Haas Vertical Mill Post Processor

[ptc-2830123]

I'm trying to get from a .mfg file to making chips in my tool room on a Haas vertical mill. I don't understand the NC post processor and how it interfaces with my mfg file. I have my machine tool, cutters, and toolpaths all set, but I don't understand how to get it to G-code that my haas can use. I'm using wildfire 4.0 Any help would be very appreciated!
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[DavidButz]

Ian, I'm not sure I know what is confusing you, but I'm going to guess that it has to do with the sequence of translations that takes place on the way to G-code. From .mfg to G-code involves two translations, one into universal APT format, the next into G-code. Menu picks: If you select CL Data/Output then pick Operation, Sequence or Set ... File, you will come to the OUTPUT TYPE menu. CL File is pre-checked, and if you select Done you will get only the first translation into G-code. If you pick MCD (Machine Control Data) you will also get G-code. After you accept the selection, you will then have to pick a Post Processor from the list that appears in the PP List menu. If you already have your post processor defined, you're all set. Otherwise, you can use one from the list that is close to your needs, or modify or create a new one using the Applications/NC Post Processor option. David

[DavidButz]

My error: "first translation into G-code" should have read "first translation into APT format". APT (Automatically Programmable Tooling) format is a reader friendly format with words like CIRCLE which will eventually be translated into G-code G02 or G03, for example. This allows a certain amount of flexibility; APT programs are "portable" and allow different post processors to do the same work using different machine tools including some that may not be designed yet. (Once upon a time there were no post processors built into Pro/E.)