To achieve precision and accuracy for your projects, SecturaFAB provides a versatile tool file. Let’s discover each column in the tool file.
Required columns in the tool file are:
- Tool ID
- Tool Type
- Description
- Units
- Diameter
- Cutting Feed Rate
Now, let’s define each required column.
1. ToolID (A) is a unique identification number associated with each tool that SecturaFAB will generate automatically in the database for each tool.
2. Tool Type (B) describes how the tool can be used and specifies where it appears in the tool drop down menus in SecturaFAB. If the tool is suitable for various types, duplicate it in the list and clarify its use for each type.
When creating a duplicate tool copy both the ToolID (A) and the Tool Type (B) columns. Let’s look at an example of duplicating a tool.
A 2” face mill can be applied to both a face mill tool type and a bore tool type. When choosing either milling type this tool will be an option available in SecturaFAB. Learn more about tool types in our knowledge base.
3. Description (C) acts as the tool name, this is what will display in tool selection dropdown lists throughout the software.
4. Units (E) are used to dictate the unit of measure for the tool file ensuring an accurate calculation of time.
5. The diameter (I) specifies the size of the tool.
6. Cutting Feed Rate (Q) is the only required value to calculate runtime for a milling tool. This value is defined as units/minute (i.e. Inches Per Minute). Find out more about cutting feed rate in our knowledgebase.
Now, let’s discover the optional columns in the tool file.
Optional columns in the tool file are:
- Comment
- Material
- Taper Angle
- Plunge Feed Rate
- Retract Feed Rate
1. Comment (D) is an optional field that can be used for reporting.
2. Material (H) can be used to constrain the tool to specific materials, or to set up different feed rate values for different material grades. If the tool is unspecified, it can be used with any material and will use the feed rate defined for all materials. To set up a tool for multiple materials, duplicate the tool in the tool file and define multiple materials.
An example of material preference in a tool file could look like this.
3. Taper Angle (K) is an optional field but is important when calculating the depth required for countersink tools. This could impact the plunge and retract distance and have a small impact on the estimated process time.
4. Plunge Feed Rate (T) is an optional feed rate value you can use in your tool file if you would like to control the tools feed rate independently during the time that the tool plunges from the retract distance up until contact is made with the material.
5. Retract Feed Rate (U) is an optional feed rate value you can use in your tool file if you would like to control the tool’s feed rate independently during the time the tool exits the material until it returns to the retract distance.