In general APT means“Automatically
Programmed Tool”. The APT programming is done using the Cutter location (CL)
points. APT can also be called as Cutter location File. APT programming can be
classified into following below groups:
1) APT Geometry
statements,
When
all these groups perform in a set then we have a complete program, Apt Geometry
statements tells where the tool has to move, APT motion statement tells When
and how the tool has to move will, APT postprocessor statements tells What tool
has to move.
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APT is also one of the languages that
are output by many computer programs that produce CNC part programs directly
from designs and drawings produced with CAD/CAM systems.
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APT language is one of the computer
languages designed to use with many NC machine tools.
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APT was originally designed and used on
mainframe computers and now it is available on mini- and microcomputers.
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APT has also been recognised by the
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) as a standardized language
for NC programming.
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APT is a very dynamic program and is
continually being updated to use in CNC programming.
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APT has the capability of programming
the machining of parts in up to five axes, and also allows computations and
variables to be included in the programming statements so that a whole family
of similar parts can be programmed easily.