The Assigned Tools Dialog Box (Mill or Lathe)

Introduction

This topic explains the Assigned Tools dialog, describes where to access it, explains the options found in it, and provides links to related topics.

The Assigned Tools dialog

The Assigned Tools dialog box allows you to verify or change the tool number assignments for the posted program before the NC code is post processed. The Tool List shows all tools that are currently in use for all features in the CAM tree. As you create features, the selected tools are automatically added to the Tool List.

Navigation

To access the Assigned Tools dialog box, do one of the following:

 

  • In the CAM Tree, right-click the Tools icon (for example, Milling Tools), and click Verify Tool Assignment.

 

  • From any CAM Wizard Tool page, click Tool Number.

 

The Assigned Tool dialog box displays.

The Assigned Tools Parameters

Tool List

  • Tool Number - displays the assigned tool number that is output for each tool in the posted NC program. The numbering is controlled by the Use Automatic Tool Numbering check box.

  • Tool Diameter - displays the diameter of each tool.

  • Corner Radius - displays the corner radius value of each tool.

  • Tool Type - displays the type of each tool.

  • Tool Label - displays the tool label for each tool.

 

  • Use automatic tool numbering

    Select this check box to allow the system to number the tools in the order that they are used in the posted NC program. This option ignores the tool numbers assigned in the Tool Library.

    Click to clear this check box to manually number all of the tools for the program. Once the check box is cleared, double-click the desired tool row. The tool number box becomes available for you to type a new number. Renumbering tools from this location does not change the number of the tool stored in the Tool Library. With this option, any tools from the Tool Library (called System Tools) use the number assigned to the tool in the Tool Library. Be aware that if you create any tools in a CAM Wizard (called Manual Tools), the software numbers them using the next available tool number at the time created. You must confirm that all tools are using the desired tool number before posting the final NC program. Note that the software can't eliminate duplicate tool numbers when using this method, it is your responsibility.

 

To renumber tools after post processing, revisit this dialog box and make the required changes. Afterward, right-click the job folder (Turning Job or Milling Job), and click Post. The NC program is updated with the new tool numbers.

Related Topics

The CAM Overview

CAM Jobs in the CAM Tree

Tool Page