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.
Application
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.
- 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 for centering, for example. The indexed tool defines a point along the tool tooth. This can be used for deburring, for example.
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 row.
- 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

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 of a 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 FreeTurn 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 the tool for collisions, for example. Assign the same kinematics to each single tooth. |