APT Import of Turning Tool Change Operations

This describes how to import APT files which have a turning tool change. The APT Import results in the creation of a Turning Tool Change activity which would be complete with a Turning Tool Assembly assigned to it. This would enable the tool path replay, video and NC Output to work for created activities during a Turning APT import.

  1. Select the Manufacturing Program/Manufacturing Operation after which the activities are to be created.
  2. Click Import APT, Clfile or NC code
    See Importing NC Data
  3. Select the APT to be imported in the browser.
  4. Edit the created Turning Tool Change as required.
  5. Expand the Activities window to see the Turning Tool Change.
    • Part Operation.1
      • Manufacturing Program.1
      • Post-Processor Instruction.1
      • Machining Axis Change.1
      • Turning Tool Change.2 (Turning Tool Assembly.1_Product (from APTImport))/To External Insert-Holder_Product91....)
        • Post-Processor Instruction.3
        • APT Import.1
    Notes:
    • The Import of APT file with a turning tool change would result in creation of a tool change activity with a turning tool assembly.
    • As the only information in the APT regarding the tool is of the insert radius, the turning tool assembly would be created with a default external insert holder.
    • The radius value of the created round insert would correspond to the value in the CUTTER statement in the APT to be imported.
    • If you consider the Lathe tool assembly that is created during APT import as incompatible, you have the option to edit/modify/replace with a more realistic one.
    Important: The APT to be imported just provides the insert radius information through CUTTER statement. There is no other information in the APT regarding the tool such as insert type, shank type and other tool properties. Hence the turning tool assembly created during the APT Import might be incompatible with the original turning tool assembly for which the APT was generated. However, just like the Milling case, you have the option to edit, modify or replace the turning tool-assembly.

    See Reference Compensation Point for Tool Assembly Gauges in Turning Machining, and Creating and Editing a Lathe Tool