Indexed tool

Application

Using an indexed tool, several different sets of 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 row of the tool management table. Additional table rows are required, specifying the full definitions of the indexed tools. The lengths of the indexed tools, starting from the maximum tool length, approach the tool carrier preset as the index increases.

Tool carrier reference point

Creating an indexed tool

  • Examples of an application of indexed tools:
  • Step drill
  • 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.

  • NC center drill
  • The main tool is used for defining the theoretical tool tip as the maximum length. This can be used for centering, for example. The indexed tool defines a point along the tool tooth. This can be used for deburring, for example.

  • Cut-off milling cutter or T-slot milling cutter
  • 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

  1. To create an indexed tool:
TablesMainIcon

  1. Select the Tables operating mode

  1. Select Tool management
SF_3_Editieren

  1. Activate Edit
  2. The control enables tool management for editing.
SF_3_Werkzeug_einfuegen

  1. Select Insert tool
  2. The control opens the Insert tool pop-up window.

  1. Define the tool type
  2. Define the tool number of the main tool (e.g., T5)
SF_4_24_11_GO_TO_OK

  1. Press OK
  2. The control adds table row 5.

  1. Define all necessary tool data including the maximum tool length.
  2. Tool data for the tool types

SF_3_Werkzeug_einfuegen

  1. Select Insert tool
  2. The control opens the Insert tool pop-up window.

  1. Define the tool type
  2. Define the tool number of the indexed tool (e.g., T5.1)
  3.  
    Tip

    The main tool number and an index after the dot define an indexed tool.

SF_4_24_11_GO_TO_OK

  1. Press OK
  2. The control adds table row 5.1.

  1. Define all required tool data
  2. Tool data for the tool types

     
    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.

    Tool carrier reference point

Notes

  • The control describes some parameters automatically (e.g., the current tool age CUR_TIME). The control describes these parameters separately for each table row.
  • Tool table tool.t

  • Index numbers do not need to be sequential. It is possible, for example, 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 row exclusively. When an indexed tool is worn and consequently blocked, this also does not apply to all other indices. This ensures, for example, that the main tool can still be used.

    Automatically inserting a replacement tool with M101

Example of T-slot milling cutter

Index_Wkz

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.
 
Tip

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.

 
Tip

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 of a FreeTurn tool

You need the following tool data for a FreeTurn tool:

FreeTurn-Schlicht
FreeTurn tool with three finishing teeth
 
Tip

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

ZL
ZL

Tool length 1

The tool length ZL equals the total tool length, relating to the tool carrier preset.

Presets on the tool

XL
XL

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 FreeTurn tools.

Presets on the tool

YL
YL

Tool length 3

The tool length YL is always 0 with FreeTurn tools.

RS
RS

Cutting radius

You can take the radius RS from the tool catalog.

Type
TYPE

Lathe tool type

You select between a rough-turning tool (ROUGH) and finishing tool (FINISH).

Subgroups of technology-specific tool types

TO
TO

Tool orientation

The tool orientation TO is always 18 with FreeTurn tools.

tooltype_large_finish_18
Ori

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.

PAngleTurn
P-ANGLE

Point angle

You can get the point angle P-ANGLE from the tool catalog.

Cutlength
CUTLENGTH

Cutting-edge length

You can get the tooth length CUTLENGTH from the tool catalog.

KINEMATIC

Tool­carrier kinematics

Using the optional tool-carrier kinematics, the control can monitor the tool for collisions, for example. Assign the same kinematics to each single tooth.