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Tool selection

Each machining operation is linked to an appropriate tool capable of realizing the operation. The toll database is opened and can be completed or modified by the user to fit each company’s needs. An example of tool selection is shown in the image bellow.

When the machining operation is not the first one to be created, or when the user calls a machine where the tools are pre loaded, a list of the used tools is displayed, allowing the user to directly select it.

If the required tool type is not visible in the dialog box, the user can be brought to a tool selection dialog box by pressing the “other type” button within that dialog box, on the first pull-down menu, as shown below:

All the available tool families are displayed. Notice that the user is not able to modify the number of available families. The user can select the required tool for the machining operation by first selecting the family (milling tools) and then selecting a category from that family (Ball nose mill) and then specifying the dimensions of the selected tool to use.

Clicking on the ‘OK’ button confirms the tool selection

After this tool selection, TopSolid'Cam goes back to the preceding dialog box.

If you are using TopTool, after selecting the required tool type for the machining operation, the user may want to use a tool that is not available in the machine’s turret. In that case, simply click on the ‘New Tool’ button and the following dialog appears:

The preceding dialog displays a list of all the end face mills available in the company’s tool database.

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