APT System
Austin N.C.'s Automatically Programmed Tools (APT) System, formally known as UCC APT, is a fully supported traditional APT processor that earned the name:
"The Compatible APT System"
Compatibility switches for IBM 360/370, APTAC, UCCAPT, Unvac APT, PC APT, and UniAPT are standard features. The APT System is an easy-to-use, high-level language for creating generalized NC tool motion. The APT processor generates a series of cutter location points (CL file) that defines the cutter path. These cutter paths serve as input for another program, called a postprocessor, which generates machine code to drive specific NC/CNC devices.
The APT System complies with ANSI X3.37 standards, including extensions such as CASE and LOGICAL IF. In addition, a Lathe Module accommodates turning operations with simple machine-shop terminology. Through user input and innovative design, our APT System has been continually enhanced to provide state-of-the-art features required in today's complex manufacturing environments. The CIMpro Interface is supplied with the APT System which makes the part programming process intuitive and the programmer more productive.
APT Lathe Module
There are three main parts to the APT Lathe Module.
- Lathe Sequence (LATHSQ) Statement: is used to program a series of motion statements. LATHESQ allows nested geometric definitions, computations, postprocessor commands, predefined APT geometry, and scalar values or variables. The LATHSQ processor generates cutting motion based on six commands: TURN, TAPER, FILLET, FACE, CORNER, and BORE. With the cutting type specified as right-hand or left-hand, internal or external; the LATHSQ processor can make assumptions that relieve the programmer from having to specify many details. Furthermore, it will not allow cutter movement that conflicts with the specified cutting type unless specifically requested; an important safety factor in programming lathes.
- Threading Sequence (THRDSQ) Statement: is a simple and convenient method for programming a threading operation. With a description of the required thread, this processor will generate motion commands for internal and external threads, for right or left hand threads, for tapered threads, for variable-pitch threads, and for multiple-start threads.
- Automatic Roughing (UTURN) Statement: provides a simplified means of programming lathe roughing operations. UTURN eliminates the need for individually programming the many moves required to rough out a given area. Instead, the user merely defines the boundary of an area and UTURN automatically generates all the immediate moves required to rough the part. UTURN provides many optional features that give the programmer greater control over an operation to tailor the output for site-specific needs.
APT System Features
The following are the main APT System features:
| APT FEATURES | |
|---|---|
| 75 Geometric definitions - Points, Lines, Circles, Planes, Cylinders, Cones, Ellipses, Hyperbolas, Spheres | TEXT statements |
| 3 General Conic definitions | Character data statement |
| 3 Loft Conic definitions | Formatted printing |
| 2 Quadric definitions | CLDATA statement |
| Torus definition | DATA statement |
| 10 Vector definitions | 7 Parameter Cutter statements |
| 10 Matrix definitions | Sculptured surface routines |
| Modal tool-motion statements | BPOKET (Boeing pocket) |
| Multiple postprocessor execution (9 machine statements) | BSURF (Boeing surface) |
| Symbolic TOOL statement | APTLFT/FMILL |
| New vocabulary definitions (create own words) | RLDSRF (ruled surface) |
| TRACUT/LAST (secondary cutter transformation) | MULTAX (5-axis tool vectors) for Fixed and Variable tool axis control, and VTLAXS (beveled cuts and draft angles) |
| TRACUT/REVERS (reverse cutter transformation) | Unlimited table sizes |
| Logical and arithmetic IF statements | Optional ASCII CL file |
| Multiple and computed JUMPTO statements | 3D, 5-axis toolpath verification with tool shape display |
| CASE statements | Lathe Module which includes LATHSQ, UTURN, and THRDSQ (see "Lathe Module" section above) |
| DO loops | NEW: ARC/CURVE/NURBS Fitting support (Note: this is an optional component) |
| Tagged feedrates | |
Miscellaneous APT Systems Information
Information about Curve Fitting (CRVFIT/ARC/NURBS) and APT System Requirements can be found by clicking the links in the sidebar menu on the left side of this page.
