Abstract: A system of nodes generates machine instructions representing a tool path for a tool to manufacture an object from a workpiece material. The system includes a generator node, adapted to generate and transmit a raw pass packet. The raw pass packet includes a plurality of passes, each pass having a plurality of points, and each point detailing a location in space to be traversed by the tool to manufacture an object from the material. The system includes a filter node, that receives, modifies and transmits the raw pass packet. A processing node is adapted to receive the raw pass packet and convert it to another format. The nodes are arranged as a directed acyclic graph, each node being associated with an ordering number and each node only transmitting data to a node with a higher ordering number and only receiving data from a node with a lower ordering number.