Jessie Taylor
Vectric users often seek advice on how to install and select post-processors for their CNC machines. Vectric's VCarve software offers a range of post-processors, including GRBL Candle 1.1.7, Mach 2/3/4, and GRBL (mm) or GRBL (inch). Users can choose the appropriate post-processor from a drop-down list when saving toolpaths. However, some users face challenges with specific CNC machines and seek advice on selecting the correct post-processor. To install a new post-processor, users must have admin rights and locate the PostP folder within the Program Files. Custom post-processors can be created based on existing ones, but caution is advised to avoid issues with G-code files.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to install a Vectric post-processor | Create a custom machine using the + button on the dialog. Add a post-processor to an existing machine either at the saving of code stage via the commands on that dialog or using the commands on the Machine menu. |
| How to select a Vectric post-processor | After creating your tool paths, go to save tool paths, click on post processor and scroll down and pick what best describes your setup. |
| How to change the file extension | Change the FILE_EXTENSION statement to have the extension you want and, as a best practice, change the POST_NAME to make it clear that it's not the original post processor in the list. |
| How to check the name of the post-processor | Load the post-processor into a text editor such as Notepad and look for the POST_NAME value. |
| How to check the file type | Check the file type column in an explorer window to see if it is a .txt file when it says it is a .PP file. |
| How to find the location of the post-processors | For Cut3D and PhotoVCarve, the post-processors are in a folder named PostP in the same Program Files folder that the program is installed in. For a default install on 64-bit Windows, this would typically be C:\Program Files (x86)\Cut3D\PostP. |
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What You'll Learn
Vectric Post Processor installation: GRBL Candle 1.1.7
If you are using GRBL Candle 1.1.7 as your default post-processor, you can change it to a different post-processor by choosing the post-processor you require from the drop-down list when saving toolpaths from VCarve. However, if you wish to install GRBL Candle 1.1.7 as your post-processor, you can follow these steps:
Firstly, identify the type of Microsoft Windows you are using. If you are using a 64-bit edition, the location of the PhotoVCarve folder will be "C\Program Files (x86)\PhotoVCarve\PostP". If you are using a 32-bit edition, the location will be "C\Program Files\PhotoVCarve\PostP".
Next, copy the new post-processor file into the identified PhotoVCarve folder. Exit the application and restart it. The metric version of the new post-processor will be labelled as "Grbl (mm) (*.gcode)", while the inch version will be labelled as "Grbl (inch) (*.gcode)" in the list of post-processors.
If you wish to modify the GRBL post-processor, you can do so by editing the pp file that generates your toolpaths. Use any text editor or word processor to add your custom commands. Be sure to create a backup of the original file before making any changes. The post-processor editing guide in the Help menu of VCarve can provide further assistance.
Additionally, when using VCarve, ensure that you select the appropriate post-processor for your machine and control software. If you are using a GRBL-based machine, you can choose the GRBL post-processor or create a custom post-processor based on GRBL with an NC extension.
By following these steps, you can successfully install and configure the Vectric Post Processor: GRBL Candle 1.1.7 for your CNC machine.
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Changing post processors: GRBL vs Candle
Changing post processors depends on the software you are using. In VCarve, for example, you can change the post processor by selecting from a drop-down list when saving your toolpaths file from the Toolpaths tab.
If you are using PhotoVCarve, you need to copy the new post processor to the "PostP" folder. This is usually located at "C:\Program Files (x86)\PhotoVCarve\PostP" for 64-bit Windows, or "C:\Program Files\PhotoVCarve\PostP" for 32-bit Windows. Once you have copied the new post processor, exit and restart the application.
If you are using Candle, you can change the post processor by clicking the dropdown and changing it to "All Files" to open up the gcode file.
When choosing a post processor, it is important to consider the specific controller box of your CNC machine. The post processor fine-tunes the GCODE for this controller box. If your machine is GRBL-based, you will choose GRBL as your post processor. GRBL is recommended for more experienced users, while Candle is a good option for beginners. GRBL is also a good option if you are looking for more advanced features than Candle offers.
There are also other post-processing software options available, such as UGS, UCNC, F360, Carvera, ESTLcam, and CamBam. The best software depends on your budget and specific needs.
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Vectric Post Processor location: Cut3D and PhotoVCarve
If you are using Cut3D or PhotoVCarve, the Vectric Post Processors are in a folder named "PostP" in the same directory as the program files. For a default install on 64-bit Windows, the location is typically "C:\Program Files (x86)\Cut3D\PostP" or "C:\Program Files (x86)\PhotoVCarve\PostP".
To install a new post-processor, you need administrative rights to read and write files to that folder. Copy the new post-processor file (typically with a *.PP or *.txt file extension) into the "PostP" folder. Once the file is copied, exit the application and restart it. The new post-processor should now be available within the software.
If you are using a 32-bit edition of Microsoft Windows, the location of the "PostP" folder for PhotoVCarve will be "C:\Program Files\PhotoVCarve\PostP".
Note that PhotoVCarve is an older program, and you may encounter difficulties when trying to copy files into Program Files folders due to security updates in newer versions of Windows.
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Selecting the correct Post Processor: G-code vs native control language
Installing the Vectric Post Processor for Candle involves understanding the role of post processors and their impact on G-code and native control language. Post processors are software subroutines that convert CAM software toolpath output into specific machine language or instructions. They ensure that the G-code output is compatible with the specific CNC machine or controller being used.
When selecting the correct post processor, it is essential to consider the target machine and its control software. Different CNC machines may require unique post processors to generate the exact G-code dialect they can understand. For example, machines like FoxAlien CNC and MYSWEETY CNC 3018 Pro use different post processors, such as Mach 2/3/4 and GRBL Candle 1.1.7, respectively.
G-code, or Gerber Code, is a standard language used to control CNC machines and specify toolpaths. It contains instructions for the machine's movements, speeds, and other parameters. G-code serves as the intermediate language between the CAM software and the CNC machine.
Native control language refers to the specific language or instructions used by a particular CNC machine or controller. Each CNC machine may have its own unique language or dialect that it understands. For example, machines with Fanuc controllers use a specific language or dialect different from those with Siemens-Sinumeric or Heidenhein controllers.
To select the correct post processor, users should refer to the documentation or support resources provided by the CNC machine manufacturer. They can also consult forums, such as Vectric's forum, to seek advice from other users with similar machines or controllers. It is important to match the post processor with the specific requirements of the CNC machine to ensure accurate and expected behaviour.
Additionally, some post processors offer customisation options, allowing users to modify the G-code output for their specific needs. This can include automating certain tasks or generating setup sheets. However, customisation may require software development expertise, and it is recommended to use a G-Code Simulator for debugging the output.
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Custom Post Processors: Vectric VCarve
Post-processors are text files that contain instructions to translate a VCarve Pro toolpath into a format that suits the machine tool and controller. Vectric provides a list of post-processors to choose from, and you can also create your own custom post-processors.
To create a custom post-processor, you can edit an existing post-processor. First, create a simple test file, which might consist of a line and two circles. Then, produce a shallow cutting profile toolpath for each shape, machining "On" the line and "Inside" and "Outside" the circles. Save a toolpath using your base post-processor and view it using a text editor.
Custom post-processor files are stored in a My_PostP folder on your computer and can be opened in any text editor, including Notepad. These files have a *.pp file suffix by default. Once you have edited your custom post-processor, you can install it by double-clicking on the file. It will then appear at the top of the Post-Processor Manager window, along with any other custom post-processors you have created.
If you are logged into your V&Co account and connected to the internet, you can update the post-processor list by clicking the "Update Post-Processor List" button at the bottom of the Post-Processor Management window. This will give you access to the latest list of post-processors provided by Vectric.
It is important to note that Candle is a controller program that sends G-code to the machine. If you are using Candle, you might need to change the file extension to NC, which is one of the file types that Candle lists by default. This can be done by changing the FILE_EXTENSION statement to the desired extension and changing the POST_NAME to clarify that it is not the original post processor.
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Frequently asked questions
The Vectric post-processor is a set of instructions that translate toolpaths into code. To install a Vectric post-processor for Candle, you must first determine the correct processor for your machine. Then, you can add the processor to the PostP folder of your Vectric software.
You can determine the correct post-processor by checking the controller software of your machine. For example, if your machine uses a HiCON Integra controller, you should use the Mach 4 post-processor.
The location of the PostP folder depends on your operating system. For a 64-bit edition of Microsoft Windows, the default location is C:\Program Files (x86)\PhotoVCarve\PostP. For a 32-bit edition, the default location is C:\Program Files\PhotoVCarve\PostP.
To add the post-processor to the PostP folder, you will need admin rights. Then, you can simply copy and paste the processor file into the folder. After adding the processor, exit the application and restart it for the changes to take effect.
