You can use any number, e.g. the catalog number of the tool to facilitate its identification.
The Tool Number is a numerical identifier for the tool, in other words it is the numerical name of the tool. The value of the Tool Number has to be an integer. The Tool Number enables you to define tool numbers according to the numbering system that you are used to. The Tool Number is used in the G-Code when the tool changes, values for tool compensation are read from the machine controller.
The Max_Tool_Number parameter in the MAC-file defines the total number of tools that can be defined. In other words, this parameter defines the capacity of the cutter magazine of your CNC-machine.
SolidCAM checks the total number of tools in the Part Tool Table during the following operations:
Adding, copying or importing tools;
Loading the CAM-Part;
Inserting Machining Process.
When the total number of tools exceeds the Max_Tool_Number, SolidCAM displays an error message.
The Number of Tools field displays the total number of tools defined in the Tool Library.
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When a new tool is defined, SolidCAM sets the Tool Number to the first unused number. This default Tool Number can be changed. When you change the Tool Number make a note that this parameter has to be unique for each tool. |
If a particular tool always has the same number and cannot be changed, this tool can be marked as Permanent. For example, when the Tool Number represents a number of a tool magazine pocket used for the tool, the Permanent mark means that the tool is always located in this pocket.
If you use the Tool Renumbering function, a tool that is marked as Permanent will not be renumbered.
Turning machines enable you to place a number of tools in the same position of the tool magazine using a special holder. Each tool clamped on such holder has its own offset number in the table of the CNC-controller.
With the combination of the Tool Number/Position parameters, SolidCAM enables you to define several tools (milling and turning) using the same holder. The Tool Number specifies the number of the tool magazine position where the tool holder is located. With the Position you can define the offset number of the current tool.
When you define a new tool with an already existing tool number, a new Position is automatically assigned.
This field enables you to add a Description text for the current operation. The description will be displayed when you load the tool.
This field defines the type of the offset point of the tool. It has three options:
The intersection point of the two tangents to the tool tip radius is the offset point of the tool.
The center of the tool tip radius is the offset point of the tool.
The user defines the delta Z and delta X from the center of the radius to the offset point of the tool.
The Application direction parameter enables you to rotate the tool to perform the machining from different sides.
Tools with the same geometry, but with different rotation, can be mounted on the same tool holder; the Tool Number of such tools is the same but Positions are different.
The Change type option enables you to define the way the tools are changed.
Linear. The tool change is performed with a linear movement of the tool holder. This method is suitable for tools mounted on the same tool holder. The X and Z parameters define the coordinates where the tool change will be performed. The First movement option enables you to choose the first movement axis (X or Z).
Turret. This option enables you to change the tool using the turret. The X and Z parameters enables you to define the location where the tool is changed.
The Change type parameter assigned to the tool can be changed for the specific operation using the Turning Tool data dialog box.
The Topology Page includes geometry parameters of the specified tool. These parameters are specific for each tool type:
