Guidelines for Exchangeable APT Data Packages. APT Part Programmer's Manual.
Abstract
A method of APT programming and postprocessor design has been developed which permits more efficient data preparation for numerical control (NC) machine tools and then allows this data to be quickly and easily exchanged among different NC machines. This is accomplished through rigorous specification of the APT post-processor language based upon new ANSI standards for APT plus a comprehensive definition of the machining functions which should result from the use of each APT language statement. Individual post-processors are modified to process each statement in the same manner. The concept was successfully demonstrated in production by processing a single APT data package on three different milling-drilling type machine tools. A 23% increase in NC manufacturing efficiency is projected. This document describes the APT post-processor language used, including the syntax and semantics of each statement. It also defines the default conditions under which the post-processor and machine tool operator accomplish the desired function in the absence of the automatic feature. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA092929
Entities
People
- Bradford M. Smith
Organizations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology