Guidelines for Exchangeable APT Data Packages. APT Postprocessor Specifications.
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 postprocessors are modified to process each statement in the same manner. This document sets forth minimum specifications for the procurement of APT Postprocessors consistent with the standardized postprocessing language concept. It is expected that these specifications will be used in future machine tool procurements. 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. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA092933
Entities
People
- Bradford M. Smith
Organizations
- National Institute of Standards and Technology