tormach}}</ref> It can be difficult, however, to custom-write post-processors, as the code syntax used by the machine often varies; several efforts have been made to create a standard language.<ref name=":0" />

Post-processors can be generic (being programmed for one machine) machine-specific, or custom-built.<ref>{{Cite web |last=admin |date=2025-12-11 |title=What Is a CNC Post Processor and Why Does It Matter? |url=https://mechmansolution.com/blogs/what-is-a-cnc-post-processor-and-why-does-it-matter/ |access-date=2026-05-06 |website=Mechman Solution |language=en}}</ref> Post processors can also be used to auto-create pocket routines or, in specific cases, run robots using G-code instructions.<ref name=":1" />

==See also== * Preprocessor * Transpiler

* PostCSS

==References== {{Reflist}}

Category:Device drivers Category:Computing input devices