Edit Tool Holder (Turn)

This command is used to create curves that represent custom tool shapes that are a combination of the tool tip and the corresponding holder. Each shape is directly associated to an existing tool that is either stored in one of the tool databases or in the current part file. When the Display Holder option on the Cutting Data dialog is checked, you can use the Simulate Tool command to verify tool movements together with the corresponding tool holder.

Tool holder shapes are created as any other contour in the EZCAM system. First you create the tool/holder profile using the numerous geometry commands. Then use this geometry as an aid to create the tool holder curve.

Rules that apply to Tool Holder Curves:

• The profile must be closed

• Profile direction must be CCW (counter-clockwise)

• Self-Intersections within the profile are not allowed

• The start point can be placed anywhere along the profile

Procedure of how to create a new tool holder shape:

1. Create the geometry that represents to tool holder profile. It is important that the center of the tool tip radius is located at the X0/Z0 position of the "World" coordinate system.
   
   
   
   
   
    

2. Select the Edit Tool Holder command from the Curves Menu. This opens the Select Tool dialog.

The dialog gives you several options to select a tool:

l   If a database is loaded, simply select the desired tool from the list and press the Select button. Use the Change button if you want to switch libraries, or Tool Library in case you want to create a new tool before defining the associated tool holder.

Please note that changing any tool setting (holder profile, angles, etc.) directly in the database does not automatically update the tool data in already existing work steps that use these particular tools. Toolpath verification and 3D Preview would still display the old tool holder/tool tip information. To update the work step information, you need to reload the tool from the database for every affected work step by using the Select Tool button located on the Tool Info tab of the Work Step Data dialog.

l   Use the Cur WkStp'sTool button to select the tool from the current Work Step. Please note that the new holder profile is only stored in the current work step, not in the database.

When a tool has been selected, the caption of the Curve Status button on the lower part of the screen changes to "Tool:" and displays the ID of the selected tool as shown in the example below.

3. Use the Linear, Arc, Chain or any other curve creation command from the Curves menu to define the tool holder curve by following the previously created geometry. It is not important where you start or end the curve.

   Finished Profile

4. Click the Edit Tool Holder command from the Curves Menu again to exit the curve creation mode.