Once you have completed all the sequences required for your machining process they need to be interpreted into NC machine code for the specific machine you intend using, this process is referred to as Post Processing.

The process will generate a simple text file with the extension .tap which you will find in the working directory.  The .tap extension may have to be changed according the machine you are going to use.

Creo NC generates a cutter location file with extension .ncl

Via a machine control data file – extension .mcd – the .tap file is generated

 

Process

** Before starting the process make sure your project folder is set as the Working Directory

To generate a final .ncl file once all your sequences are complete;

RMB menu on OP010[MACHINE] in the model tree > Play Path

 

4000.operation.play.path

 

Hit Play to calculate all the sequences

Still in the Play Path window;

File > Save as MCD

In the Post Processor Options window > Output

Save a Copy window > OK to generate OP010.ncl

The Menu Manager list will then offer you a number of Post Processor files – choose uncx01.p01

4000.post.list

op010.tap will be output to the Working Directory, this can be opened in a text editor such as Wordpad

Annotated example of a .tap file output from the manufacturing assembly in the above image.

 

M codes are machine control codes;

M06 is a tool change, followed by the tool number T

M03 starts the spindle at the appropriate spindle speed S

M05 stops the spindle

 

G codes are movement control codes;

G0 is a rapid positioning movement whilst not cutting

G1 is a linear movement at a feed rate F

G2 and G3 are clockwise and counter clockwise arc movements

G80, 81 and 83 are drilling cycle codes, R is the retract distance when moving between holes