Posting APT Code
Introduction
This topic will explain how to post APT programs, how to save and edit code, and provide links to related topics.
How to set programs to post as APT
Before posting the program, you must first update your current settings in order to have the program post cutter location data rather than NC code.
Set a particular machine to output APT code as default:
-
In the CAM Tree, right-click
CAM Defaults and select Current Settings.
The Current Settings dialog appears. -
In the Machine group of the Machine Parameters page, select the machine which should post APT code by default.
-
In the tree on the left, select Posting.
The Posting page opens. -
Set the NC File Path to the location the files should be saved to by default.
-
Set the NC File Extension value to .APT.
APT code will now be output when the program is posted.
Set a particular program to output APT code:
-
In the CAM Tree, right-click the job name (for example,
Milling
Job), and click Current Settings.
The Current Settings dialog appears. -
In the tree on the left, select Posting.
The Posting page opens. -
Set the NC File Path to the location the files should be saved to by default.
-
Set the NC File Extension value to .APT.
APT code will now be output when the program is posted.
How to Post APT Programs
To post the code for every toolpath that has been computed and has not been set to Post No:
- In the CAM
Tree, right-click the job name (for example, Milling
Job), and click Post
or click Post & Save As.
The posted APT code is displayed in the Posting Manager.
Note: You can also post the code for particular portions of the program by right-clicking that item and selecting Post.
Tip: After code is posted in the Posting Manager, you can click inside the Posting Manger to give it focus, and then use Ctrl+F to use the Find dialog. This allows you to search for particular codes/terms without the need to open the posted code in an editor.
The Posting Manager Shortcut Menu - How to Save and Edit Code
After posting a program, right-click anywhere in the Posting tab to display a shortcut menu with the following items. Use these options to save or edit the code that displays in the Posting Manager.
- Save As - opens the Save As dialog box for you to select a location, name, and save the code as an .apt file.
Note: The cutter location data (.apt) file is a text file that can be edited with any text editor. When you post a program, the file is automatically saved to the default location for .apt files: C:\BobCAD-CAM Data\*(Current Version)*\NC\...
- NC Editor - opens the NC Editor with the posted code. Editing, back-plotting, and other actions can be performed with the editor.
- Mach 3 - if you have purchased Mach 3, you can open the code in the Mach 3 software.
Related Topics
Getting to Know the User Interface
