The first step is to pick a tool from the current tool crib. The most important criteria are diameter and length. If a tool can’t be found to satisfy the criteria, then you get an error and NC code is not generated.
Tool diameter FeatureCAM analyzes the curve that defines the pocket to determine what size tool to use. FeatureCAM uses the largest tool that can fit in the corner and the tightest passage of the feature. The largest tool that can cut the pocket without gouging is selected (see Tool % of arc radius or How to explicitly set a tool for an operation).
Tool length FeatureCAM picks a tool that has flutes long enough to cut to the bottom of the pocket.
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Operation type |
Automatically selected tool |
Possible user overrides |
Notes |
|
Roughing |
endmill |
face mill, endmill |
If the feature has a bottom radius or draft angle see Manufacturing draft angles or bottom radius regions |
|
Finishing |
endmill |
face mill endmill |
|
|
Chamfer |
chamfer mill |
spotdrill, centerdrill, countersink, chamfer mill |
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See Tooling groups for details on the different tooling types and How pockets are manufactured.