Creating a Postprocessor for PowerMILL

PowerMILL Post-Processor Development from Scratch

If you find yourself constantly editing NC files by hand, or struggling to implement specific logic in PowerMILL post-processors, this course is exactly what you need.

This course is a comprehensive, professional training focused on creating CNC post-processors for Autodesk PowerMILL — starting from a completely blank post-processor and progressing step by step to advanced multi-axis configurations.

Unlike many tutorials that only explain how to tweak existing post-processors, this course teaches you how post-processors actually work internally and how to build them from the ground up. Every section, parameter, format, structure, and logic block is explained in detail, with a strong focus on real-world CNC production.

The Fanuc controller is used as the main reference, but the principles and methods taught in this course allow you to adapt post-processors to any CNC controller and machine configuration.

What You Will Learn

The internal structure of a PowerMILL post-processor
Parameters, formats, tables, and data structures
Program start/end logic and controller states
Tool change handling and first safe movements
Linear, circular, helical, and custom interpolation
Conditional logic (If–Else) and scripting techniques
Machine kinematics for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machines
Rotary tables, rotary spindles, and angle output styles
Working planes, coordinate system rotation, and G68.2
Practical scripting examples for automation and validation
Advanced topics: linearization, polar coordinates, turning machines, 3D tool compensation, text blocks, and NC file management

What’s Included

Step-by-step video lessons
Documentation and reference materials
Sample files for post-processing
Ready-to-use post-processors for each lesson
An extensive library of post-processors for different controllers and machine kinematics

Who This Course Is For

This course is designed for:

CNC programmers and CAM engineers working with PowerMILL
Manufacturing engineers who want full control over NC output
Machine shop owners and freelancers dealing with multiple machines and controllers
Anyone who wants to move beyond standard CAM workflows and understand post-processing at a professional level

Prerequisites

Basic experience with PowerMILL
Understanding of CNC machines and coordinate systems
Basic knowledge of standard G-code

The course focuses on post-processing, not on creating machining toolpaths.

Why This Course Matters

Post-processor development is a high-value and in-demand skill.

Engineers who can create and configure post-processors are rare — and highly valued.

By completing this course, you will gain a practical, production-ready skill set that can be applied immediately in real CNC environments, across different machines, controllers, and industries.

Choose a pricing plan

Full Course Access

€330

One-time payment for full lifetime access to all course lessons and materials.

Course curriculum

1

1. Preparation
- Introduction - What This Course Is About Free Preview
- Course Materials
- Step 1 – What Is Installed and How It Works
- Step 2 – Getting Familiar with the Interface
2

2. Core Concepts
- Step 3 – Parameters
- Step 4 – Formats
- Step 5 – Program Number
- Step 6 – Block Number
- Step 7 – Project Name
- Step 8 – Dates and Structures
- Step 9 – Tables
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3. What Every Post-Processor Contains: Core Commands
- Step 10 – Program Start and End
- Step 11 – Controller States
- Step 12 – Tool Change
- Step 13 – First Move After Tool Change
- Step 14 – Feed and Rapid Movements
- Step 15 – Circular Interpolation (I, J, K) Free Preview
- Step 16 – Circular Interpolation (R)
- Step 17 – If–Else Conditions
- Step 18 – Helical Interpolation
- Step 19 – Arbitrary Circular Interpolation
- Step 20 – Drilling Cycles
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4. Scripts
- Step 21 – How to Calculate a Parameter Based on Other Parameters
- Step 22 – How to Change the NC File Extension
- Step 23 – How to Request a Value from the User
- Step 24 – How to Display a Warning or Error Message
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5. Machine Kinematics
- Step 25 – Machine Kinematics
- Step 26 – Coordinate Control
- Step 27 – 4-Axis Machine with Rotary Table
- Step 28 – Angle Output Styles, 360-Degree Transitions
- Step 29 – 4-Axis Machine with Rotary Spindle
- Step 30 – 5-Axis Machine
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6. Work Planes
- Step 31 – Work Planes, Part 1
- Step 32 – Work Planes, Part 2
- Step 33 – Work Planes, Part 3
- Step 34 – Work Planes, Part 4
- Step 35 – Work Planes, G68.2
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7. Miscellaneous, Advanced Topics.
- Step 36 – Rotary Axis Braking
- Step 37 – Linearization
- Step 38 – Retract and Reconfiguration
- Step 39 – Polar Coordinates
- Step 40 – Turning Machine, Part 1
- Step 41 – Turning Machine, Part 2
- Step 42 – 3D Tool Compensation
- Step 43 – Splitting the NC File into Sections
- Step 44 – Text Blocks Free Preview
- Step 45 – Text Blocks, Postprocessor Function