Milling equipment in SecturaFAB is powered by a tool file. Let’s explore how.
1. Cutting times in SecturaFAB are calculated by dividing the cut length by the feed rate of the machine. In this example, we know the feed rate is constant at 120 inches per minute. The cut length is 1260 inches.
Let’s discover how to calculate the feed rate if it is unknown.
1. Use this calculator tool to calculate the feed rate based on the tool’s other attributes such as cutting feed and spindle speed.
2. Begin by filling in the cutting feed and spindle feed. In this example, the cutting feed is 0.0700 inches per minute (IPM). The spindle speed is 3000 rotations per minute (RPM). The feed rate calculates to 210 inches per minute (IPM).
If you don’t know your tools spindle speed or cutting feed the calculator tool will help you calculate those values as well.
Now, let’s apply the feed rate to the tool file.
1. Select “Equipment” from the Production settings menu.
2. Highlight milling equipment. In this example, we will use the equipment named “Mill.” Select “Edit.”
3. Select “Edit” on the tool file to open the CSV in a new tab.
4. Ensure all required columns are present and headers match the SecturaFAB syntax. Learn more about tool file columns in our knowledge base.
5. Fill in the cutting feed rate.
6. To apply a different feed rate based on material, duplicate the tool and change the material code in the “Material” column. If this only pertains to some tools you may leave the tools without material requirements blank or “unspecified” and that lookup will be used for all materials processed with that tool.