Machine descriptors

This area covers describing a machine — its file layout, kinematic scheme and the parameters that drive how its toolpath becomes NC code. It builds on the XMLProperties framework.

Most machines are built interactively with the MachineMaker application; the guides here are for understanding a machine and for the special cases still authored, or fine‑tuned, by hand.

• Machine descriptors — start here: a machine's file layout, a complete simple example, the kinematic node chain, and each section of the descriptor (Description, Control Parameters, Schema, state parameters, Tooling, Machine dimensions).
• Machine node reference — the look‑up companion: the full property tables for every node type (TMachineNode, TMachineAxis, connectors, state parameters, VisualProperties), plus coordinate conventions and units.
• Machine Setup parameters reference — what every parameter on the machine's Control Parameters tab does, each with the XML fragment that overrides it.
• Advanced machine topics — node matrices, switchable / detachable nodes, turrets, tool/workpiece connectors, sub‑machines and control channels.
• 3D models for machines — preparing, referencing and aligning the node geometry (.osd / .stl).

See the XMLProperties framework for the shared ground rules (don't edit Supplement, where the shipped files live, example conventions), and the documentation root for the intended audience.