APT Full Form Name
Full Form of APT:
Automatically Programmed Tooling
APT Full Form is Automatically
Programmed Tooling. APT is a computer programming language
useful for generating instructions for devices performing mechanical
operations. These mechanical machines are computer assisted where the
instructions are generated from the computers. APT was developed at MIT in
1956-59 and Reynolds George is believed to be the father of APT. The APT
program consists of the following four:Geometry, Motion commands, Postprocessor
statements (speed tolerance values) and auxiliary statements.
In the geometry, the basic
dimensions of the object like the lines, surface, points for the object to be
worked upon (say cutting) are clearly defined. The whole object is divided into
a 3-D mesh consisting of small differential elements which can be integrated
upon mathematically. These complex integration functions form the basis
for the object definition. The geometry information gives all the information
in terms of where an object is to be worked upon and what kind of pressure to
be applied to a particular region of the object.
In motion commands, the point to
point motions, contour motions, and other motion programs are defined for the
cutting tool to move and find the exact location to work upon. Auxiliary
statements are used to identify the part program, specify which post processor
to use, insert remarks into the program, etc. The APT provides a technique that
offers repeatability and reproducibility with precision and in a time defined
orderly manner.
This is thus an important tool
for development of mass production. The APT forms the basis of the newly
developed technique 3-D printing which is believed to be the next big
revolution set to change the manufacturing industry. Even the industrial robots
which excel at performing a specific but highly complex mechanical job use APT.