Creating Tool Changes

You can create tool changes using several methods.

This task shows you how to:

Before you begin: Tools must exist.

Create a Tool Change while Creating a Machining Operation

You can create a tool change while creating a machining operation.

In the dialog box of the machining operation, select the Tool tab and assign a tool to the machining operation.
  • If the machining operation is the first in the Manufacturing Program, a Tool Change is created.
  • If the machining operation uses the same tool as the previous existing machining operation, no Tool Change is created (both machining operations share the same Tool Change).
  • If the machining operation uses a different tool, a Tool Change is created.

Notes:
  • For multi-cutter tools, you must create a tool change for the multi-cutter tool and for each tool of the multi-cutter that you assign to a new machining operation.
  • To assign another tool, use the context menu of the Tool Change.

Generate Tool Changes in a Manufacturing Program

You can automatically generate missing tool changes in a Manufacturing Program.

  1. From the Programming section, select Generate Tool Changes and select a Manufacturing Program in the Activities Process Tree.
    The required Tool Changes are added to the Manufacturing Program according to the rules described above.
  2. Right-click the Manufacturing Program and select Delete Generated Tool Changes to delete them.

Edit a Tool Change

You can edit a tool change after its creation.

  1. Double-click a tool change in the Activities Process Tree.
    The tool change dialog box is displayed.
  2. Optional: Edit the proposed name.
  3. Optional: Enter a comment.
  4. In the Tool tab, select another Assembly or another tool, or modify the Tool number. When available, edit compensation and technology parameters.
    The representation of the tool is updated.
  5. When a multi-slide lathe machine is associated to the Manufacturing Program, use the Mounting Station list to mount the assembly or the tool on the selected turret station (if any).
  6. Optional: Select the Display geometrical parameters in 3D check box.
  7. Optional: Select the Display tool check box and choose an option (default or user-defined position).
  8. Select the PP word syntaxes tab and define PP instructions as explained in Inserting Post-Processor Instructions.