History of Computer Aided Part Programming

The first computer aided part programming system developed is APT (Automatically Programmed Tools) that was originated at the Servomechanism laboratory of Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the year 1952. The APT language is very similar to the computer programming language FORTRAN, which is easily understood by the CNC part programmer. In APT, which is run in a batch mode, the part program will have to be written in a structured manner, which we will discuss a little later.

In the wake of development of the APT language a large number of similar systems, often making use of the same vocabulary and structure, have been developed with some improvements in specific directions. Examples are UNIAPT, ADAPT, NELAPT, EXAPT, etc. Also, other similar languages using different structure were developed and used during the later period. Examples are GNC, GTL, COMPACT-II, etc. All these are mostly procedural languages like APT and, therefore, did not exploit the graphical capabilities of the computers.

The next major type of computer aided programming systems developed have made use of the graphical capabilities of the platform, to make the program development much easier and also has the ability to embed a lot of intelligence in it. The various examples of languages in this category are: Mastercam, Sprintcam, Edgecam, Delcam, Gibbscam, Surfcam, Esprit, etc. These systems work as a standalone package through which the user will be able to enter the geometric data and then convert it into a part program for a given machine tool by giving appropriate commands. These will also have suitable linkages to the established CAD packages such as AutoCAD, Pro-Engineer, Solidworks, etc. so that the geometry of the part from the CAD package can be easily imported. We will see an example of Mastercam a little later.

The third class of systems are the integrated higher end CAD/CAM systems that have direct linkages as well as more powerful. The examples are Unigraphics, Catia, Pro-Engineer, SDRC IDEAS, etc. In these systems, the CAD and the CAM components are tightly integrated such that the geometric model created in the CAD is automatically passed on to the CAM that will produce the necessary NC part program.