The tool usage test allows checking the tools used in the NC program before starting the program. The control checks if the tools used are available in the machine magazine and have sufficient remaining tool life. Any missing tools can be stored in the machine or tools can be exchanged due to insufficient remaining tool life before starting the program. This avoids interruptions while the program is running.
Application
Related topics
- Contents of the tool usage file
- Tool usage test in Batch Process Manager (option 154)
Requirement
- A tool usage file is needed for performing a tool usage test
- The Generate tool-usage file function setting is set to either once or always
- Use the same tool table for the simulation as for the program run
The machine manufacturer uses the machine parameter createUsageFile (no. 118701) to define whether the Generate tool-usage file function is enabled.
Description of function
Creating the tool usage file
A tool usage file must be generated for performing the tool usage test.
- When setting the Generate tool-usage file setting to once or always, the control will generate a tool usage file in the following cases:
- Simulating the NC program completely
- Executing the NC program completely
- Select Generate tool usage file in the Tool check column of the Program workspace
The control saves the tool usage file with the *.t.dep extension in the same folder where the NC program is stored.
Tool check column in the Program workspace

- In the Tool check column of the Program workspace, the control displays the following areas:
- Tool usage
- Tool check
Tool usage area
The Tool usage area is empty before generating a tool usage file.
- The control displays the chronological order of all tool calls in the Tool usage area, along with the following information:
- Path of NC program in which the tool is called
- Tool number and possibly tool name
- Row number of tool call in NC program
- Tool usage time between the tool changes
Tool check area
Before performing a tool usage test with the Tool check button, the Tool check area has no content.
Performing the tool usage test
- When performing the tool usage test, the control checks the following:
- The tool is defined in the tool management
- The tool is defined in the pocket table
- The tool has sufficient remaining tool life
The control checks if the remaining tool life TIME1 minus CUR_TIME is sufficient for the machining process. To meet this requirement, the remaining tool life must be longer than the tool usage time WTIME from the tool usage file.
- The control displays the following information in the Tool check area:
- OK: All tools are available and have sufficient remaining tool life
- No suitable tool: The tool is not defined in the tool management
- External tool: The tool is defined in the tool management, but not in the pocket table
- Insufficient remaining tool life: The tool is blocked or does not have sufficient remaining tool life
In this case, check if the correct tool is selected in the tool call. Otherwise, create the tool in the tool management.
If your machine is equipped with a magazine, position the missing tool in the magazine.
Change the tool or use a replacement tool.
If you double-tap or click a tool entry in the Tool usage or Tool check areas, the control switches to the tool selected in tool management. You can make modifications as needed.
Performing the tool usage test
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Notes
- If you selected never in the Generate tool-usage file function, the Generate tool usage file button in the Tool check column is grayed out.
- The Simulation settings window allows selecting when the control generates a tool usage file for the simulation.
- The control creates dependency files (*.dep); for example, the tool-usage file in order to perform a tool usage test.
- The control displays the order of tool calls of the NC program that is active in the program run in the T usage order table (option 93).
- The control shows an overview of all tool calls of the NC program that are active in the program run in the Tooling list table (option 93).
- Function FN 18: SYSREAD ID975 NR1 allows querying the tool usage test for an NC program.
- Function FN 18: SYSREAD ID975 NR2 IDX allows querying the tool usage test for a pallet table. The pallet table row is defined by IDX.
- The machine manufacturer uses the machine parameter autoCheckPrg (no. 129801) to define whether the control automatically generates a tool usage file upon selecting an NC program.
- The machine manufacturer uses the machine parameter autoCheckPal (no. 129802) to define whether the control automatically generates a tool usage file upon selecting a pallet table.
- In the machine parameter dependentFiles (no. 122101), the machine manufacturer defines whether the control displays dependency files with the *.dep extension in the file manager. Even if the control displays no dependency files, it still generates a tool usage file.