Start Point and Cutter

Start Point

The current position of the tool is always known to the APT processor, since it will be calculated as part of the motion statement. However, in the beginning the tool position will have to be specified using the FROM statement. The format is

FROM/ point

FROM/ x1, y1

FROM/ x1, y1, z1

When no Z value is specified, it is derived from the current ZSURF in force.

The first FROM command does not involve any movement of the tool but simply defines where the tool already is.

Cutter

The cutting tool description is necessary in every part program involving continuous path commands. General format is

CUTTER/ dia

CUTTER/ dia, radius

CUTTER/ dia, radius, e, f, α, β, h

The third format shown allows for defining the complex shape of the cutter end. Cutter is modal and would be cancelled by another CUTTER statement only. The points calculated are represented by the X, Y and Z co-ordinates of the tool end points at the center.