A correct definition on the cutting limits will ensure that the tool is correctly selected by the software and that the physical limits of the tools are respected avoiding errors or crashed on the g code.
Each group of tools has a different set of settings. Explore the groups below for examples and detailed information about what the settings mean.
Facing tools
Maximum Z reach
As the name suggests, this value corresponds to the maximum reach of the tool in the Z axis. If a profile is longer than this value, the tool will not be selected. See image below for clarification.
Front groove tools
Maximum X reach
Often also defined as the plunge ability, defines in radius how depth the tool can reach after its tip. See image below for clarification.
If a profile has a geometry where a higher reach in X is needed, the g code will show a warning and the machining geometry limited, but the tool can still be selected to produce the desired part.
Tool dimension
The tool dimension is the measured tool size. This dimension will be used by the g code generator, for example to limit the retract movement so that the tool does not collide with the machined material. See image below for clarification.
Inside tools
Maximum X reach
Often also defined as the plunge ability, defines in radius how depth the tool can reach after its tip. See image below for clarification.
If a profile has a geometry where a higher reach in X is needed, the g code will show a warning and the machining geometry limited, but the tool can still be selected to produce the desired part.
Maximum Z reach
As the name suggests, this value corresponds to the maximum reach of the tool in the Z axis. If a profile is longer than this value, the tool will not be selected. See image below for clarification.
Tool dimension
The tool dimension is the measured tool size. This dimension will be used by the g code generator, for example to limit the retract movement so that the tool does not collide with the machined material. See image below for clarification.
Minimum material diameter allowed
This value defines the minimum material where a determined tool can be applied. Value can be zero, meaning that the tool can machine solid materials. If a material is selected with the inside diameter less than this setting, the tool will not be used. Note that if a drill is used, the g code generator will use that information, and can still choose the tool. See image below for clarification.
Minimum machined diameter
This value defines the effective value, in diameter, that the tool can machine. This value must be equal or greater than the tool dimension setting. If a determined profile geometry is less than this setting, the tool will be rejected. See image below for clarification.
Outside tools
Maximum X reach
Often also defined as the plunge ability, defines in radius how depth the tool can reach after its tip. See image below for clarification.
If a profile has a geometry where a higher reach in X is needed, the g code will show a warning and the machining geometry limited, but the tool can still be selected to produce the desired part.
Maximum Z reach
As the name suggests, this value corresponds to the maximum reach of the tool in the Z axis. If a profile is longer than this value, the tool will not be selected. See image below for clarification.
Part off tools
Maximum X reach
Often also defined as the plunge ability, defines in radius how depth the tool can reach after its tip. See image below for clarification.
If a profile has a geometry where a higher reach in X is needed, the g code will show a warning and the machining geometry limited, but the tool can still be selected to produce the desired part.
Maximum Z reach
As the name suggests, this value corresponds to the maximum reach of the tool in the Z axis. If a profile is longer than this value, the tool will not be selected. See image below for clarification.
Minimum groove width
This value corresponds to the minimum groove width where the tool should be used. If the groove is smaller than the value, the tool is rejected. For example, the user could have a tool with width = 2mm, but might have interest in using it only in grooves starting at 2.5mm. In this case, the value 2.5 should be entered on this property. See image below for clarification.
Tool width
This value defines the measured tool width. See image below for clarification.
Minimum width delta
This value defines the value that after the first plunge the tool should move to make the next plunge. See image below for clarification.
Hi
Is there a way to back up the Tool Database in a USB drive so that we can later import it to the database after some regular updates in which there is a note to check tool cutting limits. It would be good to add that feature (saving to USB) in Tool Database so that we (users) have all the machining data that worked before the update.
It is possible to save in two different ways: 1) Only your machine configuration that will also include the tool database – see https://www.fastseal.eu/blog/files-of-a-machine-configuration/. 2) Database backup – that will also include your machine configuration if needed – see https://www.fastseal.eu/blog/database-settings-automatic-backup/