Fusion Machine Files And Post Processor V 1.4.2 beta

Fusion machine file changes:
V 1.4.2

video information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xPcono_qTk&t=247s

How to install:
you may have to remove exiting machines and post processors before installing the new ones

1. Install one of the following files and install them just like a mch machine file

• Makera.Carvera.3-axis.Community.Version.1.4.2.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.4-axis.Community.Version.1.4.2.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.4-axis.Harmonic.Community.Version.1.4.2.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.Air.3-axis.Community.Version.1.4.2.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.Air.4-axis.Community.Version.1.4.2.f3d

2. Download and install the carvera.cps file in the post processor manager
3. Download the CarvearaFusionTools.zip file, unzip it, and import the libraries into the tool section
   

Changelog:
1.4.2
the fourth axis machine files for fusion had a bug with tool position that is now fixed. All other machine and post processor files remain the same.
@moinois Fixed a bug in automatic 4th axis rotation in the post processor

1.4.0
Updated machine definitions, fixed some issues with a axis simulation position

Fixed bug with spindle speed changes mid file not writing M3

Added basic laser functionality for community testing

Fixed bug with a axis moves with Manual NC code and the free version of fusion. If you are using Manual NC use the appropriate check box in the post properties free version enhancements. IMPORTANT: do not use this feature if you are using tool orientation

Removed all unused code for line numbers in file

added safe Y position code to saferA

fixed tool break control selected in tool not writing to file (always worked with the manual NC version)

@WARIO2412 added M400 commands to a lot of commands so they sync up on the machine a bit better

@WARIO2412 added code to write collet change information to the gcode. When used with the community firmware current dev version the machine will inform the user to change the collet via the light bar. Use the post property Community Firmware Collet changes to enable

@WARIO2412 added code to write offset tool probing routines for facemills and other large cutters. Gated behind Community Firmware Offset Tool Change support and requires the latest dev firmware to work.

Added extra info to the header of exported gcode with info on stock size, probing position, and if you are using part position in your setup it will attempt to give you info about what XY offset on your machine will match the simulation (in testing, please send feedback)

Reorganized the post properties page for clarity and improved tooltips

Using the laser:

1. in the fabrication manufacturing tab, select the laser cutting feature

2. Select the carvera or carvera air laser from the tools pack attached to this github 3. use through-auto or etch cutting method 4. when posting the file set the power you want the laser to use, laser power is for through cutting

Manual NC dropdown commands:
Dwell -pause for x seconds
Stop -pause and wait for input from tne user
Comment -write a comment into the file
Measure Tool -run a tool length offset calibration on the current tool
Tool Break Control -run a tool break test. Requires the community firmware
Pass Through -send the contents of the input box directly to the machine

Useful Pass Through Commands
M98.1 "nameOfFile" -open subprogam by name
M98 P2002 -open subprogram by number, this command would open and run /macros/2002.cnc before returning to the main program

The following ACTION commands are supported by this post.
RapidA:# -rapids the a axis to degree position
SaferA:# -Moves the z axis up to its clearance poition then moves the a axis
SafeZ -Go to a safe z height (same height as the clearance position)
SpindleOff -turns the spindle off
Clearance -goes to carvea clearance position
ClearAutoLevel -clears the auto level data from the machine
ResetFeedOverride -resets the spindle override value to 100%
FeedOverride:# -sets the feed override to a given percent. Useful for vetting new programs as well as speeding up an entire set of operations quickly
AirOn -Turns the compressed air on
AirOff -Turns the compressed air off
VacOn -Turns on the vacuum
VacOff -Turns off the vacuum
AutoVacOn -turns on auto vacuum
AutoVacOff -turns off auto vacuum
LightOn -turns on the light
LightOff -turns off the light
ShrinkA -Shrinks the A axis with offset 0, so A365 will turn into A5

9. turn on and off the ext port with the spindle for external vacuums
   

Fusion Machine Files And Post Processor V 1.3.1

Fusion machine file changes:
V 1.3.1

video information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xPcono_qTk&t=247s

How to install:

1. Install one of the following files and install them just like a mch machine file

• Makera.Carvera.3-axis.Community.Version.1.17.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.4-axis.Community.Version.1.18.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.4-axis.Harmonic.Community.Version.1.18.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.Air.3-axis.Community.Version.1.17.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.Air.4-axis.Community.Version.1.18.f3d

2. Download and install the carvera.cps file in the post processor manager
3. Download the CarvearaFusionTools.zip file, unzip it, and import the libraries into the tool section
   

Changelog:
1.3.1:
Added M400 to ext control commands to properly sync them up with the gcode output when using the community 1.1.0 firmware
Added the ability to post files with automatic 4th axis rotation between setups, similar to tool orientation, in the free version of fusion. @moinois worked on this feature and we will post documentation here as soon as it is available.

• Carvera Air Toolchanges: All tool numbers are sent direct to the machine, the machine handles changing.

• Error on more than 6 tools: For the full size carvera, does not post files with tool numbers >6

• Fusion Manual tool changes: Manual tool changes that work with stock firmware. Any tool number >6, tool marked for manual tool change, or tool with a different shank size will trigger a manual tool change and walk you through the steps. Adding TLO:M to the comment of the tool post processor as shown in the image will allow you to bypass automatic tool length offset measurement and instead leave the machine paused after the tool change

• Carvera Community Tool Changes: Requires the community firmware here:
  https://github.com/Carvera-Community/Carvera_Community_Firmware/releases
  Allows tools 0-99. If the tool number is >6 the machine will walk you through a manual tool change. Look for instructions in the MDI
  Adding TLO:M to the comment of the tool post processor as shown in the image will allow you to bypass automatic tool length offset measurement and instead leave the machine paused after the tool change.
  Adding TLO:-14 will set the TLO for the tool to -14

• By default both manual tool change setups will automatically perform a tool length measurement after the tool change is complete.

6. implements pass through custom nc commands

7. provides more information on the current tool at the top of the exported file

8. Implements several Manual NC dropdown commands. See the included fusion sample file for implementation
   Dwell -pause for x seconds
   Stop -pause and wait for input from tne user
   Comment -write a comment into the file
   Measure Tool -run a tool length offset calibration on the current tool
   Tool Break Control -run a tool break test. Requires the community firmware
   Pass Through -send the contents of the input box directly to the machine

Useful Pass Through Commands
M98.1 "nameOfFile" -open subprogam by name
M98 P2002 -open subprogram by number, this command would open and run /macros/2002.cnc before returning to the main program

The following ACTION commands are supported by this post.
RapidA:# -rapids the a axis to degree position
SaferA:# -Moves the z axis up to its clearance poition then moves the a axis
SafeZ -Go to a safe z height (same height as the clearance position)
SpindleOff -turns the spindle off
Clearance -goes to carvea clearance position
ClearAutoLevel -clears the auto level data from the machine
ResetFeedOverride -resets the spindle override value to 100%
FeedOverride:# -sets the feed override to a given percent. Useful for vetting new programs as well as speeding up an entire set of operations quickly
AirOn -Turns the compressed air on
AirOff -Turns the compressed air off
VacOn -Turns on the vacuum
VacOff -Turns off the vacuum
AutoVacOn -turns on auto vacuum
AutoVacOff -turns off auto vacuum
LightOn -turns on the light
LightOff -turns off the light
ShrinkA -Shrinks the A axis with offset 0, so A365 will turn into A5

9. turn on and off the ext port with the spindle for external vacuums
   

Freecad Post processor 1.1.0

On Windows:
Move the makera_post.py to C:\Program Files\FreeCAD 1.0\Mod\CAM\Path\Post\scripts

On linux:
add the file to the path found in the freecad Preferences>Python>Macro>Macro Path
Then just set "makera" as the post-processor in the CAM workbench.

For the tool libraries
add the tool files into the directory found in the freecad preferences

Note: tools.zip has not been updated from the 1.0.0 release.
Changelog:
Fixed: canned peck drilling cycles now convert to machine code instead of using G98/99. Chip breaking and feed retract are not supported
Fixed: newline characters in --preamble and --postamble are now correctly parsed
Ignored for now: Tool number has a decimal .0 at the end. This is harmless and harder to fix in freecad.

Freecad Post processor 1.0.0 -old

On Windows:
Move the makera_post.py to C:\Program Files\FreeCAD 1.0\Mod\CAM\Path\Post\scripts

On linux:
cp makera_post.py ~/.local/share/FreeCAD/v1-1/Macro/
Then just set "makera" as the post-processor in the CAM workbench.

For the tool libraries
add the tool files into the directory found in the freecad preferences

Fusion Machine Files And Post Processor V 1.1.21 - old

Fusion machine file changes:
V 1.1.21

video information
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xPcono_qTk&t=247s

How to install:

1. Install one of the following files and install them just like a mch machine file

• Makera.Carvera.3-axis.Community.Version.1.17.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.4-axis.Community.Version.1.18.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.4-axis.Harmonic.Community.Version.1.18.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.Air.3-axis.Community.Version.1.17.f3d
• Makera.Carvera.Air.4-axis.Community.Version.1.18.f3d

2. Download and install the carvera.cps file in the post processor manager
3. Download the CarvearaFusionTools.zip file, unzip it, and import the libraries into the tool section
   

Changelog:
Fixed a bug with G2 and G3 commands
4th axis direction has been fixed in 4th axis.
Both machine files have had their kinematics updated to match the machine, this allows machine simulation to work correctly.
Machine simulation is now supported for the stock carvera 3+4 axis, the carvera with harmonic 4th axis, and the air 3+4 axis
The sample tool for sim shows how to setup the 1/8" o flute bit for simulations
New Feature: dump tool info at top of split by tool posts
New feature: turn on and off the ext port with the spindle for external vacuums

Fusion Post Processor Changes

1. Bugfix: split file by toolpath not writing M6T# and G90 G17 etc to each file
2. Bugfix: highfeedrate value was unset leading to erroneous F0 commands
3. Feature Improvement: Manual toolchanges are now supported in multiple formats and can be chosen in a dropdown in the post processor settings.
4. bugfix: 4th axis issue with negative Z direction has been fixed

• Carvera Air Toolchanges: All tool numbers are sent direct to the machine, the machine handles changing.

• Error on more than 6 tools: For the full size carvera, does not post files with tool numbers >6

• Fusion Manual tool changes: Manual tool changes that work with stock firmware. Any tool number >6, tool marked for manual tool change, or tool with a different shank size will trigger a manual tool change and walk you through the steps. Adding TLO:M to the comment of the tool post processor as shown in the image will allow you to bypass automatic tool length offset measurement and instead leave the machine paused after the tool change

• Carvera Community Tool Changes: Requires the community firmware here:
  https://github.com/Carvera-Community/Carvera_Community_Firmware/releases
  Allows tools 0-99. If the tool number is >6 the machine will walk you through a manual tool change. Look for instructions in the MDI
  Adding TLO:M to the comment of the tool post processor as shown in the image will allow you to bypass automatic tool length offset measurement and instead leave the machine paused after the tool change.
  Adding TLO:-14 will set the TLO for the tool to -14

• By default both manual tool change setups will automatically perform a tool length measurement after the tool change is complete.

6. implements pass through custom nc commands

7. provides more information on the current tool at the top of the exported file

8. Implements several Manual NC dropdown commands. See the included fusion sample file for implementation
   Dwell -pause for x seconds
   Stop -pause and wait for input from tne user
   Comment -write a comment into the file
   Measure Tool -run a tool length offset calibration on the current tool
   Tool Break Control -run a tool break test. Requires the community firmware
   Pass Through -send the contents of the input box directly to the machine

Useful Pass Through Commands
M98.1 "nameOfFile" -open subprogam by name
M98 P2002 -open subprogram by number, this command would open and run /macros/2002.cnc before returning to the main program

The following ACTION commands are supported by this post.
RapidA:# -rapids the a axis to degree position
SaferA:# -Moves the z axis up to its clearance poition then moves the a axis
SafeZ -Go to a safe z height (same height as the clearance position)
SpindleOff -turns the spindle off
Clearance -goes to carvea clearance position
ClearAutoLevel -clears the auto level data from the machine
ResetFeedOverride -resets the spindle override value to 100%
FeedOverride:# -sets the feed override to a given percent. Useful for vetting new programs as well as speeding up an entire set of operations quickly
AirOn -Turns the compressed air on
AirOff -Turns the compressed air off
VacOn -Turns on the vacuum
VacOff -Turns off the vacuum
AutoVacOn -turns on auto vacuum
AutoVacOff -turns off auto vacuum
LightOn -turns on the light
LightOff -turns off the light
ShrinkA -Shrinks the A axis with offset 0, so A365 will turn into A5

Deskproto Tool Files

This zip file contains all the tools on the Makera Website except the threadmills and solder mask removal tool.

Place the .ctr files in the deskproto directory, on windows this is C:\ProgramData\DeskProto 7.1\Drivers or C:\ProgramData\DeskProto 8.0\Drivers

v0.9.1-0.0.2 vectric CAM Files

4/1/2024

Okay, this is a post processor for vectric (seems to work on VCarve Desktop and Aspire) which has much of the functionality that Fae's does for Fusion. It handles manual tool changes for tool numbers greater than 6, manual tool changes when the max diameter of a tool is greater than 1/4”, and collet changes when there is a change is tool shaft diameter between toolpaths (collets presumed are 3mm, 3.175mm(1/8”), 4mm, 6mm, and 6.35mm(1/4”).
There is a differences however. vectric doesn't actually have a tool parameter that corresponds to collet size (or shank diameter) so I pass the collet size in the tool name in the form: Collet x (where x can be .25, .125, 6.35, 3.175, 3, or 4). I do this by passing the shank diameter using Custom Variables and format the tool name accordingly. However, you could just edit the tool name directly.
If you plan to never mix tool shank sizes in a job, then you can set the flag colletChange to false (see the current post processor). If you set colletChange to 'false' then the post processor does not check for shank size and does generate a functionally correct gcode file presuming all the bits you are using have the same shank size. WARNING!!! If you do not pass shank size (or do so incorrectly) and colletChange is set to 'true' then the post processor will issue a warning and generate a functionally incomplete gcode file. I am not sure what would happen if you executed this gcode file with the Carvera, but I suspect it could be very unpleasant.
In any case, if I were you, I would run this post processor against some vectric job and take a close look at the generated gcode file to see if it is doing what you want. Of course, let me know if you have complaints or wish additional features.

PS. The nc codes Fae Corrigan has provided are listed in the generated gcode file so you can, if you wish, manually edit that file using those codes. There is another, less flexible, way to insert such codes. That is, you can pass them through the post processor variable TOOL_PATH NOTES (whose contents is accessible from within the vectric app). See discussion on the vectric forum for details.

4/19/2024

Bug Fix: Transitioning from a Manual Tool Change was broken. Should now be fixed.

4/20/24

Automated the case when a manual tool change is within the final tool path in a job.

Machine Bed DXF

This is a dxf of the MDF sheets for the bed on the machine. Do note that the holes all have plenty of clearance. To use the pin holes for locating parts, they are 4mm in diameter

Carvera HSM Tool Library

These should be importable into hsm advisor, solidworks, and any other cam programs that support the formarts

v0.9.1 Sample Files

Includes sample step and nc files