High efficiency postprocessor for generic NC machine

Postprocessor for generic numerical control (NC) machines is introduced in this article. The proposed postprocessor can convert the cutter location data from general CAD/CAM system or the path data from halftone bitmap picture to NC machine control command in the form of standard G-code. The purpose of this work is proposed a high efficiency postprocessor that can be generated linear and helical interpolation in G-code machine command without requiring CAD/CAM system facility. The input data of the postprocessor can also be directly acquired from x-y coordinates of workpiece. The proposed postprocessor is developed using visual C# programming language under window XP environment. G-code generated from the proposed postprocessor using the cutter location data of sample bitmap picture is used for experimental demonstration with generic NC machine. As the result, the proposed postprocessor exhibits a benefit for simple NC machine tool.