Assigning Tools in the Mill Turn Tool Crib
Assigning a Tool to an Operation from the CAM Wizard
There are two important scenarios to understand when assigning tools to operations in the CAM wizards. The way you use the tool crib depends on how you create the job. The software allows you to work to your own preferences, but it is important to understand the differences between each method so you know the expected result.
Method 1) Load Tool Crib Before Creating Features
The optimal use of the tool crib is obtained when you load and mount all tools for the job before creating features. When loading the tool crib first, the software can automatically assign the appropriate tools as you create machining features. As you update the tool parameters in the wizard, the software checks the tool crib and assigns the appropriate tool type based on matching parameters. This method also allows you to easily select the tool right from the tool crib.
Method 1 Steps
To assign a tool to an operation when it is already loaded into the tool crib and mounted:
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In the tool page of the CAM wizard, you can use either one of the following:
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Update the tool parameters to have the software check the tool crib and assign a matching tool (and skip remaining steps).
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Click the Tool Crib button to select the tool from the tool crib (and proceed to step 2).
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You can select the tool in the tools list or select the tool in the device tree (selecting the tool in one place automatically selects it in the other).
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Click OK in the Tool Crib to assign the selected tool to the operation.
Method 2) Tool Crib is Not Loaded Before Creating Features
If you do not load the tool crib before creating features, you can manually assign tools as you create machining features. With this method, you can update the tool parameters in the wizard and allow the software to check the tool library for a matching tool, but you must still open the tool crib to mount all tools before posting or simulating the program.
Important: With Method 2, when you assign tools that are not mounted in the tool crib, they are placed under the Loose tools category in the tool crib device tree. All loose tools must be mounted before you can simulate or post a program. You can mount all loose tools after creating machining features, but generally you should mount each tool as you assign it (as you create features).
Method 2 Steps
To assign a tool to an operation when it is not previously loaded into the tool crib:
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In the tool page of the CAM wizard, update the tool parameters to have the software check the tool library and assign a matching tool. (Note that the tool crib is checked before the tool library, but with method 2 we haven't loaded any tools in the tool crib. It is important that you have all your tools properly defined in the tool library.)
Alternatively, you can skip step 1 and go directly to step 2. -
Click the Tool Crib button.
Tip: With Method 2, all tools in the feature (one per operation), are placed under Loose tools in the device tree. You can then mount the loose tools to use for the feature, or you can add new tools to replace them. Note that you can mount all tools for the feature, but the final step is to assign the tool for the current operation only.
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The next step is to mount the tool to the appropriate station of the machine's tool device. If an adapter is needed to mount the tool to the station, you add the adapter to the station first.
Note: When you open the tool crib from the CAM wizard, the device tree displays only the tool device for the selected submachine. (Submachine selection is on the Posting page of the wizard.)
You can either right-click a station in the device tree to access a shortcut menu for adding tools and/or adapters, or you can click to select the station and then click the Add From Tool Library or Add From Adapter Library button.
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Next you define the parameters for the tool (and adapter if applicable) to create the proper mounting orientation.
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Finally, click to select the tool in either the tools list or the device tree, and click OK. (You can filter the tools list by selecting a Tool Category on the lower-left side of the tool crib.)
The tool that you select before clicking OK is assigned to the current operation.
Replacing an Assigned Tool
There are two ways to replace a currently assigned tool in the Mill Turn Tool Crib. The method you use depends on how many operations use the currently assigned tool and whether you want to change the tool for all operations or a single operation.
Change Tool
The Change Tool command is used to replace an assigned tool for all operations that use it. The steps to use this method are described next. (This method can be used regardless of how many operations the tool is assigned to, but it is important to understand that it replaces the tool in all operations that use it.)
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You can open the tool crib from the CAM Tree or from an operation in the CAM Wizard.
(In the CAM Tree, right-click Mill TurnTools, and click Tool Crib, or from any Tool page in the CAM wizards, click the Tool Crib button.) -
In the device tree, right-click the tool name that you want to change, and click Change Tool.
A message displays to confirm that you want to replace the tool in all operations that use it. -
If you want to change the tool for all operations, click Yes to continue and select a new tool in the Tool Library.
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Click OK in the Tool Library to replace the current tool assignment.
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If the tool is assigned to more than one operation and you only want to replace it for a single operation, click No in the message dialog box. You can then use the Replace a Tool for a Single Operation steps listed next.
Replace a Tool for a Single Operation
The process of replacing an assigned tool for a single operation simply requires that you open the tool crib from the operation to which the tool is assigned. The general process is explained next. (Note that if a tool is only assigned to one operation, then you can use either the Change Tool method or the following method.)
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To replace an assigned tool in the tool crib, right-click the Feature name in the CAM Tree, and click Edit.
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Navigate to the Tool page of the operation for which you want to replace the currently assigned tool, and click the Tool Crib button.
If needed, you can add a new tool and mount it before assigning it to the operation. -
Select another tool in the device tree or the tools list, and click OK to replace the currently assigned tool.
