Each tool has a unique number which equals the line number of the tool management. Each tool ID number is unique.
Tool ID number
Application
Description of function
The tool ID numbers can be defined in a range from 0 to 32,767.
The tool with the number 0 is defined as the zero tool with the length and the radius 0. Upon a TOOL CALL 0, the control unloads the currently used tool and inserts no new tool.
Tool name
Application
A tool name can be assigned in addition to the tool ID number. Contrary to the tool ID number, a tool name is not unique.
Description of function
The tool name allows identifying tools easier within the tool management. To this end, key features can be defined such as the diameter or the type of machining, e. g. MILL_D10_ROUGH.
As tool names are not unique, assign names that clearly identify the tools.
A tool name may contain up to 32 characters.
Permitted characters
You can use the following characters for the tool name:
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 # $ % & , - _ .
When entering lowercase letters, the control will substitute them by uppercase letters upon saving.
Note
- Assign unique tool names!
- Tool that is in the spindle
- Tool that is in the magazine
- Tool that is defined in the tool table but is currently not in the magazine
If you define identical tool names for multiple tools, the control looks for the tool in the following sequence:
Refer to your machine manual.
If there are multiple magazines, the machine manufacturer can specify the search sequence of the tools in the magazines.
If the control, for example, finds multiple available tools in the tool magazine, it inserts the tool with least remaining tool life.
Indexed tool
Application
Using an indexed tool, several different tool data can be stored for one physically available tool. This feature enables indication of a certain point on the tool by means of the NC program which does not necessarily have to correspond with the maximum tool length.
Description of function
Tools with multiple lengths and radii cannot be defined in one line of the tool management table. Additional table lines are required, specifying the full definitions of the indexed tools. The lengths of the indexed tools approach the tool carrier preset as the index rises, starting from the maximum tool length.
- Examples of an application of indexed tools:
- Step drill
- NC center drill
- Cut-off milling cutter or T-slot milling cutter
The tool data of the main tool contain the drill tip, which corresponds to the maximum length. The tool steps are defined are indexed tools. This makes the lengths equal the actual tool dimensions.
The main tool is used for defining the theoretical tool tip as the maximum length. This can be used e. g. for centering. The indexed tool defines a point along the tool tooth. This can be used e. g. for deburring.
The main tool is used for defining the lower point of the cutting edge, which equals the maximum length. The indexed tool defines the upper point of the cutting edge. When using the indexed tool for cutting-off, the specified workpiece height can be directly programmed.
Creating an indexed tool
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Tip The main tool number and an index after the dot define an indexed tool. | ||
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Tip The control does not adopt any main tool data! The lengths of the indexed tools approach the tool carrier preset as the index rises, starting from the maximum tool length. |
Notes
- The control describes some parameters automatically, e. g. the current tool age CUR_TIME. The control describes these parameters separately for each table line.
- Index numbers do not need to be sequential. It is possible e. g. to create the tools T5, T5.1 and T5.3.
- Up to nine indexed tools can be added to each main tool.
When defining a replacement tool RT, this applies to the respective table line exclusively. When an indexed tool is worn and consequently blocked, this also does not apply to all other indices. This ensures e. g. that the main tool can still be used.
Automatically inserting a replacement tool with M101
Example of T-slot milling cutter

In this example, you program a T-slot with dimensions referring to the top and bottom edges as viewed from the coordinates surface. The height of the T-slot is larger than the length of the cutting edge of the tool used. This requires two steps.
- Two tool definitions are required for producing the T-slot.
- The main tool dimension refers to the lower point of the cutting edge, which equals the maximum tool length. This can be used for machining the bottom edge of the T-slot.
- The dimension of the indexed tool refers to the upper point of the cutting edge. This can be used for machining the top edge of the T-slot.
Please ensure that all required tool data are defined both for the main tool and for the indexed tool! In case of a rectangular tool, the radius remains identical in both table lines.
- The T-slot is programmed in two machining steps:
- The 10 mm depth is programmed with the main tool.
- The 5 mm depth is programmed with the indexed tool.
NC programs contained in this User's Manual are suggestions for solutions. The NC programs or individual NC blocks must be adapted before being used on a machine.
- Change the following contents as needed:
- Tools
- Cutting parameters
- Feed rates
- Clearance height or safe position
- Machine-specific positions, e.g. with M91
- Paths of program calls
Some NC programs depend on the machine kinematics. Adapt these NC programs to your machine kinematics before the first test run.
In addition, test the NC programs using the simulation before the actual program run.
With a program test you determine whether the NC program can be used with the available software options, the active machine kinematics and the current machine configuration.
11 TOOL CALL 7 Z S2000 | ; Call the main tool |
12 L X+0 Y+0 Z+10 R0 FMAX | ; Pre-position the tool |
13 L Z-10 R0 F500 | ; Move to machining depth |
14 CALL LBL "CONTOUR" | ; Machine the bottom edge of the T-slot with the main tool |
* - ... | |
21 TOOL CALL 7.1 Z F2000 | ; Call the indexed tool |
22 L X+0 Y+0 Z+10 R0 FMAX | ; Pre-position the tool |
23 L Z-5 R0 F500 | ; Move to machining depth |
24 CALL LBL "CONTOUR" | ; Machine the top edge of the T-slot with the indexed tool |
Example FreeTurn tool
You need the following tool data for a FreeTurn tool:

Integrating information about the point angles P-ANGLE and the tool length ZL, e.g. FT1_35-35-35_100, into the tool name is recommended.
Icon and parameter | Meaning | Intended use |
---|---|---|
Tool length 1 | The tool length ZL equals the total tool length, relating to the tool carrier preset. | |
Tool length 2 | The tool length XL equals the difference between the spindle center and the tool tip of the tooth. XL must always be defined as a negative value with FreeTrun tools. | |
Tool length 3 | The tool length YL is always 0 with FreeTurn tools. | |
Cutting radius | You can take the radius RS from the tool catalog. | |
Lathe tool type | You select between a rough-turning tool (ROUGH) and finishing tool (FINISH). | |
Tool orientation | The tool orientation TO is always 18 with FreeTurn tools. ![]() | |
ORI | Angle of orientation | The angle of orientation ORI defines the offset of the single teeth with respect to one another. If the first tooth has the value 0, define the second tooth of symmetrical tools at 120 and the third tooth at 240. |
Point angle | You can get the point angle P-ANGLE from the tool catalog. | |
Cutting-edge length | You can get the tooth length CUTLENGTH from the tool catalog. | |
Toolcarrier kinematics | Using the optional tool-carrier kinematics, the control can monitor e.g. the tool for collisions Assign the same kinematics to each single tooth. |
Tool types
Application
Depending on the selected tool type, the control displays the editable tool data in the tool management.
Related topics
- Editing the tool data in the tool management
Description of function
A number is additionally assigned to each tool type.
The following tool types can be selected in the TYPE column of the tool management:
Icon | Tool type | Number |
---|---|---|
Milling cutter (MILL) | 0 | |
Rough cutter (MILL_R) | 9 | |
Finishing cutter (MILL_F) | 10 | |
Ball-nose cutter (BALL) | 22 | |
Toroid cutter (TORUS) | 23 | |
Drill (DRILL) | 1 | |
Tap (TAP) | 2 | |
NC center drill (CENT) | 4 | |
Turning tool (TURN) | 29 | |
Touch probe (TCHP) | 21 | |
Reamer (REAM) | 3 | |
Countersink (CSINK) | 5 | |
Piloted counterbore (TSINK) | 6 | |
Boring tool (Bor) | 7 | |
Back boring tool (BCKBOR) | 8 | |
Thread miller (GF) | 1 | |
Thread miller with chamfer (GSF) | 16 | |
Thread mill with single thread (EP) | 17 | |
Thread mill with indexable insert (WSP) | 18 | |
Thread drilling/milling cutter (BGF) | 19 | |
Circular thread mill (ZBGF) | 20 | |
Grinding wheel (GRIND) | 30 | |
Dressing tool (DRESS) | 31 |
These tool types allow filtering the tools in the tool management.
Subgroups of technology-specific tool types
In the SUBTYPE column of the tool management, a technology-specific tool type can be defined, depending on the selected tool type. The control offers the column SUBTYPE for the TURN, GRIND and DRESS tool types. Specify the tool type more precisely within these technologies.
Types within the turning tools
Select between the types below within the turning tools:
Icon | Tool type | Number |
---|---|---|
Rough-turning tool (ROUGH) | 11 | |
Finish-turning tool (FINISH) | 12 | |
Thread-turning tool (THREAD) | 14 | |
Recessing tool (RECESS) | 15 | |
Button tool (BUTTON) | 21 | |
Recess-turning tool (RECTURN) | 26 |
Types within the grinding tools
Select between the types below within the grinding tools:
Icon | Tool type | Number |
---|---|---|
Grinding pin (GRIND_M) | 1 | |
Special grinding pin (GRIND_MS) | 2 | |
Cup wheel (GRIND_MT) | 3 | |
Straight wheel (GRIND_S) Currently no function | 26 | |
Slant wheel (GRIND_A) Currently no function | 27 | |
Facing wheel (GRIND_P) Currently no function | 28 |
Types within the dressing tools
Select between the types below within the dressing tools:
Icon | Tool type | Number |
---|---|---|
Profile dresser (DIAMOND) | 101 | |
Horn-type dresser (HORNED) Currently no function | 102 | |
Dressing spindle (SPINDLE) | 103 | |
Dressing plate (PLATE) | 110 | |
Dressing roll (ROLL) | 120 |
Tool data for the tool types
Application
The tool data provide the control with all information necessary for calculating and checking the required movements.
The necessary data depend on the technology and the tool type.
Related topics
- Editing the tool data in the tool management
- Tool types
Description of function
- Some of the necessary tool data can be determined using the following options:
- You can measure your tools in the machine (e. g., with a tool touch probe) or externally with a tool presetter.
- Take further tool information from the manufacturer’s tool catalog, e. g. the material or the number of teeth.
Touch Probe Cycles: Automatic Tool Measurement
In the tables below, the relevance of the parameters is sub-divided into the optional, recommended and required categories.
- The control takes recommended parameters into account for at least one of the functions below:
- Simulation
- Machining or touch probe cycles
- Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM, option 40)
Programmable Touch Probe Cycles
Tool data for milling and drilling tools
The control offers the following parameters for milling and drilling tools:
Icon and parameter | Meaning | Intended use |
---|---|---|
Length | Required for all milling and drilling tool types | |
Radius | Required for all milling and drilling tool types | |
Radius 2 |
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Delta value of length | Optional The control describes this parameter in connection with touch probe cycles. | |
Delta value of radius | Optional The control describes this parameter in connection with touch probe cycles. | |
Delta value of radius 2 | Optional The control describes this parameter in connection with touch probe cycles. | |
Tooth length | Recommended | |
Tooth width | Recommended | |
Useful length | Recommended | |
Neck radius | Recommended | |
Plunge angle |
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Thread pitch |
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Point angle |
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Maximum spindle speed | Optional |
- All tool types listed in the TYPE column are milling and drilling tools except for:
- Touch probe
- Turning tool
- Grinding wheel
- Dressing tool
- The parameters are described in the tool table.
Tool data for turning tools (option 50)
The control offers the following parameters for turning tools:
Icon and parameter | Meaning | Intended use |
---|---|---|
Tool length 1 | Required for all turning tool types | |
Tool length 2 | Required for all turning tool types | |
Tool length 3 | Required for all turning tool types | |
Cutting radius |
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Lathe tool type | Required for all turning tool types | |
Tool orientation | Required for all turning tool types | |
Delta value of tool length 1 | Optional The control describes this value in connection with touch probe cycles. | |
Delta value of tool length 2 | Optional The control describes this value in connection with touch probe cycles. | |
Delta value of tool length 3 | Optional The control describes this value in connection with touch probe cycles. | |
Delta value of cutter radius | Optional The control describes this value in connection with touch probe cycles. | |
Delta value of cutter width | Optional The control describes this value in connection with touch probe cycles. | |
ORI | Angle of orientation | Required for all turning tool types |
Tool angle |
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Point angle |
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Cutting-edge length | Recommended | |
Tooth width |
Recommended for the other turning tool types | |
Angular offset | Required for all turning tool types |
- The TYPE column of the Turning tool tool type as well as the associated technology-specific tool types in the TYPE column define turning tools.
- The parameters are described in the turning tool table.
Types within the turning tools
Tool data for grinding tools (option 156)
The control offers the following parameters for grinding tools:
Icon and parameter | Meaning | Intended use |
---|---|---|
Grinding tool type | Required for all grinding tool types | |
Radius | Required for all grinding tool types After initial dressing, this value can only be read. | |
Overhang |
After initial dressing, this value can only be read. | |
Overall length |
After initial dressing, this value can only be read. | |
Length to the inner edge | Required for the Special grinding pin grinding tool type After initial dressing, this value can only be read. | |
Width |
After initial dressing, this value can only be read. | |
Depth of grinding tool | Required for the Cup wheel grinding tool type After initial dressing, this value can only be read. | |
ALPHA | Slant angle | Required for the Special grinding pin grinding tool type
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GAMMA | Corner angle |
Unchangeable default value for the Grinding pin 90° tool type |
Radius at the edge for L-OVR |
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Radius at the edge for LO |
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Radius at the edge for LI | Optional for the Special grinding pin grinding tool type | |
HW | Wheel has a relief cut | Required for the Cup wheel grinding tool type Optional for the remaining grinding tool types |
Angle for a relief cut on the inner edge | Required for the Cup wheel grinding tool type Optional for the remaining grinding tool types | |
Angle for a relief cut on the outer edge | Required for the Cup wheel grinding tool type Optional for the remaining grinding tool types | |
INIT_D_OK | Initial dressing | Required for all grinding tool types The control activates the checkbox after initial dressing. The checkbox can be cleared, which will require another initial dressing process. |
Delta value of radius | This value can be changed only by cycles. | |
Delta value of overhang | This value can be changed only by cycles. | |
Delta value of total length | This value can be changed only by cycles. | |
Delta value of length up to the inner edge | This value can be changed only by cycles. | |
Default value of diameter dressing counter | Optional | |
Default value of outer edge dressing counter | Optional | |
Default value of inner edge dressing counter | Optional | |
Diameter dressing counter | The control increments this value. | |
Outer edge dressing counter | The control increments this value. | |
Inner edge dressing counter | The control increments this value. | |
Radius of the tool shank | Optional | |
Min. permissible radius | Optional | |
Min. permissible width | Optional | |
Maximum permissible cutting speed | Optional | |
Retraction amount at the diameter | Required for all grinding tool types | |
Retraction amount at the outer edge | Required for all grinding tool types | |
Retraction amount at the inner edge | Required for all grinding tool types |
- The TYPE column of the Grinding wheel tool type as well as the associated technology-specific tool types in the TYPE column define grinding tools.
- The parameters are described in the grinding tool table.
Types within the grinding tools
Tool data for dressing tools (option 156)
The control offers the following parameters for dressing tools:
Icon and parameter | Meaning | Intended use |
---|---|---|
Tool length 1 | Required for dressing tool types | |
Tool length 2 | Required for all dressing tool types | |
Tool length 3 | Required for all dressing tool types | |
Cutting radius |
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CUTWIDTH | Width of tooth |
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Dressing tool type | Required for all dressing tool types | |
Tool orientation | Required for all dressing tool types | |
Delta value of tool length 1 | Optional | |
Delta value of tool length 2 | Optional | |
Delta value of tool length 3 | Optional | |
Delta value of cutter radius | Optional | |
N-DRESS | Tool speed |
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- The TYPE column of the Dressing tool tool type as well as the associated technology-specific tool types in the TYPE column define dressing tools.
- The parameters are described in the dressing tool table.
Types within the dressing tools
Tool data for touch probes
The control offers the following parameters for touch probes:
Icon and parameter | Meaning | Intended use |
---|---|---|
Length | Required | |
Radius | Required | |
TP_NO | Number in the touch probe table | Required |
Type of touch probe | Required | |
Probing feed rate | Required | |
Rapid traverse in probing cycle | Optional | |
Pre-positioning at rapid traverse | Required | |
Orienting the touch probe in each probing process | Required | |
Trigger NCSTOP or EMERGSTOP in case of collision | Required | |
Set-up clearance | Recommended | |
Maximum measuring range | Recommended | |
Center offset in the main axis | Required if TRACK = ON The control describes this value in connection with the calibration cycle. | |
Center offset in the secondary axis | Required if TRACK = ON The control describes this value in connection with the calibration cycle. | |
Spindle angle during calibration | Required if TRACK = OFF |
- The TYPE column of the Touch probe tool type as well as the touch probe model in the TYPE column define touch probes.
- The parameters are described in the touch probe table.