Assigning a Tool Element to a Machining Operation

When creating a machining operation, you need to assign a tool or a tool assembly to compute the tool path.

This task shows you how to:

See Also
Creating and Editing a Lathe Tool
Managing Activities in the Activities Process Tree
About Feeds and Speeds

Assign a Tool Element to a Machining Operation

You can assign a tool element such as a tool or tool assembly.

For turning machining operations, you must select an assembly.

Before you begin: In your scenario have tools or tool assemblies.
  1. Create or double-click an existing machining operation and go to the Resource tab.

    Note: When you create a machining operation:
    • The Resource tab is empty if the machining operation is the first in the Activities Process Tree, or if the tool found in the previous machining operation or Tool Change is not compatible with the current machining operation.
    • The Resource tab is populated with the tool of the previous machining operation or Tool Change, when possible.

  2. To select a tool or tool assembly from the manufacturing cell:
    1. Click [...].
      The dialog box lists all the tools and tool assemblies present in the manufacturing cell that are compatible with the machining operation. These options are not configured in other machines and not used in the current machining operation.

      Example: TO End Mill D 10_Product8

    2. Select the tool or assembly you need.

    Note: Alternatively, you can right-click the machining operation and select Assign Tool from File.

  3. Optional: To list and import a tool or tool assembly from a file or catalog, see Listing and Importing Tools or Tool Assemblies.
  4. To search an existing tool or a tool assembly:
    1. Click Select from Database.
    2. Enter a search criteria in the search bar of the Top Bar.

      Advanced Search gives access to more extensive search criteria.

    3. In the search results, select the required tool or tool assembly and click OK.

      Alternatively, you can assign a tool from a session or catalog by clicking Select from Session or Select from Catalaog.

    Whatever the method chosen:
    • The name of the tool or tool assembly is displayed.
    • The icon representing its type is activated, but is not editable.
    • When relevant, the Ball-end tool check box is selected, but is not editable.
    • A representation of the tool or tool assembly with its parameters is displayed, but is not editable.


  5. Optional: Modify the Tool number value and enter a comment.
  6. Create or edit a tool assembly from the Resource tab of the Machining Operation dialog box.

    Note:
    • This icon is visible if Tool Assembly Authoring is checked in Me > Preferences > App Preferences > Simulation > Machining Resources.
    • If a tool assembly is already assigned to an operation, you can either create a new tool assembly or edit an existing one.

  7. Still in the Machining Operation dialog box, edit the local tool gage valve for the tool assembly.

    Note: This option is visible if a tool assembly with a holder has been assigned to the machining operation.

  8. Click to display the tool parameters.
    • The Geometry, Technology, Feeds and Speeds, Attachment and Part Body Color tabs are displayed for information, but are not editable.
    • The Compensation tab is displayed and is editable. See Specifying the Tool Compensation.
  9. Click to display local parameters of the tool in tool magazine.
  10. To finish, click OK.

Assign a Tool from a Multi-Cutter Tool to a Machining Operation

You can assign one lathe tool mounted on a multi-cutter tool to a machining operation.

Before you begin: Create a multi-cutter tool with several tools on it.
  1. In the Activities Process Tree, double-click the operation to which you want to assign the lathe tool.
  2. In the Machining Operation dialog box, select the Resource tab.
  3. Select a multi-cutter tool:
    1. In the Tools tab, click Select a Tool from Database .
    2. Enter a search criteria in the search bar of the Top Bar.
    3. In the search results, select a multi-cutter tool.
      The multi-cutter tool appears in the Assembly field. All the lathe tools mounted on the multi-cutter tool appear in the Tool list.
  4. In the Tool list, select the lathe tool to assign to the machining operation and click OK.

You can assign different tools from the same multi-cutter to different machining operations in the same way. In that case, you must define a new tool change and corrector Id for each tool that you assign to a machining operation.