Welcome to the GO2cam Pascal API Documentation. This comprehensive guide provides all the information you need to develop custom processes, macros, and post-processors for GO2cam CAM software.
Documentation Structure
This documentation is organized into two main sections:
1. Getting Started
An introduction to Pascal programming and GO2cam-specific development concepts:
- Coding in Pascal Complete guide to Pascal language fundamentals, including syntax, data types, functions, procedures, and the GO2cam Pascal Interpreter specifics.
- Process/Macros Documentation Learn how to create custom machining cycles using macros for holes, toolpaths (milling/turning), and approach/return movements.
- Post-Processor Documentation Comprehensive guide to developing post-processors that generate NC code for your specific CNC machines.
2. Topics (API Reference)
Detailed documentation of all Pascal functions available for processes, macros, and post-processors. This section is automatically generated by Doxygen and provides:
- Complete function signatures
- Parameter descriptions
- Return values
- Usage examples
- Cross-references between related functions
Quick Navigation
For Beginners
If you are new to GO2cam Pascal development:
- Start with Coding in Pascal to understand the language basics
- Review the Pascal code structure and GO2cam-specific commands
- Learn about PCALL, ICALL, RCALL functions for communicating with GO2cam
For Process/Macro Developers
To create custom machining cycles:
- Read Process/Macros Documentation
- Understand the different macro types (Holes, Toolpath, Approach/Return)
- Study the required procedures:
PPI_PARAMETRE_PROCESSUS, PPI_MACRO_PROCESSUS, etc.
- Consult the Topics section for detailed function reference
For Post-Processor Developers
To develop or customize post-processors:
- Begin with Post-Processor Documentation
- Understand the PP structure (DPP parameters + PAS procedures)
- Learn about mandatory procedures:
FILE_BEGIN, PP_BEGIN, OPERATION_BEGIN, POINT, LINE, CIRCLE, etc.
- Reference the Topics section for OUTPUT_NC, READ_PART, and other xCall functions
Key Concepts
Pascal Interpreter
GO2cam includes a Pascal interpreter that executes your custom code within the CAM environment, allowing direct interaction with:
- Machining operations and cycles
- Toolpath geometry
- Tool and technology parameters
- NC code generation
Shared Functions (SPI)
Common functions available to all modules:
- Memory allocation
- File management
- Mathematical calculations
- Messaging and system calls
Communication Functions
- PCALL: Call procedures in GO2cam libraries
- ICALL: Call functions returning INTEGER values
- RCALL: Call functions returning REAL values
- PUTIL: Access utility library functions
Getting Help
- Explore the Getting Started guides for conceptual understanding
- Use the Topics section as a function reference
- Study the code examples provided throughout the documentation
- Review the standard files in
ppstd/, process/std/ directories