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You use EdgeCAM Tool Selector to identify the best tools for machining a pocket feature, and assign these tools as properties of the feature. The best tools for roughing and rest-roughing the pocket are identified.
Please note:
It is assumed that the pocket feature will be machined entirely using roughing and rest-roughing techniques.
The tools are chosen from the sequence's toolkit.
Tools are selected from slot drill,endmill, bullnose and ballnose tool types.
To be considered for selection, tools must have an 'Insert Link' specified (Technology tab). For solid tools, select from the 'Solid Tool' insert category.
If there is no 'Depth of cut' set for the insert/material combination, this is assumed to be equal to the tool radius. There must also be a full set of speeds/feeds applicable to the combination.
You can only select tools for closed pockets and open pockets that have been closed by Feature Finder.
You can select tools for multiple features at once. The tools then produce the fastest machining time for all the features; they may not be the best tools for any individual feature.
You can specify an offset from the feature's profile that you intend leaving on the part. This is then taken into account in the tool selection.
You cannot use Tool Selector with superseded features.
Material details and job information (if specified) will be read from the EdgeCAM .ppf file.
The results of the selection are reported in the Feedback Window.
The most efficient machining times are reported. (This is only approximate as it assumes machining methods that you might not use in practice.)
No account is taken of wall thickness, surface finish requirements, tolerances, rigidity of material/machine, holding methods or tool life. Each feature is treated in isolation with no reference to surrounding geometry.