The CAM Plan Manager is used to interface with the Tool Manager using standard Object Editing techniques. Right-click on Tool under a tool path operation and select a function from the popup menu. Left-click to execute the Select function (see below).  

 

Tool path operations are located under the Operations section of the tree. Refer to the CAM Operations Manager for defining tool path operations. The tool manager functions are listed below.  

 

Note that the Tool Shape Forms are displayed automatically depending on the tool "Type" selected.  Refer to the CAM Tool Manager Form documented below.

 

Tool Manager Functions

 

• Select - Display the CAM Object Name List. Select a tool to assign to the active operation and the list will close automatically. See Managing Tool Libraries for more information.

• Edit - Open the Tool Manager Form (see below) populated with the parameters of the selected tool. Only those options needed to redefine the tool are enabled.

• Rename - Rename the selected tool. Enter a new name and pick OK. The manager tree will update automatically.  Rename tool upgrades all instances of that tool name in all operations which rely on it as a "Reference Tool."  It also renames the embedded (hidden) names held in tool paths AND if the renamed tools are in Machine Tool Changers they are updated there as well.

• Remove - Remove the tool from the operation. The tool for that operation will be flagged as (undefined). You will need to select or define another tool for the operation.

• Manage - Open the  Tool Manager Form (see below) with all options enabled. Use this function if you want to define a new tool.

• Delete - Delete the selected tool from the active CAM plan only. The tool is not deleted from any library (other than the active CAM plan).

 

 

 

This form is your primary interface with the CAM Tool Manager. With it you can define the Shape and physical Properties of a tool. This data is used for tool path calculation. You can also access tools from other tool libraries. A tool library is any VX CAM plan containing tool definitions.  See Library below for more information.

 

 

 

Definition

 

Name...

The CAM Object Name List is displayed showing the tools that are currently defined in the active CAM plan. Select a tool from the list.

 

Class

This defines the class of machining process used by the active tool. Enter a class or select an existing class from the list. This parameter is optional.

 

Type

This defines the active tool type (e.g., mill, ream, bore, etc.). Select a tool type from the list. The Tool Shape Form displayed (see Shape below) varies based on the active tool type.

 

Note that the Tool Shape Forms are displayed automatically depending on the tool "Type" selected.

 

Subtype

This defines the subtype of the active tool. Select a subtype from the list. This parameter is optional.

 

Id #

This is for inventory management purposes for the active tool. It is also used by the Document tab of the CAM Output Manager for tool indentation during output. Enter an identification number.

 

Supplier

This identifies the source supplier available for the active tool. Select a supplier from the list or enter the name of a new supplier.

 

Quantity

Enter the quantity of the active tool that is available for use.

 

Properties

This displays the Tool Properties Form for the active CAM tool. Set the properties as desired.

 

Shape

This displays one of the Tool Shape Forms to define the characteristics of the active tool. The form displayed will depend on the tool Type selected above.  Note that the Tool Shape Forms are displayed automatically depending on the tool "Type" selected.

 

Add to Library ->

This adds the active tool to the active tool library on the right (i.e., that CAM plan will also contain the tool). You can use this option to add tool definitions from one library to another or from the active CAM plan to a library.  See Library below for more information.

 

Apply Filter ->

The filter check boxes to the left of the definition parameters are used to filter the list of tools in the active tool library on the right.  Place a check next to a definition parameter and then pick this button to filter the library list with only those tools that match the parameter. See Library below for more information.

 

 

Attach a Holder (for Solid Verify only)

 

Holder

VX CAM allows you to geometrically define tool holders and associate them with individual tools.  When you Solid Verify an operation that uses that tool, the tool holder is also included in the verify session.  

 

You can visually see the tool holder and detect any collisions with stock and fixtures.  Select the Holder button to display the Tool Holder Manager.  When you select or define a tool holder, its name will appear in the field provided.

 

Library

 

Every CAM process plan is considered a tool library. This allows you to use tools from other plans or you can set up a CAM plan to serve as a master tool library. Pick the folder icon to display the CAM Browser. Use it to select a path, VX file and a CAM plan within the file.

 

The name of the plan is shown to the left of the icon and the tool definitions contained in the plan are listed.  When you select a tool from the library list and pick OK, its definition is copied to the active CAM plan.

 

Other Options

 

• OK - Accept the current tool definition and close the form.

• Apply - Apply the current tool definition without closing the form.

• New - Clear all fields to create a new tool definition.

• Reset - Reset the current tool definition to its previous defaults.

• Cancel - Close the form without saving any changes.