The Create/Modify Tool Dialog Box

Introduction

The Create/Modify Tool dialog box is used to define new tools or to modify existing tools. It is also used to associate a tool holder, set the tool material type, create custom tools, and to set the speeds and feeds for the tool as the default values for the tool. You can clear the Use System Feeds and speeds check box to define the default feeds and speeds that are used for the tool in all machining operations. Otherwise you can set the tool to use the System Feeds and Speeds that are defined in the Stock Material Library by the Tool Material type. For example, if a tool material is set to carbide, the speeds and feeds come from the carbide settings for the default Stock Material that is selected in the CAM Tree.

Note: The Create/Modify Tool dialog box displays with the name of the tool type that is selected in the Tool Library.

To access the Create/Modify Tool dialog box:

In the Tool Library, after selecting a tool type, click Add (or after selecting a tool, click Modify).

The Mill Tool Parameters

View the Create/Modify Tool dialog box

Assign Custom Tool Geometry

You can create custom tooling (form tools) by assigning the geometry to the tool.

Assign Tool Geometry - closes the dialog box for you to select a custom tool profile from the workspace. To learn more about assigning custom tool geometry, view the Custom Tools topic.

Note: You cannot assign custom tool geometry when accessing the Tool Library from the CAM wizards.

Assign a Default Mill Tool Holder

Assign Tool Holder (Mill and Lathe Drilling) - opens the Milling Tool Holder Library to assign a tool holder to the tool. In the Tool Holder list on the right, select a tool holder/arbor, then click OK. The name of the selected tool holder appears in the Holder Label box. This holder is now the default tool holder for the tool, meaning that it is automatically assigned to the tool when you create an operation with this tool (in the Milling Wizard).

Tool Parameters

The Tool Parameters define the specifications for each tool. The parameters with numbers next to them specify the corresponding part of the tool image displayed on the right. The available parameters vary between tool types. Type all values for the tool that you are modifying or creating in these boxes:

Diameter - sets the diameter of the tool.
Flute Length - sets the length of the flute or the cutting portion of the tool.
Corner Radius - sets the radius at the end of the tool.
Ineffective Number of Threads - sets the ineffective length for tap tools using the number of threads.
Number of Flutes - specifies the number of cutting flutes for the tool.
Overall Length - set the total length of the tool. This value must be greater than the Protrusion Length.

Protrusion Length - is the distance that the tool protrudes from the end of the tool holder.
Tool Number - is the tool number in the Milling Tool Library. If you do not want to use the default tool numbering, type the desired number here.
Tool Label - is the name of the tool in the Tool Library Tool Parameters list. To rename a tool, type the name in this box.
Holder Label - displays the associated tool holder that is selected using Assign Tool Holder. If this box is blank, then no holder is associated.

Feeds and Speeds

Use System Feeds and Speeds

Select this check box to use the system generated feeds and speeds. The system feeds and speeds are created using a combination of the selected tool material and the selected stock material for the job. To learn more, view the Stock Material Library.

Clear this check box to manually enter custom feeds and speeds directly in the dialog box. The parameters become available after the check box is cleared. When you enter values this way, you are defining the default feeds and speeds used for the this tool when you create a machining feature. To elaborate, the values entered here are used for the tool when the Use System Feeds and Speeds check box is selected in the Mill Wizard.

Spindle Speed/RPM - is the spindle speed in revolutions per minute.
Plunge Feedrate - is the feedrate for plunge moves.
Cutting Feedrate - is the feedrate used for cutting moves.

Tool Material

Tool Material - defines the values for Use System Feeds and Speeds. The feed rates for each Tool Material are defined by the default stock material. To learn how to set the default stock material and/or how to set the speeds and feeds for the tool type and/or material, view the Stock Material Library.

The Lathe Tool Parameters

The Lathe Tool and Holder Parameters vary based on the selected tool or type of holder. For more information on a specific tool or holder, click the link below.

LATHE