anyone used apt360?

Years ago I was able to use it to create some geometry (5 axis), then run a tool around the geometry, postprocess it with the post processor and run a LinuxCNC with the resulting code. I didn't make any chips but watching the machine told me the motion Wes correct to the geometry I created. Looked good to me and I looked forward to testing new revisions of the software but alas the developers lost interest. I still have their code.

I don't believe apt360 can handle 5 axis cuts. A multax card will cause an error. Earlier messages mentioned pcapt maybe that has 5 axis capabilities. Aptos Version: Apt360 1.0.3, N/C 360 APT VERSION 4, MODIFICATION 4

Or possibly your thinking of IBM APT 360 that was used by many companies for all their NC Programming before the graphics systems.

Jim

PS: Welcome to Linuxcnc

Greetings stustev,

I have tinkered with Aptos APT360. Been a bit lazy and not much progress.

However, I am interested in the software you are using.

APT is quite powerful.

Thinking back, most of the big name CAM software has APT buried inside the processor. I recall looking at a NX6 file, prior to posting, and it was filled with a lot of GOTO/ statements.

Looking forward to your reply.

Cheers,

David

Hi

 I wrote the APT file gage-plate.apt in the attached zip file (gage-plate.tar) and compiled it using the APT 360 aptos software from SourceForge.  Included is a DXF file road map of the geometry used.
There are three different drive paths contained in the three MACRO sections. They can be turned on and off by using double dollar signes ($$) in front of the CALL/MACRO lines at the bottom of .apt file. MAC1 drives on the geometry using lines only. MAC2 drives on the geometry including the circles defined in the corners. MAC3 drives around the outside profile offset for the dia./2 of the cutter.

If I can answer any questions about these files and the aptos system I'll do my best.

to see the cutter paths load the .ngc file into:
ncviewer.com/

for the aptos compiler:
sourceforge.net/projects/aptos/files/
you'll want the apt360 and postp files.

Thanks
Jim


 

jamby wrote:

PS: Welcome to Linuxcnc

Oh, Stustev might be new to the forum, but he is far from new to LinuxCNC.

He was one of the first to run proper industrial machines with LinuxCNC, including some absolutely monster Cincinnati 5-axis beasts.

Stustev
Looks like I was wrong (again) I hunted down a emc5ax postp file for apt360 and it does produce 5axis moves.

Jim