APT Language

(Automatically Programmed Tools)

Prototype APT MIT 1956
AIA & MIT APT II
(Aerospace Industries Association) &
(Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
APT III 1961
Present APT has approximately 300 words
Today still used extensively
Here in AIT we use
PCAPT (3D APT processor Freeware)
InterCIM APT (Full Commercial APT 5-axis)

Geometric Expressions (16)

POINT
LINE
PLANE
CIRCLE
CYLNDER
ELLIPS
HYPERB
CONE
SPHERE...

APT Point Definitions (10 ways)

1. By Coordinates
POINT/x, y, z,

PT1 = POINT/10.1, 5

2. Intersection of two lines

PT2 = POINT/INT of LIN 1, LIN 2
3. By a center of a circle
PT3 = POINT / CENTER, C 1

APT Line Definition (13 ways)

1.
Through two points
LT 1 = LINE / PT 1, PT 2
2.
By a point and a tangent circle
L1=LINE/P1, LEFT, TANTO, CIR 1
L2=LINE/P1, RIGHT, TANTO, CIR 1
3.

Through a point and an angle with another line

L1 = LINE / P1, ATANGL, 40.00, 1.2

APT Plane Definitions (8 ways)

1. There points are not on the same straight line
PL 1 = PLANE / P1, P2, P3
2. By a parallel plane and the perpen dicular distance
between the two planes
XLARGE
XSMALL
PLANE/PARLLEL, symbol for a plane, YLARGE, offset
YSMALL
ZLARGE
ZSMALL

PL 2 = PLANE / PARLLEL, PL 1, ZSMALL, 5.1

APT Circle Definitions (10 ways)

1.

By three points through which the circle is passing

C1 = CIRCLE / PN2, (POINT / 5.5, 7, 4.1), PNT 1

2.

By the center and a point on the circum ference

C2 = CIRCLE / CENTER, (POINT / 9, 7, 3), PT 1

3.

By the center and the radius

C3 = CIRCLE / CENTER, PT1, RADIUS 3

Motion Expressions
The tool motion is specified using motion statements groups of
motion statements are available:
Point - to - point & contouring operations

APT Point-to-point motion statements

FROM / symbol for a defined point - indicates the initial position
of the cutter center
GOTO / symbol for a defined point - positions the tool center at a
specified point
GODLTA / X, Y, Z - positions the cutter center in the
specified increment from its
current location

APT Contouring Motion Statements

In APT it is assumed that the part remains stationary and the tool moves
. Three surfaces control the tool motion in contouring:
The tool end moves on the PART SURFACE
The tool slides along the DRIVE SURFACE
Until the tool encounters the CHECK SURFACE

Before the tool can move along the contouring surfaces it must be
brought to them, this is done by the initial motion statements :
GO / cutter specifier, drive surface, cutter specifier,
partsurface, cutter specifier, check surface
Four variations of cutter specifiers: TO ; ON ; PAST ; TANTO

ex.

GO / TO, CIR 1, ON, PL1, TO, LIN1

The drive surface of a GO/statement will be the surface cut along in

the next motion statements, the part surface is established for all the
subsequent motion statements. The initial motion statement appears
only once in a part program (from set point to work piece).
The actual cutting is controlled by another type of statement the
intermediate motion statement.
Four VARIANTS of intermediate contouring motion statements may
be used in APT. The most useful has following format:
Motion word/drive surface, cutter specifier, check surface
ex.
GOLFT / DRS, TO, CKS

There are six different motion words:

GOLFT GORGT GOFWD GOBACK GOUP GODOWN

1. Motion words are programmed from the tools view point

2. Each motion statement is dependent upon the preceding statement
for the direction of motion
3. The check surface for the current motion is usually the drive
surface of the next motion.

drive surf part surf check surf

GO / TO, L1, ON, PLN, PAST, LL

GORGT / L1, TO, L2
GORGT / L2, TANTO, C1
GOFWD / C1, TANTO, C3
GOFWD / L3, PAST, L4
GOLFT / L4, PAST, L5
GOLFT / L5, PAST, L6
GOLFT / L6, PAST, LL
GOLFT / LL, PAST, L1
GOTO / SP

Additional APT Statements

2/3 of an average program are Geometric & motion statements
others are :
- Postprocessor statements defines post processor to be used
MACHIN / postprocessor name
some postprocessor control statements are:
COOLNT / ON

ref. m08
SPINDL / ON

ref. m03
FEDRAT / 25

ref. 25 mm/min
SPINDL / 1250, CCLW

ref. 1250 RPM / min

ToolNO / 3572, 6

Tool number 3572,

6 units length
END

ref. m02

Tolerance and cutter specifications all contouring motion

commands are reduced to sequences of straight-line motions
required to approximate a given curve, the precission is
specified by a tolerance word.
OUTTOL / 0.0005
INTOL / 0.0001
TOLER / 0.005
CUTTER / 10.0

-Initial and Termination statememts

The first statement in the APT Program is
PARTNO...
The last statement in the APT Program is
FINI

APT STATEMENTS FOR 5-AXIS MODE MILLING

The program has to start with the statement:
0. MULTAX/ON
Tool axis specification statements:
1.TLAXIS/vector
TLAXIS/a,b,c
2.TLAXIS/NORMPS
TLAXIS/NORMDS
3.TLAXIS/1
Current cutter axis orientation is to be maintained; stays in effect upto
another TLAXIS statement
4.TLAXIS/PARLEL,1 (or 2)
1 for tool axis parallel to ruling of PS
2 for tool axis parallel to ruling of DS

1
vector
5.TLAXIS/ATANGL,or,H,or
2 CUTANGL,I
The vector or CUTANGL statements are optional. The angle I is
called the cutangle or also the lead (I +) or lag (I -) angle.
If a vector is specified the plane is perpendicular to that vector
Instead of to the forward motion. This can be useful to force the
Tool axis orientation in a fixed plane (used for 4-axis machining with
3 linear and 1 rotary axis.
6.CUTTER/d,r,e,f,A,B,h
When CUTTER/d or CUTTER/d,r are
used the other parameters take
the following default values:
A=0; B=0; f=r; e=d/2-r; h = 5 units or
r if r > 5 units.

RLDSRF Definitions
A ruled surface is the surface generated by a space line moving in
contact with two space curves. Each space curve is defined as the
intersection of a surface and a plane. The second curve can degenerate
to a point.
The two RLDSRF definition formats are:
1. RLDSRF/ subsurface, curve point, curve point, direction point or vector, $
subsurface, curve point, curve point, direction point or vector
2.RLDSRF/ subsurface, curve point, curve point, direction point or vector, $
vertex point
In format 1, the RLDSRF is defined by two space curves, each of which is defined by
a subsurface, two curve points, and a direction point or vector.
In format 2, the second curve has degenerated to a point which is a vertex of the
surface.
The subsurfaces can be any type of APT surface except another RLDSRF.

RI=RLDSRF/CY1, P1A, P1B, P1C, CY2, P2A, P2B, P2C

In this example, the three points
P1A, P1B, and P1C define a plane
whose intersection with the
cylinder CY1 defines a circle.
The arc of the circle from P1A to
P1B is used as one of the two
curves that define the ruled
surface. Similarly, P2A, P2B,
and P2C define a plane whose
intersection with the cylinder
CY2 defines a circle. The arc
of this circle from P2A to P2B
is used as the second curve to
define the ruled surface.
The ruled surface itself is formed
by connecting the two arcs with
straight lines.

Complex Surfaces
The following illustrates a ruled surface defined by a curve and
a vertex point.
R2=RLDSRF/CYl, P1A, PlB, P1C, P2

In this example, the first curve is defined in the same manner as in the
previous example. The point P2 is specified instead of a second curve.
This point acts as a vertex of the ruled surface - all rulings pass through it.

As the preceding examples have illustrated, the two points and the
third point or vector define a plane whose intersection with a surface
defines a space curve.
The first two points in a curve definition also act as end points in order
to define the part of the curve actually used to define the ruled surface.
The straight line segment between the two end points of a curve is
called the base line of the curve. Its length is considered to be 100%
with the first specified point being at 0% and the second at 100%.
It is important that the points in the two curve definitions be specified
in the same relative order since the 0 % ruling of the surface is
generated by connecting the first point of the first curve to the first
point of the second curve and, similarly, the 100% ruling connects the
second points of the two curves.

The RLDSRF processor uses the direction point or vector to generate

intermediate rulings. If a direction vector was specified in the curve
definition, it is used directly. If a direction point was specified, the
direction vector is generated perpendicular to the base line and
pointing to the side of the base line on which the direction point lies.
A point on the base line of the first curve at a particular percentage
can be projected along the first direction vector onto the first curve
and, hence, onto the ruled surface itself. Similarly, a point on the
second base line at the same percentage can be projected along the
second direction vector onto the second curve and onto the surface.
The line between these two points is a ruling of the surface. Rulings,
then, connect curve points corresponding to equal base line
percentages.
Note that the RLDSRF processor looks from the base line in the
direction of the specified or generated vector only, not in the opposite
direction as well, so it is essential for the...direction vector to point in
the proper direction.

For example, consider the

following curve defined by
two points and a vector:

In this case, the intersection of the surface with the plane defined by P1, P2, and V1 is a closed
curve, but only the part of the curve below the base line is used since this is the part pointed to
by the direction vector V1. If a vector pointing in the opposite direction, V2, were specified, the
part of the curve above the base line would be used.
The figure illustrates how a curve point for defining a ruling at 25 % is generated. The point BP
is on the base line at a distance from P1 equal to 25% of the total base line length (.5/2 = .25).
This point is projected along V1 onto the curve to produce the point CP. The line passing
through CP and a point generated in a similar manner on the second curve is the desired
25 % ruling.

The following example is similar

to the previous one except that a
direction point is specified instead
of a vector

In this case, the direction vector is generated perpendicular to the base line and pointing toward
the direction point P3. Obviously, the direction point must lie on the proper side of the base line.
If P4 were specified instead of P3, the curve above the base line would be used instead of the
curve below.
Note that when you specify three points in a curve definition, the three points must not lie in a
straight line since this would not define a unique plane.
The first two points specified in a curve definition ordinarily lie on the curve and can, therefore,
be used directly as the end points of the curve. However, it is not essential that the specified
points lie on the curve. When a point does not lie on the curve, it is projected onto the curve in a
direction parallel to the direction vector.

Complex Surfaces
Example:

R1=RLDSRF/SI, PI, P2, VI, - -The RLDSRF processor does not generate a fixed number of rulings and store them
as the canonical form for the ruled surface. Instead, the canonical form is composed
of the canonical forms of the two subsurfaces, the two curve points used to define
each curve, and the given or generated direction vector. Rulings are-generated
dynamically as close together as necessary as the cutter is positioned relative to
the ruled surface.
When you specify a direction point in a curve definition, you are assured that a
direction vector normal to the base line will be generated. When you specify a
direction vector, you have the option of specifying a vector not normal to the base line.
Usually, however, the type of surface that is desired is the type
generated by vectors normal to the base lines.

When the angle between the direction

vectors becomes large, the resulting
surface can have undesirable curvature
properties. Such a surface is illustrated
by the following figure, in which the angle
between VI and V2 is relatively large.

RSI=RLDSRF/SI, PI, P2, VI, S2, P3, P4, V2

The angle between the direct,ion vector and the base
line cannot be less than six degrees.

Complex Surfaces
A RLDSRF is limited laterally; it does not extend beyond the 0% and
100% rulings. On the other hand,longitudinally, the rulings of the surface
extend infinitely in both directions. However, the mathematical
techniques used by the RLDSRF processor become less reliable
as the distance from the defining curves increases. Generally, you
should not try to position the cutter relative to a. RLDSRF at a distance
from a defining curve that is greater than the distance between curves. .
Examples:
RI=RLDSRF/SI, PI, P2, VI - -GO/RI
GORGT/RI, PAST, LI
The GORGT statement cannot be executed because the RLDSRF does
not exist beyond the 100% ruling at P2.

RI=RLDSRF/SI, PI, P2, VI - -GO/RI

GORGT/RI, PAST, LI
This illustrates the cutter being positioned relative to the RLDSRF RI
at a position not between the two curves but within a distance d of the
top curve. This is proper since the distance from the top curve is not
greater than d.

One of the most common applications of the RLDSRF feature is for

defining a ruled surface in terms of two T ABCYLs. A typical method
of defining a curve for such a surface is to specify two of the points used
to define the T ABCYL as end points of the curve and to specify a
third point on the T ABCYL between the other two as the direction point.
Complex Surfaces
Example:

TCI=TABCYL/NOZ, SPLINE, PI, P2, P3, P4, P5, P6

TC2=TABCYL/NOZ, SPLINE, PH, P12, P13, P14, P15
RSI=RLDSRF/TCI, PI, P6, P4, TC2, PH, PI5, PI3

Restrictions
The methods used by the RLDSRF processor impose certain restrictions
that you should observe when defming ruled surfaces.
1.It is not permissible for the line tangent to a RLDSRF space curve at
any point to be perpendicular to the base line for the curve. This problem
could arise, for example, when the surface forming the curve is a cylinder
and the base line is a diameter of the cylinder.
Example:

Rl = RLDSRF /CY1, P1, P2, V1, - - -

In this example, if it was not necessary that the curve be an entire

semi-circle, the problem could be eliminated by moving the base line
so it is no longer a diameter:

R1=RLDSRF/CYI, P3, P4, VI, -- ---

Another solution is to define the surface as

two or more ruled surfaces:

2.A curve should not intersect its base line nor should the direction vector
intersect the curve more than once on the curve side of the base line.

RI=RLDSRF/TAB1, PI, P2, VI, -- --Here, a curve generated by a TABCYL intersects the base line. APT
could drive the cutter along this surface until it encountered the area
between the intersection points I1 and I2. A failure would then occur
since the surface does not exist in this area.

Multi-axis Programming
The APT System can determine not only the tool center locations
for controlling the linear axes of machine tools but also the
orientation of the tool axis for controlling the rotary axes of
multi-axis machine tools.The orientation of the tool axis is defined
by the unit tool axis vector,which originates at the tool end point
and points toward the top of the tool.
Unless otherwise specified, the tool axis is assumed to be parallel
to the z-axis; that is, it is defined by the vector (0, 0, 1).
MULTAX
Tool axis vectors are passed on to postprocessors via the cutter
location (CL) fIle. The postprocessor uses the components of the
tool axis vectors to determine the positions of the rotary axes.
The output of tool axis vectors to the CL fIle is controlled by the
MULTAX (multiple axis) statement, which can have the following
formats:
MULTAX
MULTAX/ON
MULTAX/OFF

The first two formats are equivalent. Either causes the components
of the tool axis vector to be output with each succeeding cutter
location point that is output to the CL file.
MULTAX/OFF overrides a previous MULTAX or MULTAX/ON
statement with the result that tool axis vectors are no longer
output to the CL file. This is the assumed mode if no MULTAX
statement is programmed.
You should not program MULTAX if you are using a postprocessor
not designed to accept tool axis vectors, as is the case with many
postprocessors for non-multiple axis machine tools.
Note that MULTAX merely controls the output of tool axis vectors
but has no effect on the values of the vectors that are output.
APT can operate in two modes as far as tool axis orientation is
concerned - with the tool axis fixed at a constant orientation or
with it varying according to a specified set of conditions.

Fixed Tool Axis Control

The following formats of the TLAXIS statement establish the fixed axis
mode: 1. TLAXIS/i, j, k (vector components)
2. TLAXIS/vector (vector symbol)
3. TLAXIS/l (switch from variable to fixed)
Formats 1 and 2 establish the specified vector as the constant tool axis.
It is not essential that the specified vector be a unit vector since it is
converted to a unit vector by APT. The specified vector remains in effect
until overridden by another TLAXIS statement.
Tool axis vectors are not output to the CL file by themselves but only
with cutter location points. Therefore, a TLAXIS statement has no effect
on postprocessing until a following motion statement causes a cutter
location point to be output.

(0, 0, 1 axis assumed)

FROM/Pl
TLAXIS/l, 0, 0 (axis parallel to x-axis)
GOTO/P2
GOTO/P3

FROM/Pl
(0, 0, 1 axis assumed)
TLAXIS/l, 0, 1 (45 degrees to x and z axes)
GO/Sl, S2

It is also permissible to specify a constant tool axis in a FROM or GOTO

statement, which also establishes the fixed axis mode. The formats are
as follows: FROM/x, y, z, i, j, k (point coordinates, vector components)

Multi-Axis Programming
FROM/point, vector
GOTO/x, y, z, i, j, k
GOTO/point, vector

(point, vector symbols)

(point coordinates, vector components)
(point, vector symbols)

Specifying a vector in a FROM or GOTO statement is equivalent to

specifying the vector in a TLAXIS statement preceding the FROM or
GOTO statement. For example, GOTO/l, 7, 5,1,0,0 is equivalent to
TLAXIS/l, 0, 0
GOTO/l, 7, 5
The following format of the GODLTA statement is very useful for multiaxis programming: GODLTA/d
A positive d causes a withdrawal move of length d along the tool axis; a
negative d causes a plunge move in the direction opposite the tool axis.
This statement allows you to program a move along the tool axis even
when you don't know what the tool axis orientation is.
The statement TLAXIS/l causes APT to switch from the variable axis mode
to the fIxed axis mode with the last tool axis vector computed in the variable
axis mode being retained as the constant tool axis for the fIxed axis mode.

The Variable TLAXIS Statement

The variable TLAXIS statement establishes a mode of operation in which
the tool axis is varied as necessary in order to conform to specified
conditions. Its general format is:
TLAXIS/surf, type, ra, hi, alpha, i, j, k, beta
surf= 2 part surface control
surf= 3 drive surface control
type= 0 4-axis control
type = 1 5-axis control
type = 2 RLDSRF control
ra = radius of disk cutter hi = height of disk cutter
alpha = angle between tool axis and control surface normal
i, j, k = 4-axis control vector
beta = lead, lag angle
This is the general format but all entries are not always required.
When type equals 2, no entries beyond hi are used.Beta is optional for
types 0 and 1 and is assumed to be zero when not specified.

Multi-Axis Programming
The 4-axis vector i, j, k is used only when type equals 0. However, if
beta is specified when type equals 1, values must be included
(zeros will suffice) for i, j, k since beta, when specified, must be the
ninth entry to the right of the slash.
The variable tool axis statement applies to those statements that involve
a part surface and a drive surface -GO, GOLFT, GORGT, GOFWD,
GOBACK, GOUP, GODOWN. One of these surfaces - the part surface
if surf equals 2, the drive surface if surf equals 3 - is used to control the
orientation of the tool axis. The other surface is treated in the normal
manner and does not directly influence the tool axis orientation.
The entries ra and hi define a point on the tool that becomes a disk as the
tool revolves. Ra is the radial dimension, measured from the tool end
perpendicular to the tool axis. Hi is the height dimension, measured from
the tool end along the tool axis.

Following are examples of ra and hi:

Note that both ra and hi can be zero, in which case the disk degenerates to the tool end point.
The purpose of the disk is to define the point of contact between the cutter and the control
surface. The normal cutter defined by the cutter statement is not used to compute offset
positions from the control surface but the disk is used instead.
The angle alpha specifies the tilt of the tool axis relative to the control surface. When beta is
zero, alpha is measured in the plane normal to the direction of forward motion; that is, in the
plane containing the normals to the part surface and the drive surface. Alpha is positive when
measured from the normal to the control surface toward the normal to the non-<:ontrol surface.
In this connection, it should be noted that the normal to a surface points toward the side of the
surface on which the cutter is located.
Alpha can be in the range from minus 90 to plus 90 degrees.

Five-axis Control
The following illustrates 5-axis control with the part surface as the control
surface.
FROM/PI
TLAXIS/2, 1, 0, 0, 0
GO/PLI, SI, PL2
NDIRV /1, 0, 0
GOFWD/PLI, PL3

In the TLAXIS statement, 2 indicates that the part surface is the control
surface. The 1 indicates the general 5-axis case. Ra and hi are specified as
zero, meaning that the tool end point is to be the contact point between the
cutter and the part surface. Alpha is specified as zero, meaning that the
angle between the tool axis and the normal to the part surface is to be zero
The net effect of the TLAXIS statement is that the tool axis is varied in
such a way that it is always normal to the part surface.

The following example illustrates the drive surface as the control surface:
TLAXIS/3, 1, .5, 1.25, 90
GO/SI, S2, PL1

In this TLAXIS statement, the 3 indicates that the drive surface is the
control surface. The 1 indicates the 5-axis case. Ra and hi define a point
on the side of the cutter that is to be the point of contact of the cutter
with the drive surface. Alpha is specified as 90, meaning that the tool
axis is to be oriented perpendicular to the normal to the drive surface, S1.

Multi-Axis Programming - The Beta Angle

In the previous examples, the tool axis has been generated in a plane normal to the direction of
forward motion. By specifying a non-zero beta angle, you can cause this plane to tilt forward or
backward relative to the forward direction. Beta is measured between a vector normal to the
direction of forward motion and the tool axis. It can be in the range from -90 degrees to +90
degrees. A positive beta is a lead angle, causing the tool to tilt toward the forward direction.
A negative beta is a lag angle, causing the tool to tilt away from the forward direction.
The following figure illustrates the situation when beta
is zero. This is the same tool position, shown in a yz
view, as was shown in an xz view in the preceding
example.
The following figures show the variation that results
when values of + 30 and -30 are specified for beta.

TLAXIS/3, 1, .5, 1.25, 90, 0, 0, 0, 30

TLAXIS/3, 1, .5, 1, 1.25, 90

TLAXIS/3, 1, .5, 1.25, 90, 0, 0, 0, -30

Four-axis Control
When you specify type equal to 0, you impose an additional constraint
upon the tool axis, forcing it to lie in a plane normal to the vector
specified by i, j, k. This option is provided for 4-axis machine tools,
which have only one rotary axis.

TLAXIS/3, 0, .5, 1.25, 90, 0, 1, 0

In this example, suppose that the curvature of the drive surface Sl is such that the tool axis would
have a non-zero y-component if the 5-axis case were specified. Suppose, though, that a particular
type of 4-axis machine tool does not permit the tool axis vector to have a non-zero y-component
since this would indicate movement of a non-existent fifth axis. In this case, you could specify
type equal to 0 for 4-axis and i, j, k equal to (0, 1, 0). This forces all tool axis vectors to have
non-zero y components. In terms of the above figure, it forces tool axis vectors to lie in the plane
of the paper.

RLDSRF Control
You can specify type equal to 2 only if the indicated control surface is
a ruled surface. The tool axis is oriented parallel to the rulings of the
ruled surface.
Only the entries indicated in the following statement are used when
type equals 2: TLAXIS/surf, 2, ra, hi
Example:

TLAXIS/3, 2, .375, .125

Cutter Height
When you program in the variable tool axis mode, you should specify a
small height value in the CUTTER statement if the height is not relevant
to the cutter position. This can eliminate problems that might arise as
the top of the cutter intersects surfaces as the tool axis orientation is
varied.
The minimum allowable height is the same as the value of the corner
radius, if it is non-zero. If the corner radius is zero, set the height to
some small arbitrary value such as .1.
Example:
CUTTER/2, 0, 0, 0, 0, 0,.1

TLAXIS Tolerance Control

The tool axis tolerance to be in effect when APT is operating in the
variable axis mode can be specified as follows: TLAXIS/100, t
The 100 is a code number used to indicate the purpose of this type of
TLAXIS statement.
The value of t determines how close the computed tool axis must be to the specified orientation.
It is compared to the dot product of two unit vectors - the tool axis and a test vector that varies
depending on the type of tool axis control in effect. A perfect lineup of these two vectors is
indicated when their dot product is 1, but this is in general impossible to achieve. Hence, a value
less than 1 must be used for t, with the tolerance becoming tighter as t approaches 1.
Tightening the tolerance usually results in more frequent changes in the orientation of the tool
axis from one cutter location to the next.
If TLAXIS/IOO, t is not specified, the assumed value for t is .999995.
Giving t a value too close to 1 could cause APT to fail; .9999999 should be considered an
approximate upper limit. Example:
TLAXIS/100, .9999999
TLAXIS/3 , 2 , . 375, . 1 25
GO/SI, S2, S3
GOLFT/Sl, S4

A tolerance of .9999999 is specified to be in effect as the tool axis is oriented normal to the part
surface. Hence, the dot product of the computed tool axis and the part surface normal at each cutter
location must be equal to or greater than .9999999.

Alternate Variable Tool Axis Language

The language for controlling the variable tool axis mode as previously described is the language
originally developed for this purpose. Alternate language has subsequently been developed and
is recognized by some APT processors.
For compatibility purposes, UCC APT has been designed to recognize either the original
language described previously or the new language described in this section. The same
capabilities are provided by either type of language; only the formats are different.
The original language uses one statement to control the variable tool axis mode - TLAXIS.
The new language uses two statements - the CUTTER/OPTION statement and the TLAXIS
statement.

The CUTTER/OPTION statement has the following formats:

CUTTER/OPTION, n, ra, hi
CUTTER/OPTION, n, OFF
n = 1 for part surface
n = 2 for drive surface
The first format defines the disk cutter in terms of ra and hi and designates whether the disk is to
be used for the part surface (n=1) or drive surface (n=2).
The second format turns off a previous statement with the first format, causing the regular cutter
to be used relative to the indicated surface instead of the disk cutter.

The new TLAXIS statements use of alpha and beta angles and of a4-axis vector which are
defined and used in the same manner as was described in the section on the original TLAXIS.

The new TLAXIS formats are:

1.TLAXISINORMPS

The tool axis is oriented normal to the part surface.

2.TLAXISINORMDS

The tool axis is oriented normal to the drive surface.

3.TLAXISIPARLEL, n

The tool axis is oriented parallel to the rulings of a

RLDSRF. n = 1 for part surface; n = 2 fOl: drive surface.

4.TLAXIS/ A T ANGL, n, alpha

The tool axis is oriented at an angle alpha

from the normal to the surface designated
by n - n = 1 for part surface; n = 2 for drive surface.

5.TLAXIS/ATANGL, n, alpha, CUTANG, beta the same as format 4 except

at a lead-lag angle beta is also specified.

6.TLAXIS/ATANGL, n, alpha, vector The same as format 4 except that a 4-axis

vector is also specified.

Example
he following TLAXIS statement has been illustrated previously.
It causes the tool axis to be oriented at 90 degrees to the drive surface
normal.
TLAXIS/3, 1, .5, 1.25, 90
The following two statements using the new type language accomplish
the same purpose:
CUTTER/OPTION, 2, .5, 1.25 TLAXIS/ATANGL, 2,90

PARTNO PIRAMID
MACHIN/MH600E
$$GEOMETRY DEFINITION
$$FLAT ENDMILL OF DIA 10 MM
P1 = POINT/25.98,-15,0
P2 = POINT/0,30,0
P3 = POINT/-25.98,-15,0
P4 = POINT/0,0,25.98
P5 = POINT/0,0,-50
P6 = POINT/60,60,10
F1 = PLANE/P1,P2,P4
F2 = PLANE/P2,P3,P4
F3 = PLANE/P3,P1,P4
F4 = PLANE/P1,P2,P3
TOWER = CYLNDR/P5,0,0,1,30
..

PARTNO PIRAMID
$$MACHIN/MH600E
MACHIN/UNCASC,1
MACHIN/UNCPLT,1
CLPRNT
$$GEOMETRY DEFINITION - FLAT ENDMILL OF DIA 10 MM
P1 = POINT/25.98,-15,0
P2 = POINT/0,30,0
P3 = POINT/-25.98,-15,0
P4 = POINT/0,0,25.98
P5 = POINT/0,0,-50
P6 = POINT/60,60,10
F1 = PLANE/P1,P2,P4
F2 = PLANE/P2,P3,P4
F3 = PLANE/P3,P1,P4
F4 = PLANE/P1,P2,P3
V1 = VECTOR/INTOF,F1,F3, POSZ
$$INTERSECTION OF F1 AND F3 POINTING IN POSITIVE Z
V2 = VECTOR/INTOF,F3,F2,POSZ
TOWER = CYLNDR/P5,0,0,1,30

MULTAX/ON
INTOL/0.1
OUTTOL/0.1
TLAXIS/100,0.9999
$$TLAXIS/3,1,5,50,90
TLAXIS/V1
CUTTER/10
FROM/P6
GO/F1,F4
GORGT/F1,PAST,F2
GOBACK/F1,PAST,F3
GORGT/F3,F2
GODLTA/0,0,60
$$ GO UP TO SAVE POSITION TO CHANGE TOOL ORIENTATION
TLAXIS/V2
GO/F2,F4,PAST,F3
GOLFT/F2,PAST,F1
GOTO/P6,0,0,1
FINI

1Intercim Cimpro/Win32 APT version 5.3 P-6.0

Input file=PIRAMID.APT Date=11-14-2002 Time=08:53:53
08:53:53 Scheduled Section 1-1
Isn
** APT Input Data **
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17

PARTNO PIRAMID
$$MACHIN/MH600E
MACHIN/UNCASC,1
MACHIN/UNCPLT,1
CLPRNT
$$GEOMETRY DEFINITION - TOOL IS FLAT ENDMILL OF DIAMETER 10 MM
P1 = POINT/25.98,-15,0
P2 = POINT/0,30,0
P3 = POINT/-25.98,-15,0
P4 = POINT/0,0,25.98
P5 = POINT/0,0,-50
P6 = POINT/60,60,10
F1 = PLANE/P1,P2,P4
F2 = PLANE/P2,P3,P4
F3 = PLANE/P3,P1,P4
F4 = PLANE/P1,P2,P3
V1 = VECTOR/INTOF,F1,F3, POSZ
$$INTERSECTION OF F1 AND F3 POINTING IN POSITIVE Z
18 V2 = VECTOR/INTOF,F3,F2,POSZ
19 TOWER = CYLNDR/P5,0,0,1,30

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32
$$
33
34
35
36
36

MULTAX/ON
INTOL/0.1
OUTTOL/0.1
TLAXIS/100,0.9999
$$TLAXIS/3,1,5,50,90
TLAXIS/V1
CUTTER/10
FROM/P6
GO/F1,F4
GORGT/F1,PAST,F2
GOBACK/F1,PAST,F3
GORGT/F3,F2
GODLTA/0,0,60
GO UP TO SAVE POSITION TO CHANGE TOOL
ORIENTATION
TLAXIS/V2
GO/F2,F4,PAST,F3
GOLFT/F2,PAST,F1
GOTO/P6,0,0,1
FINI$$

08:53:53 Scheduled Section 1-2

08:53:53 Scheduled Section 2
08:53:53 Scheduled Section 3
Rec
Isn
** Cutter Location File Data **
2
1 PARTNO PIRAMID
4
3 MACHIN UNCASC 1
6
4 MACHIN UNCPLT 1
8
20 MULTAX/ON
10
21 INTOL .1 .1 .1
12
22 OUTTOL .1 .1 .1
16
26 CUTTER 10
18
27 FROM
P6
60.00000
60.00000
10.00000
-.65465
20
28 GO
F1
5.11934
28.31557
3.77966
-.65465
22
29 GORGT F1
2.70340
32.50022
3.77966
-.65465
24
30 GOBACK F1
32.20023 -18.59130
3.77966
-.65465
26
31 GORGT F3
-17.72726 -18.59130
3.77966
-.65465
28
32 GOTO
-17.72726 -18.59130
63.77966
-.65465
31
34 GO
F2
-25.53371
-7.04421
3.77966
.65465
33
35 GOLFT F2
-2.70340
32.50022
3.77966
.65465
35
36 GOTO
P6
60.00000
60.00000
10.00000
.00000
37
36 FINI
08:53:54 Scheduled Post UNCASC
08:53:55 Completed OK
08:53:57 Scheduled Post UNCPLT
1INTERCIM UNCPLT 05.000.WN00
MACHIN/UNCPLT,1014
DATE 11/14/02 PAGE
1
UNIVERSAL NUMERICAL CONTROL PLOT OUTPUT
PIRAMID
RECRD

REASON

PARTNO

FRAME 1 MINMAX

DATA

.65465
.65465
.65465
.65465
.65465
.65465
.65465
.65465
1.00000

CLREC INPUT

PIRAMID
-25.5337

.37797
.37797
.37797
.37797
.37797
.37797
.37797
.37797
.00000

-18.5913

TOTAL FRAMES = 1
08:53:59 Completed Post UNCPLT ok

3.7797

60.0000

60.0000

63.7797

37

36

37

36

PARTNO BARREL TEST SHAPE PROGRAM

MACHIN/MMPOST,1
$$ This program machines traces
PRINT/ON
$$ along a barrell shaped part.
C1=CIRCLE/0,0,4
$$ This is a good program to check
P1=POINT/C1,ATANGL,45
$$ the graphic display of tool path
P2=POINT/C1,ATANGL,135
$$ (plotting) features. Use perspL1=LINE/P1,(POINT/CENTER,C1) $$ ective mode and Window command.
L2=LINE/P2,(POINT/CENTER,C1) $$ You can inspect the tool path
PL1=PLANE/0,0,1,0
$$ from different eye positions.
SPINDL/1800,RPM,RANGE,2
$$ Use Pitch, Yaw and Roll angle
FEDRAT/.01,IPR
$$ changes and REPAINT
CUTTER/.5,.25
$$ read the documentation.
INTOL/.05
OUTTOL/.05
FROM/0,0,10
LOADTL/1,LENGTH,5

A=45
AGAIN) TRACUT/(MATRIX/YZROT,A)
DNTCUT
GOTO/0,0,10
INDIRP/P1
GO/PAST,C1,PL1,ON,L1
CUT
TLRGT,GOLFT/C1,ON,L2
TRACUT/(MATRIX/YZROT,(A+5))
DNTCUT
GOTO/0,0,10
INDIRP/P2
GO/PAST,C1,PL1,ON,L2
CUT
TLLFT,GORGT/C1,ON,L1
A= A + 10
IF (A - 135) AGAIN, QUIT, QUIT
QUIT) TRACUT/NOMORE
RAPID,GOTO/0,0,5
PPLOT
END
FINI