Using this manual

Icam Post is a Numerical Control (NC) post-processor generator designed for end users having no software programming expertise. It can accommodate a wide variety of machine types having up to six axes of continuous path control.

Icam Post consists of two parts: QUEST and GENER.

  • QUEST is an interactive program that builds a database containing information entered about one or more CNC (computer numerically controlled) machines.

  • GENER uses this database, along with the CL (cutter location) files generated by an APT or CAM system, to produce the MCD (machine control data, also commonly called tape) for each particular machine.

This manual describes the complete Icam Post product, organized as follows.

  • “QUEST: Post-Processor Development” describes the use of the post-processor development tool QUEST. This section is only of interest to those sites licensed for full development and those persons responsible for post-processor creation at a site. It includes instructions on how to run QUEST, details of the QUEST system, macro programming references and other information useful to developers.

  • “GENER: The Post-Processor” describes the use of the post-processor itself, named GENER. It includes instructions on how to run GENER, details of the post-processor vocabulary (i.e., command syntax), and other items of note concerning day to day use of the GENER product.

Following these sections are: a “Glossary” of terms used in this manual; an “Appendix” listing information of possible interest to both users and developers alike; and an “Index”.