Tool carrier management

Application

Tool carrier management allows parameterizing and assigning tool carriers.

The control represents the tool carriers graphically in the simulation and takes the tool carriers into account by calculation, e. g. in Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM, option 40).

Description of function

 
Tip

If you are using M3D or STL files instead of tool carrier templates, you can assign the files directly to the tools. The parameterization step is superfluous here.

  • Tool carriers in STL format must meet the following requirements:
  • Max. 20 000 triangles
  • Triangular mesh forms a closed shell

If an STL file does not meet the requirements of the control, then the control issues an error message.

For tool carriers, the same requirements with respect to STL and M3D files apply as for fixtures.

Options for fixture files

Tool-carrier templates

Many tool carriers only differ from others in terms of their dimensions, but their geometric shape is identical. HEIDENHAIN provides ready-to-use tool carrier templates for downloading. Tool carrier templates are 3D models with fixed geometries but changeable dimensions.

Tool carrier templates must be stored as files with a *.cft file name extension in the TNC:\system\Toolkinematics directory.

 
Tip

They can be downloaded through the following link:

http://www.klartext-portal.com/nc-solutions/en

If you need further tool carrier templates, please contact your machine manufacturer or third-party vendor.

The tool carrier templates can be parametrized in the ToolHolderWizard window. This defines the tool carrier dimensions.

Parameterizing tool carrier templates

The parametrized tool carriers with the *.cfx extension are saved at TNC:\system\Toolkinematics.

The ToolHolderWizard window contains the following icons:

Icon

Function

exit

Close the application

open

Open file

hidden_edges

Switch between wire frame model and solid object view

shaded

Switch between shaded and transparent view

vektor

Display or hide transformation vectors

Kommentar

Show or hide names of collision objects

Prüfpunkt

Display or hide test points

Messpunkt

Show or hide measurement points

Startansicht

Restore initial view

ViewTop

Select alignment, e.g. plan view

Parameterizing tool carrier templates

  1. To parameterize a tool carrier template:
FileManagerMainIcon

  1. Select the Files operating mode

  1. Open the TNC:\system\Toolkinematics folder
  2. Double-tap or -click desired tool carrier template with the *.cft extension
  3. The control opens the ToolHolderWizard window.

  1. Define the dimensions in the Parameter area
  2. Define a name with the *.cfx extension in the Output file area

  1. Select Generate file
  2. The control shows the message that the tool carrier template was successfully generated and saves the file in the folder TNC:\system\Toolkinematics.

  1. Select OK
exit

  1. Select Quit

Assigning a tool carrier

  1. To assign a tool carrier to a tool:
TablesMainIcon

  1. Select the Tables operating mode

  1. Select Tool management
  2. Select the tool you want to use
SF_3_Editieren

  1. Activate Edit

  1. In the Spec. functions panel, select the KINEMATIC parameter
  2. The control displays the available tool carriers in the Tool-carrier kinematics window.
  3. Select the desired tool carrier
SF_4_24_11_GO_TO_OK

  1. Select OK
  2. The control assigns the tool carrier to the tool.
 
Tip
  • The tool carrier will only be taken into account after the next tool call.
  • Parameterized tool carriers can consist of several subfiles. If the subfiles are incomplete, the control will display an error message.
  • Only use fully parameterized tool carriers and error-free STL or M3D files!

    For tool carriers, the same requirements with respect to STL and M3D files apply as for fixtures.

    Fixture monitoring (option 40)

Notes

  • In the simulation, the tool carriers can be checked for collisions with the workpiece.
  • Advanced checks in the simulation

  • On 3-axis machines with rectangular angle heads, tool carriers of angle heads are advantageous in connection with the tool axes X and Y because the control takes the dimensions of the angle heads into account.
  • HEIDENHAIN recommends machining with tool axis Z. Using Advanced Functions Set 1 (software option 8), you can tilt the working plane to the angle of exchangeable angle heads and continue working with tool axis Z.

  • The control monitors the tool carriers by means of Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM, option 40). This enables the tool carriers to protect against collisions with fixtures or machine components.
  • Dynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM, option 40)

  • A grinding tool that is to be dressed must not contain any tool carrier kinematics (option 156).