Indexed tool

Application

Using an indexed tool, several different parameters 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.

Requirement

  • Main tool has been defined

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 parameters 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

To create an indexed tool:

    1. Select the Tables operating mode

    1. Select Tool management

    1. Enable Edit
    2. The control enables tool management for editing.

    1. Select Insert tool
    2. The control opens the Insert tool window.

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

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

    1. Open the Form workspace
    2. Define all possible parameters in the form, including the maximum tool length
    3. Tool parameters

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

    1. Enable the Index check box
    2. The control adds the next free index number for the currently selected tool (e.g., T5.1).

    1. Press OK
    2. The control inserts table row 5.1 with the parameters of the main tool.

    1. Correct all deviating parameters in the form
    2. Tool parameters

    3.  
      Tip

      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, for example the current tool age CUR_TIME. The control describes these parameters separately for each table row.
    • Tool table tool.t

    • When you create an indexed tool, the control will copy the parameters from the previous table row. The previous table row can either be the main tool or an existing indexed tool.
    • Index numbers do not need to be sequential. It is possible, for example, to create the tools T5, T5.1 and T5.3.
    • If you delete a main tool, the control will delete all associated indexed tools as well.
    • If you copy or cut indexed tools only, you can use Append to add the indices to the currently selected tool.
    • Context menu in the Tables operating mode

    • Up to nine indexed tools can be added to each main tool.
    • If you define 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 means, 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.
     
    Tip

    Please ensure that all required parameters 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 rows.

    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