Post processors for me spell confusion.

[m_c]

Jazz has explained things in detail, but I feel he's missed the basics, which you may be struggling to grasp.

Essentially what your basic CAM package does, is create toolpaths. You load a drawing into the CAM, tell it what size the stock material is, select what tool you'd like to use, and it creates a suitable toolpath.

The post processor then tells the CAM how to output that toolpath in a format that your machine will understand, which for Mach3 is reasonably standard G-code.

If you want to try things out, I'd suggest downloading CamBam, as you can open the software 40 times and use it as much as you'd like, before any restrictions are put in place/you have to buy a license. CamBam also includes Mach post processors, and I'd also suggest you download the CutViewer demo as it gives quite a good simulation of how things will be machined, and highlight any issues.

[JAZZCNC]

Jazz has explained things in detail, but I feel he's missed the basics, which you may be struggling to grasp.

Essentially what your basic CAM package does, is create toolpaths. You load a drawing into the CAM, tell it what size the stock material is, select what tool you'd like to use, and it creates a suitable toolpath.

Eh how do you work that out.? I explain the basics like you just did and more.!!. . . . . I also don't Make specific to one control software because the OP didn't state which control she was using.!! (thou I suspect it wil be Mach3) . . . . .I know susie knows the basics of how CAM works because I've seen her post many times about software, plus I've replied to them. Also this was a direct Question about Post-P's which lots of CAM software don't make clear, deliberatly I feel so they can charge for the making you one.!! That's why didn't mention any thing regards how CAM works.