Summary

A "Fatal Post Error" indicates that an error has occurred within the post processor itself. Unlike posting errors caused by licensing, permissions, or file access, this error signifies that the post processor encountered a condition it could not process.

In most cases, the post processor will need to be corrected or updated by the organization or developer that created it.

Table of Contents

Before You Begin

Before troubleshooting:

  • Verify that you are using the correct post processor for your machine configuration.

  • Confirm that the error occurs consistently with the same post processor.

  • If available, test the part using a different post processor.

Note: This error typically cannot be resolved by changing GibbsCAM settings alone.

Cause

A Fatal Post Error indicates that the post processor encountered an unrecoverable condition.

Possible causes include:

  • An error or defect within the post processor.

  • A programming issue in the post logic.

  • The post processor does not support a machining operation or machine configuration used by the part.

  • The post processor requires modification to handle the current data.

Procedure

Step 1 – Verify the Error

Attempt to post the program again using the same post processor.

If possible, note:

  • The exact error message.

  • The operation being posted.

  • Whether the error occurs on every part or only a specific one.

Expected Result

The error can be consistently reproduced.


Step 2 – Test Another Post Processor

If another compatible post processor is available, use it to post the same part.

Expected Result

Determine whether the issue is isolated to a specific post processor.


Step 3 – Test Another Part

Open a different GibbsCAM part and post it using the same post processor.

Expected Result

Determine whether the issue is related to the part or the post processor itself.


Step 4 – Contact Your Post Processor Provider

If the error occurs consistently with a specific post processor, the post processor will need to be reviewed and corrected.

Provide the following information when requesting assistance:

  • The GibbsCAM version.

  • The post processor name and version.

  • The complete error message.

  • The part file that reproduces the error, if possible.

Expected Result

The post processor can be analyzed and modified to resolve the error.

Expected Result

After the post processor has been corrected or updated, the part posts successfully without generating a Fatal Post Error.

Additional Information

Why Does This Happen?

A post processor translates GibbsCAM toolpaths into machine-specific NC code.

If the post encounters a condition that it was not designed to handle, it may terminate with a Fatal Post Error rather than generating incorrect machine code.

Because the issue originates within the post processor, it generally requires modification of the post rather than changes to GibbsCAM itself.

Common Issues

This error is commonly associated with:

  • Custom post processors.

  • Unsupported machining operations.

  • Unsupported machine configurations.

  • Programming errors within the post processor.

Best Practices

  • Keep post processors updated for your version of GibbsCAM.

  • Verify that your post processor supports all machining features used by the part.

  • Test new machining strategies before using them in production.

  • Maintain backup copies of working post processors before making modifications.

Troubleshooting

  • Problem: Only one post processor generates the error.

Possible Cause

The post processor contains an error.

Resolution

Have the post processor reviewed and corrected by the post processor developer or support provider.


  • Problem: The error only occurs with one part.

Possible Cause

The part contains operations or data that the post processor does not support.

Resolution

Submit both the part file and the post processor for review to determine what condition is triggering the error.


  • Problem: Multiple parts fail using the same post processor.

Possible Cause

The post processor contains a programming defect or is incompatible with the current GibbsCAM version.

Resolution

Update or modify the post processor to support the current software version and machining operations.

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Keywords

Fatal Post Error, Post Processor, Posting Error, NC Code, Custom Post, Post Failure, Machine Post, Post Processor Error