This section describes the output produced by INC2APT, the utility program that converts SURFCAMs Intermediate NC toolpath information into APT CLfile format for CLfile-based post processing systems such as Spost.
6. 2-Axis Wire EDM Toolpaths. 3
7. 4-Axis Wire EDM Toolpaths. 3
8.29. THRDSQ (Lathe or MillTurn) 8
8.30. TURRET (Lathe or MillTurn) 9
When executed from Windows Explorer with no command line arguments, INC2APT presents this dialog box containing fields for input and output filenames plus all optional switches:-
The output differences are noted where appropriate in the following section. Refer to the INC to APT Dialog Box section for a detailed definition of what each switch does.
$$ SURFCAM INC to APT Translator $Revision: nnn $
PARTNO/pid $$ Program ID number
UNITS/INCH-MM $$ Coordinate units declaration
OPERTN/pathtype,cycletype,head $$ Output if OP switch is set
MCS/ CviewX(i), CviewX(j), CviewX(k), CviewY(i), CviewY(j),$
CviewY(k), CviewZ(i), CviewZ(j), CviewZ(k), Origin(x), Origin(y),$
Origin(z)
END
FINI
MULTAX/OFF-ON $$ ON if 5 switch is set
CUTTER/diam,crad $$ Tool diameter, corner radius
LOADTL/tnum,LENGTH,glz,OSETNO,comp $$ Tool Number, Tool Length, Length Comp
SPINDL/RPM,speed,CLW $$ Spindle Mode, Speed, Direction
COOLNT/OFF $$ Coolant condition
SELECT/work $$ Work offset
RAPID $$ Interp mode for next move
GOTO/x,y,z [,i,j,k] $$ Tooltip coords, optionally vector
MULTAX/OFF-ON $$ ON if 5 switch is set
CUTTER/radius $$ Tool nose radius
TURRET/tnum,comp,Xdim,Ydim,FRONT $$ ToolNumber, ToolComp, Xdim, Ydim, Turret
SPINDL/RPM,speed,CLW $$ Spindle Mode, Speed, Direction
COOLNT/FLOOD $$ Coolant condition
SELECT/work $$ Work offset
RAPID $$ Interp mode for next move
GOTO/z,x,0 $$ Tooltip coords
MULTAX/OFF-ON $$ ON if 5 switch is set
CUTTER/diam,crad $$ Tool diameter, corner radius
TURRET/tnum,comp,Xdim,Ydim,FRONT $$ TURRET output for milling & turning paths
SPINDL/RPM,speed,CLW $$ Spindle Mode, Speed, Direction
COOLNT/OFF $$ Coolant condition
SELECT/work $$ Work offset
RAPID $$ Interp mode for next move
GOTO/x,y,z [,i,j,k] $$ Tooltip coords, optionally vector
MULTAX/OFF $$ ON if 5 switch is set
CUTTER/diam,crad $$ wire diameter, Corner radius
SELECT/work $$ Work offset
SET/POWER,Ipower,Power $$ Initial Power, Power settings
SET/TAPER,Angle $$ Fixed taper angle
SET/SPARK,Gap $$ Spark gap setting
SET/WIRE,1 $$ Wire threading enabled
SET/THICK,Part,Upper,Lower $$ Part thickness, Upper Guide, Lower Guide
WIRE/SUB $$ Start of path subroutine
WIRE/FLOOD,3 $$ Coolant mode
RAPID $$ Interp mode for next move
GOTO/x,y,z [,i,j,k] $$ Tooltip coords, optionally vector
WIRE/THREAD $$ Wire threading request
FEDRAT/IPM,feed $$ Cutting federate
MULTAX/ON $$ Always ON
CUTTER/diam,crad $$ wire diameter, Corner radius
SELECT/work $$ Work offset
SET/POWER,Ipower,Power $$ Initial Power, Power settings
SET/TAPER,Angle $$ Fixed taper angle
SET/SPARK,Gap $$ Spark gap setting
SET/WIRE,1 $$ Wire threading enabled
RAPID $$ Interp mode for next move
GOTO/x,y,z,I,j,k $$ Position to thread point
CUTCOM/LEFT,dcomp $$ Diameter comp enabled
MULTAX/OFF $$ Next move is 3ax
FEDRAT/IPM,feed $$ Entry feedrate
GOTO/x,y,z $$ Comp destination point
MULTAX/ON $$ Next moves have vectors
GOTO/x,y,z,i,j,k $$ Start of contour
This section contains a summary of all syntax and a detailed description of each record. These statements are organized alphabetically by major word.
Syntax conventions are as follows:-
Uppercase words are actual APT tokens and are output exactly as shown.
Lowercase words are symbolic variables that represent numeric values.
Opposing keywords are separated by a hyphen - symbol.
Alternate syntax phrases are separated by a vertical bar | symbol.
Optional field combinations are enclosed in bracket [ ] symbols.
Syntax: CIRCLE/x,y,z,i,j,k,r
Description: Defines the circle center, direction, and radius for an arc move to the following GOTO/ record.
x,y,z arc center point
i,j,k arc normal axis, usually 0,0,1 for CCLW or 0,0,-1 for CLW
r radial distance from the tool centerline to arc center.
Note: For arcs not in the XY plane when a -W or -M command line switch is active, the i,j,k fields in the arc and either the tool axis components or the Z-Axis components of the active MCS/ statement have an identical sign and magnitude for a CCLW move, and are opposite one another for a CLW move.
Syntax: COOLNT/OFF-FLOOD-MIST
COOLNT/FLOOD,LOW-HIGH
COOLNT/THRU,LOW-HIGH
Description: Coolant condition for this toolpath.
Syntax: CUTCOM/LEFT-RIGHT,d
CUTCOM/OFF
Description: Declares G41-42 tool side and diameter compensation register number.
Syntax: CUTTER/d,r
Description: For mill and wire the output is tool diameter and corner radius.
For lathe the output is tool radius only.
Syntax: CYCLE/type, FEDTO,z, uPM-uPR,f, DWELL,p [,INCR,k],$ RAPTO,w, RTRCTO,w, PULBAC,ret
Description: The general format is:-
CYCLE/type, parameters
GOTO/location(s)
CYCLE/OFF
type DRILL-CSINK-DEEP-BORE-TAP-LTAP-RIGID-LRIGID-BKBORECUSTM1-CUSTM2-CUSTM3
Parameters: FEDTO,z Final hole depth measured from GOTO/ point.
uPM-uPR,f Cycle stroke federate.
DWELL,p Dwell at final depth. (NA for TAP-LTAP-RIGID-LRIGID)
INCR,k Peck increment for deep-hole drilling. (CYCLE/DEEP only)
RAPTO,r Approach clearance above GOTO/ point.
RTRCTO,w Retract height, specified as Initial Height in SURFCAM.
PULBAC,ret Fanuc-style G98-99 retract condition.
Syntax: DISPLY/NEXT
Description: Forces next PPRINT string to NC code file as well as to listing.
Syntax: END
Description: Allows the postprocessor to generate an orderly shutdown sequence.
Syntax: EVENT/type,x,y,z [i,j,k]
Description: The EVENT record contains either three or six fields that follow the EVENT type, depending upon the active MULTAX condition.
x,y,z the current X,Y and Z locations of the tool tip.
i,j,k the current I,J and K components of the tool axis vector.
Event types: LDIN_S Precedes a lead-in move.
LDIN_E Follows a lead-in move.
LOUT_S Precedes a lead-out move.
LOUT_E Follows a lead-out move.
PLNG_S Precedes a plunge move.
PLNG_E Follows a plunge move.
ZLVL_S Precedes a Z level slice. (Mill only)
ZLVL_E Follows a Z level slice. (Mill only)
SSTP_S Precedes a side-step move.
SSTP_E Follows a side step move.
RTCT_S Precedes a retract move.
RTCT_E Follows a retract move.
Syntax: FEDRAT/uPM-uPR,f
Description: This record contains either the cutting feedrate or the plunging feedrate. The uPM word can either be IPM or MMPM, and the uPR word can be either be IPR or MMPR depending upon the UNITS/ setting.
Syntax: FINI
Description: This single line command signifies the end of the file.
Syntax: GOTO/x,y,z [,i,j,k]
Description: The GOTO command can be represented in either of two forms for milling.
For non-multax milling, i.e. MULTAX/OFF is in effect, the GOTO word is followed by three fields: x,y,z which represent the tool tip coordinates.
For multax milling, i.e. MULTAX/ON is in effect, the GOTO word is followed by six fields: x,y,z,i,j,k. The x,y,z fields contain tool tip coordinates, and the i,j,k fields contain the cosines of the tool axis vector. The vector components are measured from tool tip upward along the tool axis. The accuracy (number of digits) for the vector components is controlled by the -VPrecision switch on the INC2APT command line.
Syntax: LOADTL/t,LENGTH,l,OSETNO,h
Description: t is the tool number.
l is the tool total length value stored in the tool library.
h is the length compensation register number.
Syntax: MCS/x(i),x(j),x(k),y(i),y(j),y(k),z(i),z(j),z(k),dx,dy,dz
MCS/x(i),y(i),z(i),x(j),y(j),z(j),x(j),y(j),z(k),dx,dy,dz
Description: The MCS/ statement contains twelve fields that define the active construction view when the toolpath was generated. The matrix values are expressed in two forms, depending upon the output mode switches on the INC2APT command line.
The first form above is generated when output is in view coordinates or when the -M command line switch is active. The values in this matrix are measured from world zero to cview.
The second form above is generated when output is in world coordinates when the -W command line switch is active. The values in this matrix are world zero location and orientation measured in cview space. Note that field order is also changed.
Syntax: MULTAX/ON-OFF
Description: This statement normally tells the postprocessor how the GOTO/ records are expressed in the CLfile. This is for legacy purposes, dating back to binary CLfile types where type 5000 (GOTO) records contained as many as 80 non-multax fields or 40 multax fields, and today it is output for compatibility purposes only.
If the -5 command line switch is active, then MULTAX/ON will be in effect for all mill, lathe, or wire EDM tool paths.
If the -5 command line switch is NOT active, then only 4-Axis or 5-Axis tool paths will be output with MULTAX/ON.
Syntax: OPERTN/pathtype,cycletype,head
Description: pathtype toolpath type
cycletype drill cycle type
head Main or Sub-Spindle for mill-turn applications
Syntax: PARTNO/nnnn
PARTNO/string
Description: Program ID number or up to 66-character string, depending on the NCOptions setting.
Syntax: PPRINT/string
Description: Toolpath comments. This 66-character string record always preceded by the command DISPLY/NEXT.
Syntax: RAPID
Description: Declares a one-shot rapid move to next GOTO/ tool position.
Syntax: ROW/START-END
Description: This command is only output when the -B command line switch is active.
START Output at toolpath BeginRow location.
END Output at toolpath EndRow location.
Syntax: SELCTL/t
Description: Tool pre-select. This command is only output when the -P command line switch is active.
t Next tool, or 0 for final tool.
Syntax: SELECT/g
Description: Work offset register.
Syntax: SET/POWER,ipower,power
Description: ipower is the initial power setting, and power contains the power setting as programmed in the EDM tool information tab.
Syntax: SET/SPARK,gap
Description: gap is the spark gap setting as programmed in the EDM tool information tab.
Syntax: SET/TAPER,angle
Description: angle contains the fixed taper angle as programmed in the EDM tool information tab.
Syntax: SET/THICK,part,upper,lower
Description: Defines the part thickness and the upper and lower guide locations as programmed in the EDM tool information tab.
part is the part thickness value.
upper is the upper guide location.
lower is the lower guide location.
Syntax: SET/WIRE,0-1
Description: Defines whether the Wire Feed will be turned on or off. The single field following the WIRE word will contain a 0 or 1 depending on the selection made in the EDM tool information tab.
0 OFF
1 ON
Syntax: SPINDL/RPM-SFM-SMM,speed,CLW-CCLW
Description: Sets the spindle rotation mode, speed, and rotation direction. SFM or SMM will only be output on lathe tool paths and active UNITS/ setting.
Syntax: SPINDL/MAIN-SUB
Description: Defines whether the part is presently in the main spindle or in the sub-spindle on a MillTurn center.
Syntax: THRDSQ/RIGHT-LEFT,OUT-IN,START,z,d,LENGTH,l,$
DIAMTR,mad,mid,INCR,sdepth,fdepth,ATANGL,deg,$
PULBAC,retX,retangle,PITCH,nthreads,REPEAT,spass
THRDSQ/RIGHT-LEFT,OUT-IN,START,z,d,LENGTH,l,$
DIAMTR,mad,mid,TAPER,z2,d2,slope,INCR,sdepth,fdepth,$
ATANGL,deg,PULBAC,retX,retangle,PITCH,nthreads,REPEAT,spass
Description: There are two formats shown above. The only difference between them is the TAPER,z2,d2,slope triplet which is output when a tapered line is selected for threading in SURFCAM.
Thread types: RIGHT,OUT External thread, Right Hand tool.
RIGHT,IN Internal thread, Right Hand tool
LEFT,OUT External thread, Left Hand tool
LEFT, IN Internal thread, Left Hand tool
Variables: z starting Z-coordinate for thread
d starting diameter for thread
l thread length
mad Major diameter of thread
mid Minor diameter of thread
z2,d2,slope point and angle for tapered thread definition
sdepth incremental depth of first roughing pass.
fdepth incremental depth of final roughing pass.
deg compound infeed angle on lead-in move (from 12 oclock).
retX distance for pullout move.
retangle angle for pullout move (from 12 oclock).
nthreads number of threads per unit (inch or millimeter).
spass number of spring passes.
Syntax: TURRET/tnum,comp,Zdim,Xdim,FRONT-REAR-SADDLE-MAIN-RAIL
Description: Tool change command for lathes or for all tool paths programmed in MillTurn mode. The fields are as follows:-
tnum tool number or turret position number
comp compensation register number.
Zdim Machine Z gage length from tool library.
Zdim Machine X gage length from tool library.
turret FRONT-REAR-SADDLE-MAIN-RAIL from SURFCAM menu,
Syntax: UNITS/INCH-MM
Description: Defines whether the tool paths are in inch or metric units.
Syntax: WIRE/THREAD
Description: Defines when the wire is to be cut, or broken.
Syntax: WIRE/FLOOD,1-3
Description: Defines that the flushing will be turned on and sets the flushing options:
1 Low
2 Medium
3 High
Syntax: WIRE/SUB
Description: Defines when the EDM tank is to be submerged.
Syntax: WIRE/THREAD
Description: Defines when the wire is to be threaded.